In a world that does not seem to be as big as it was once believed to be, we often find ourselves encountering people from many different cultures.  Commercial airlines provide flights around the globe, allowing adventurous people to go places that would have been impossible only a few centuries ago.  As people travel, they are exposed to cultural differences that may be confusing.  In highly diverse countries, such as the United States, cultural differences can be extreme from one region to another.  Some challenges can come from differences in language, such as slang words used in certain regions of the country.  Other difficulties can come from differences in language, such as the use of Creole.

Every culture seems to have its own way of communicating.  In some places, more than one language is commonly spoken.  In other places, looking someone in the eyes while speaking can be a sign of disrespect.  From the east coast of the United States to the west coast, there are so many different cultures; it would be difficult to understand them all.  In nearly every situation, verbal (tone, pitch, choice of words) and non-verbal (eye contact or fidgeting) expectations can cause problems in communication.

Cross-cultural communication can be difficult but it is not impossible.  The key to creating a smooth process of communication is to obtain cultural awareness of the area you plan to visit.  Researching the culture of a certain area you plan to visit can be done painlessly by searching credible websites.  Speaking to people, such as friends, co-workers or relatives who have visited the area helps to get helpful information on what is to be expected.  Information can also be obtained through a good travel agency. Understanding what the cultural norm is before you travel can help eliminate the stress that comes with communication catastrophes.