Sexual freedom and sexual taboos and sexual laws vary widely. Laws change from one country to another and within a country over time. What was banned in Britain is now allowed, with both laws and public opinion changing. By contrast, you cannot assume that the same is the case in Brunei. In Brunei laws have moved in the opposite direction, becoming stricter.
It's a good idea to check up on the latest laws and the government guidelines and information in the UK and USA. This applies especially if you travelling from one country to another with different traditions and new legislation.
a) Tourist Information
b) Government
c) News stories about prosecutions.
I was interested to read the rules about modest dress in other countries. For example, women should not show underwear. So that bra strap falling out is not just inelegant, it could get you into trouble.
Brunei
Sharia law may make certain activities dangerous.
Pakistan
Current controversy.
UK
What was banned in Britain in the Sixties is now legal.
USA
The United States of America as a map will show you is not a small country but a vast continent. The United States are united where federal law applies to all. However, each state makes many local laws.
The age of consent, the permitted age for marriage and laws about drinking, and driving, vary from one state to another.
In some states it is illegal to transport a minor across the border from one state to another for the purpose or sexual activity or marriage.
Angela's American Anecdote
In the USA I vividly recall a PR man for Tourism in one state telling me that when he got married in the next state which had a lower age of consent, his wife-to-be had to get out of their car and walk across the state line. Then it was illegal for him to transport her across.
When Eating, Drinking and Smoking Are Banned
Eating or drinking in public is simply bad manners in some countries
SINGAPORE
EATING AND DRINKING
Eating and drinking on the train system (MRT) is banned in Singapore. Why? First it creates litter. This is untidy and costly to employ staff to clear up.
Secondly crumbs and liquids attract insects. You don't want to be trapped in a train with crawling or flying insects. Liquids, even spilled water, or left behind liquids, can breed mosquitoes which spread dengue fever.
SMOKING
The main shopping street, Orchard Road, has become a no smoking area. You can smoke, but only in designated points.
YOU ARE FLYING WHERE?
Remember that your flight may land you in transit in another country.
Note the difference between direct and non-stop. I once took a flight on a cheap airline to Singapore and on to Australia.
Places alphabetically
BRUNEI
https://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/47831568/brunei-what-it-is-like-to-be-an-lgbt-person-in-the-countryublic
KOREA
UAE
UK
USA
Useful Websites
ACTIVITIES
Check on the following activities, as well as drugs and weapons.
CLOTHES, HEAD COVERING & SHOES
DRINK
GESTURES
Be aware that the peace sign of fingers in a V shape is an insulting gesture in several countries. The same goes for the OK sign and even pointing with a middle finger or forefinger, or showing the palm of your hand or your feet.
RESPECT
Another activity to watch out for is not running and putting your foot on a runaway banknote blowing away in the breeze when it is showing the head of the country because stamping on a flag or face of a king or president or hero can be deemed insulting the country.
KISSING IN PUBLIC & COMPLIMENTS
In some countries kissing your partner in public, or sharing a room with somebody not officially married to you is not allowed.
In some countries to compliment the wife of another person is deemed an unwelcome advance.
SEX
VISITING FOR LGBT person
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/local-laws-and-customs
https://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/47831568/brunei-what-it-is-like-to-be-an-lgbt-person-in-the-country
SINGAPORE
In Singapore schoolchildren are taught about the values of teamwork. For example, meerkats, which work as a team, with one allocated the role of lookout for dangers, whilst others bring up the children of other meerkat parents.
On the opposite extreme, in the main shopping street, Orchard Road, I was surprised and a little shocked to see a shop selling sex toys. No, I did not go in. No need. The plastic objects were openly displayed in the windows.
CHINA
In China I visited a sex museum with my husband. We listed all the museums in the city and it was on the same block as another museum. That's our excuse.
TRAVEL TIP
When visiting a sex museum you may need to provide an ID card or passport at the desk before entering? Why? It may be a legal requirement to ensure that those entering the museum are adults.
So, a lot of entertainment to be had, if only as an observer of museum displays and films. But be careful when out in the streets. Do your research first for a happy, safe holiday.
