People often say that Australia has no real culture. And while things like 'surf' and 'beer' are sometimes cited to dispute this, there certainly aren't any aspects of our way of life that equate to the enduring traditions you run into while travelling overseas.

Nowhere has this been brought home to me more than when experiencing the bathing rituals of other countries. Growing up in rural NSW, I'd say the closest I'd previously come to anything resembling 'bathing culture' was on trips to the town pool. Like bathhouses across the world, our local pool played an important social role, featured a historic (well at least an 'old') front of house and had certain associated rituals and rules (such as don't swim too soon after eating the curly fries).

Funnily enough, this beloved childhood locale didn't provide me with much experience to draw on when, years later, I stepped timidly through a steaming bathhouse door in downtown Marrakech. This was another world altogether, where gruff women wielded spiky sponges and skinny white girls no longer ruled the roost. Needless to say, some idea of what I was entering into would have made the experience a little more relaxed.

Visiting a bathhouses is a must-do for tourists in many countries, providing an insight into traditions that have existed for countless generations. So here's a few pointers to help the uninitiated navigate the finer point of international bathing.

History: Turkish-style bathhouses have their roots in the traditions brought by the Turks from central Asia as well as Byzantine and Roman cultures. Throughout Turkish history, Hamams have provided a place to relax and socialise. Women in particular enjoyed the loosening of societal restrictions they provided, often celebrating occasions such as births and weddings here. You can now find Hamams throughout Turkey, Morocco, Spain and much of Europe. Though if you want to bathe with the best, the Cagaloglu Hamam in Istanbul is said to be sensational.

How it works: You should be supplied with a pair of wooden sandals or slippers and a small towel when you arrive. Men must wear their towel at all times, but ladies are often encouraged to go nude. If you opt for the full treatment, you'll enter the Hamam and lie on a hot marble slab to warm up and loosen your muscles. Once you're nice and sweaty, you'll be called in for your massage. Using a rough glove, the masseur scrubs every inch of you then bathes you in warm water and washes your hair. When the treatment is done, you'll be directed to a room where you can have a lie down and a Turkish cuppa.

Tips: Women and men never bathe in the Hamam together. Some Hamams have buildings specifically for each of the sexes, while others have either a day or a time when women can go. Best to check this out beforehand to avoid disappointment.

History: The Japanese bathhouse, or sentō, traces its origins to ancient Buddhist temples, where cleansing was elevated to a religious ritual. During the Edo period (1603-1867), bathhouses moved into the wider community when bathing at home was outlawed as the paper and wood structures presented a fire hazard. The sentō, which literally means 'coin bath', became a popular meeting place for Japanese of all classes.

How it works: When you arrive, you'll be given a locker where you can store your clothes and belongings. You can usually opt to bring your own washing materials or buy them from the attendant. Before hitting the baths you need to shower. Japanese showers generally consist of taps in the wall, a stool and a bucket. Fill the bucket and use it to wash yourself. Once you're clean, you can get in the tub and soak. If there's a sauna in the bathhouse you'll need to shower again before getting back in the bath.

Tips: As with all Japanese private areas, remove your shoes when you enter the bathhouse. When you get in the bath, try not disturb the water or touch others. It's also taboo to use soap or any other cleaning agents in the baths.

History: The wooden sauna holds a revered place in Finnish culture. In ancient times it was a place for religious ceremonies and healing before moving into the wider community to provide a means of cleansing, avoiding disease and eliminating toxins through sweating. Finns do everything in saunas from relaxing and socialising to business, politics and, as saunas are believed to be very hygienic due to their high temperatures, even give birth here.

How it works: Finns generally find wearing swimmers in a sauna unhygienic. So if you're happy naked, they certainly are. The sauna experience isn't very complicated - you just sit there and sweat - through the general gist is to stay in for around 10 minutes, then shower (or jump in a nearby lake) and repeat as many times as you like.

Tips: Finns only use soap during the first shower. After that, they just stand under the water and rinse off. Birch branches are sometimes offered for the purpose of beating yourself to improve circulation and release a lovely woody aroma.

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