Whether you're traveling to Asia, Europe, or South America, chances are you'll run into some place of worship. For those of you who don't particularly care about visiting them, cool, but this article isn't for you. For those people who find different cultures fascinating and want to explore different places of religion (like the Vatican) without being disrespectful, keep on reading for some handy tips!
There are some rules that are a "given" that you should follow when visiting any place of worship: no shorts or skirts above the knee, nothing strapless that shows shoulders, cover your chest, and no sweatpants, ripped jeans, tight leggings, or crop tops. Apart from these, there are some general rules that you should follow depending on the nature of the place of worship you're visiting.
Expert tip: When I'm traveling, I usually carry around a big scarf (the kind that can be used as a shawl) rolled up in my backpack. This is multi-purposeful, as it can be used as a makeshift skirt, a shawl, a head covering, and a scarf (if your shirt is a bit too low-cut).
Church (of any denomination):
Nothing overly tight, keep clothes (including shirts) loose. Take off all hats. Some churches (including the Vatican) require that you have closed-toed shoes. For very strict churches, including the Vatican and Il Duomo, reconsider wearing short sleeved shirts- try to wear long pants and cover your upper arms and elbows.
Synagogue:
Generally, follow the same rules as a church. Both men and women may be required to cover their heads (most synagogues will have their preferred head coverings for visitors available on entrance). Shirts must cover your collar bones. Additionally, if you're a woman and are visiting an Orthodox synagogue, think twice about wearing pants. It's not a hard-and-fast rule, but you will look very out of place if you're wearing pants as opposed to a dress or skirt.
Mosques:
This one is really simple to remember: dress simply (no bright colors, shirts with logos, prints, or words) and modestly. Cover as much skin as possible, which means long sleeves and pants (wrists to ankles with collar bones completely covered). Keep clothes as loose as possible. Hats and sunglasses should be removed before entering a mosque. It doesn't matter what type of shoes you wear, as you will be asked to take them off either before entering the mosque or in an entryway area. However, some mosques may provide plastic coverings for your feet. Women will be required to wear a head covering of some kind (not a hat).
Hindu Temple:
Men, wear a button down in a plain color (no bright colors and no patterns) and dress pants. Women, wear a long (ankle length) loose skirt that you feel comfortable sitting cross legged in. While people do not need to wear "traditional" Indian garb to be Hindu (of course), you will feel very out of place if you don't wear at least an "Indian" inspired shirt. An easy way to wear traditional clothing is by wearing a Kurta top (a long, tunic-like top) with Western style pants or leggings (leggings are acceptable with this top). Additionally, be sure to wear shoes that can be easily removed and (if necessary) clean, matching socks. Do not wear any kind of leather or animal product.
Bhuddist Temple:
Always remove your hat and shoes (sometimes a shoe rack may be provided, other times, just leave them outside the door). Bare feet are the norm, but if it's necessary to wear socks, make sure they are clean, matching, and not too bright of a color. No matter the heat, cover up as much as possible. Although it's not as strict a rule as in mosques, the gatekeepers will require you to wear a sarong or cover up if they think you are dressed inappropriately. I personally wore a lot of light linen pants (they were sold outside many major temples (with haggling, they were $3- $5 per pair) and loose, subtly colored tee shirts. While this article technically is about clothing, here are a few other tips: never point- if you must direct someone, use your entire hand. Never point the soles of your feet towards the Bhudda or any person, it is considered extremely rude. If you have a tattoo of the Bhudda, never show it. Do no stand, sit, or eat on a Bhudda statue or the platform, and when walking away from the Bhudda statue, back away first before turning your back on the statue.
One of the most important things to remember when visiting any place of worship is that it is someone's religious center. Don't be disrespectful to perpetuate the stereotype that tourists are uncaring towards the cultures of the places where they visit. If you make a sincere mistake, it can always be corrected. However, if you follow these guidelines, you're on your way to showing the appropriate amount of respect.