USEFUL WEBSITES
https://wikitravel.org/en/Brunei
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brunei/safety-and-security
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/04/08/government-bans-health-safety-staff-working-brunei-kingdoms/
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.
It's a good idea to check up on the latest laws and the government guidelines and information in the UK and USA. This applies especially if you travelling from one country to another with different traditions and new legislation.
a) Tourist Information
b) Government
c) News stories about prosecutions.
I was interested to read the rules about modest dress in other countries. For example, women should not show underwear. So that bra strap falling out is not just inelegant, it could get you into trouble.
Brunei
Sharia law may make certain activities dangerous.
Pakistan
Current controversy.
UK
What was banned in Britain in the Sixties is now legal.
USA
The United States of America as a map will show you is not a small country but a vast continent. The United States are united where federal law applies to all. However, each state makes many local laws.
The age of consent, the permitted age for marriage and laws about drinking, and driving, vary from one state to another.
In some states it is illegal to transport a minor across the border from one state to another for the purpose or sexual activity or marriage.
Angela's American Anecdote
In the USA I vividly recall a PR man for Tourism in one state telling me that when he got married in the next state which had a lower age of consent, his wife-to-be had to get out of their car and walk across the state line. Then it was illegal for him to transport her across.
When Eating, Drinking and Smoking Are Banned
Eating or drinking in public is simply bad manners in some countries
SINGAPORE
EATING AND DRINKING
Eating and drinking on the train system (MRT) is banned in Singapore. Why? First it creates litter. This is untidy and costly to employ staff to clear up.
Warning against smoking, eating, drinking or carrying smelly durians on trains in Singapore.
SMOKING
The main shopping street, Orchard Road, has become a no smoking area. You can smoke, but only in designated points.
YOU ARE FLYING WHERE?
Remember that your flight may land you in transit in another country.
Note the difference between direct and non-stop. I once took a flight on a cheap airline to Singapore and on to Australia.
Places alphabetically
BRUNEI
https://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/47831568/brunei-what-it-is-like-to-be-an-lgbt-person-in-the-countryublic
KOREA
UAE
UK
USA
Useful Websites
ACTIVITIES
Check on the following activities, as well as drugs and weapons.
CLOTHES, HEAD COVERING & SHOES
DRINK
GESTURES
Be aware that the peace sign of fingers in a V shape is an insulting gesture in several countries. The same goes for the OK sign and even pointing with a middle finger or forefinger, or showing the palm of your hand or your feet.
RESPECT
Another activity to watch out for is not running and putting your foot on a runaway banknote blowing away in the breeze when it is showing the head of the country because stamping on a flag or face of a king or president or hero can be deemed insulting the country.
KISSING IN PUBLIC & COMPLIMENTS
In some countries kissing your partner in public, or sharing a room with somebody not officially married to you is not allowed.
In some countries to compliment the wife of another person is deemed an unwelcome advance.
SEX
VISITING FOR LGBT person
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/local-laws-and-customs
https://www.bbc.com/news/video_and_audio/headlines/47831568/brunei-what-it-is-like-to-be-an-lgbt-person-in-the-country
SINGAPORE
In Singapore schoolchildren are taught about the values of teamwork. For example, meerkats, which work as a team, with one allocated the role of lookout for dangers, whilst others bring up the children of other meerkat parents.
On the opposite extreme, in the main shopping street, Orchard Road, I was surprised and a little shocked to see a shop selling sex toys. No, I did not go in. No need. The plastic objects were openly displayed in the windows.
CHINA
In China I visited a sex museum with my husband. We listed all the museums in the city and it was on the same block as another museum. That's our excuse.
TRAVEL TIP
When visiting a sex museum you may need to provide an ID card or passport at the desk before entering? Why? It may be a legal requirement to ensure that those entering the museum are adults.
So, a lot of entertainment to be had, if only as an observer of museum displays and films. But be careful when out in the streets. Do your research first for a happy, safe holiday.
USEFUL WEBSITES
https://wikitravel.org/en/Brunei
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brunei/safety-and-security
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/04/08/government-bans-health-safety-staff-working-brunei-kingdoms/
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share links to your favourite posts.
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