The Smooth Traveler: Avoiding Cross-Cultural Mistakes at Home and Abroad
by Sue O’Halloran
You don’t have to leave home to be the “ugly American.” All the world’s cultures are right where you are. Good intentions are not enough. What you are doing or saying may be causing more trouble than you know.
Smooth Traveler gives you greater awareness of the type and variety of cultures you may encounter when you travel as well as in your own workplace, community, and even with the people you love. Plus, you’ll develop skills in negotiating those differences and in repairing relationships if conflicts occur. This is a How-To Guide to better relationships no matter what cultures you encounter.
“Sue O'Halloran's book on common cross-cultural mistakes brings the whole issue of cultural sensitivity to the forefront with specific examples from the U.S. and around the globe. Sue provides practical, simple guidelines that can be applied to any cross-cultural situation in your family, business or community. Her advice is seasoned by her consistent engagement with the issue.”
- Salim Muwakkil, Senior Editor of In These Times and host of the Salim Muwakkil Show, WVON-AM
“Sue O'Halloran provides exactly what many people are seeking: ways to be respectful and value differences, rather than pretend they don't exist! In our racial equity work at the YWCA, we often say that eliminating racism happens one conversation at a time, and Sue's wonderful book gives readers the tools to enter cross-cultural dialogues or situations with confidence.”
- Karen Singer, President and CEO, YWCA Evanston/North Shore
"The Smooth Traveler: Avoiding Cross-Cultural Mistakes at Home and Abroad is a welcome relief to the race-baiting and other hate language that proliferates our media today. Sue O’Halloran’s common sense approach brings large issues down to size and highlights ordinary people who care to be kind to one another. Most people want to behave well, and this book delivers the awareness and skills to go beyond our good intentions."
- Ray Hanania, Managing Editor The Arab Daily News
“Sue O'Halloran provides a great starting place for those dipping their toe into cross-cultural conversations and travel.”
- Crystal Chan, author of Bird and speaker on mixed-race diversity
“Sue O'Halloran's book, The Smooth Traveler: Avoiding Cross-Cultural Mistakes at Home and Abroad is a fresh approach for all of us as it focuses on how to live in our world of diversity and conflicting thoughts. The book in a simple way educates us on how to share and care for each other for a better world. This book gives the skills for negotiating those differences and resolving conflicts should they arise.”
- Dr. Osman Ahmed, Ph.D., P.E., Past President, Member of Majlis-e-Shura