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Traveling around the world can be a fun experience. One of the many concerns that people have, however, is how they can fit in when they are traveling the world. While you may be uncomfortable in some nations with the clothing you must wear, there are other places where you may be required by law to wear certain garments. There are other places where you simply will want to fit in with the native people instead of announcing that you are a tourist. Here are some interesting facts that Western women may want to know about dressing around the world.

Hong Kong is one of the places where women dress very modestly. Women do not wear shorts or short-sleeved shirts although they are open to permitting Westerners to dress as they would like. Because the women keep covered, however, the buildings often are very chilly with the air conditioning, so most Western travelers find that dressing like the natives is a better idea anyway to keep warm.

Syria is one of the few Arab nations in the world where the Quaran and conservative dress does not dominate. If you visit Syria, you can wear the latest in fashions as that is what you will find the resident women donning.

Indonesia can be a beautiful place, and its location leads many people to think that it may be a breezy tropical paradise. Such is not the case. The country is very humid, so it is best to wear cotton and other breathable fabrics as opposed to polyester. Also, dressing modestly is incredibly important in Indonesia as the people there tend to be very conservative.

One of the issues with nations, like Egypt, where the women wear strictly prescribed dress that covers them practically from head to foot is that Western women find the men oogle and stare (and even touch) if they see women even remotely uncovered. If you are going to go against the customs in these nations, know that you will be fighting off men as you travel.

Italian men also have a reputation for being more than forthcoming with women, particularly American women. If you will be traveling to Italy, do not over pack the blue jeans as they are a more casual piece of clothing and will tend to invite more attention. Blondes also should be sure to pull back their hair and cover it if possible in Italy, or it will attract much negative attention.

Indian women are very traditional in their dress. One of the pieces Hindu women wear is the Salwar Kameez. This outfit, which most Westerners have seen, looks like a scarf draped around the body. The beauty of the design is that there are pants underneath! Wearing the Kameez will help avoid stares and the announcement that you are a tourist. It also is made of a very silky fabric that works well in the Indian climate.

Jordan is a pretty conservative Muslim state. To respect the religious customs there, you should wear only very baggy shirts that cover you completely. Also wear subtle colors as brightly colored clothing is considered too outspoken. Avoid any jewelry as you will be showing off your money, and women with longer hair should keep it tied back at the nape of their necks.

If you are visiting Taiwan, you are in luck if you are from the Southern United States. You probably are ready for the humidity you will find there! This nation is very hot and humid and is rough for some Westerners to handle. Fortunately for you, the dressing standards are very relaxed. You can wear sandals and shorts, and you should to keep yourself cool.

In the West, much sexual attention is focused on women's chests, but such is not the case in Senegal. The legs are considered more appealing, so unless you want to be viewed as you would for completely baring your breasts in America, you should keep your legs completely covered at all times.

These tips should get you started before you begin your travels. Be sure that you bring a variety of clothing and that you bring money to buy additional clothing if what you have is not suitable.

By Julia Mercer