You've arrived in Canada, excited for your trip, and the last barrier is the immigration line. Understanding Canada's customs rules can be confusing, as many travel guides don't go into the details. Don't worry, we've compiled the most important information to make your entry as smooth as possible.

The dream is universal: backpacks on, passports ready, and a map full of cities to conquer on a whirlwind trip through Europe. The idea of a fast-paced, action-packed "Eurotrip," visiting Paris, Rome, and Barcelona in a week, is the script for many movies and YouTube videos. But what don't the guidebooks tell you?

You think you know Italy from the movies and postcards? Think again. The most fascinating parts of Italian culture are often the ones you don't read about in a typical travel guide. From the rules of drinking coffee to the logic of the streets, Italy is full of unspoken secrets that can be confusing—or hilarious—if you don't know what to look for. 

Here are 8 surprising facts about Italian life that will make your visit smoother and a lot more fun.

Don't worry. What looks like a complicated dance is actually a simple social greeting with a few unwritten rules. Here is your easy guide to mastering la bise and avoiding that awkward "head clash."

You’ve just arrived in Paris, thrilled to explore the city of lights. You find your charming apartment building, and as you step inside, you spot the elevator. But wait—is that a phone booth? It’s tiny, a little metal box barely big enough for you and your suitcase. Welcome to a little-known French reality: the culture of small living spaces.

You’ve just arrived in Canada and you’re excited for a nice dinner out. You open the menu, and then your heart sinks: a bottle of wine costs more than your entire meal! But what if I told you there’s a secret many tourists don’t know? It’s a game-changing custom that can save you a ton of money and give you a unique dining experience: the BYOB restaurant.

You’re in line at a coffee shop in the United States, minding your own business, when the person behind the counter asks, “How’s your day going?” You give a quick, polite “Fine, thanks,” and expect the conversation to end. But it doesn’t. They keep going, asking about your plans, the weather, or even your dog. If you’re not from a culture that embraces small talk, this can feel exhausting. Welcome to the great American fear of silence.

You've heard of German beer gardens and Oktoberfest, but there's a crucial part of the drinking culture that most travelers miss. It's a simple ritual that, if done incorrectly, can lead to an awkward moment or even a stern look from your German friends. 

A city's name often tells its story, and in the case of Placentia, California, that story is one of pure serenity. Located in northern Orange County, this Southern California gem owes its name directly to the Latin word for a "pleasant place." When you explore its tranquil streets and vibrant community, it's easy to see why its founders chose this fitting name. 

Pictures - Whitby, North Yorkshire - England