Unfortunately I don't always have the tour bus to myself ...
"Using Common Sense & Being Respectful while Traveling"
The goal when one travels is hopefully to have the best and most pleasant experience possible. Unfortunately, the laid back trip you planned for 6 months can quickly become a battle as soon as you step inside the airport. There are so many little things that can make your trip unpleasant.
It is not enough to only learn the laws, customs, dress, religions and manners of the country or area you soon will be visiting. Go one step further and respect the other tourists, locals, environment and fellow travelers who surround you.
Be civil and show humanity by learning the most common "travel rants." To enjoy traveling, I have become aware of how my behavior affects others & how I should act around others.
Please be aware of personal space and boundaries:
*Do not kick or bump the person in front of you on a flight, bus, or anywhere else. When you cross your legs, rest your foot on the seat in front of you, or grab the seat to assist in getting up are all things that the person in front of you can feel.
*Did the flight attendant ask you not to use the restroom in first class? If so, listen.
*Smoking is considered a health hazard to some; it may not hurt to ask if your cigarette is a bother.
*Leave room for other people's luggage by not hogging the entire overhead bin. Learn how to travel light.
*Please cover coughs and sneezes. If you are constantly sniffling--please get up and blow your nose.
*On long flights, people sleep on planes so avoid crowding aisles, bathroom areas, and the front/back of planes where people are sitting.
Please be aware of sound:
*As you walk the corridors of the hotel, be mindful of others who may hear you talk as you walk towards the elevator. Also, some people awaken when others nearby open & shut their hotel room doors.
*Cell phones are often times too loud and obnoxious to others.
*Watch the language! No swearing-especially around children.
*Please avoid making stereotypical and offensive remarks.
*Passengers who talk continuosuly are simply being disrespectful.
*Your music can be heard by others even when you are using headsets.
Please be aware of property that does not belong to you:
*If you are parking in a lot, don't hit another person's car as you open your car door to exit.
*Leave the free guidebooks in the hotel room for the next occupant.
*Help housekeeping by cleaning up after yourself. Place trash in a bin and piling dirty laundry is a huge help.
Traveling with kids requires an extra eye:
*Traveling with your kids is a great experience that requires extra precaution.
*Children must be supervised, be welcomed where you travel, & respect other adults that are on vacation. *Same applies to pets.
*Prepare children about upcoming travel by going over rules regarding behavior. Uncontrollable children is the top traveling complaint worldwide.
*On airplanes, do no sit children directly next to another passenger.
*Research areas where children & families are welcomed without the dirty looks. Many restaurants cater to families. Europeans are known to be more sympathetic with crying babies in public settings.
*Teach young children & teens/tweens to respect culture.
*Check out the 'Delicious Baby' blog with ways to make traveling with kids fun no matter where you go.
Communicating with service staff:
*In the hotel setting, be a "gracious" guest by limiting complaining & allowing staff ample time to meet your requirements and requests.
*Saying "Thank You" and tipping when appropriate should never be taken lightly.
Internet usage:
*With limited laptops available to guests, please do not monopolize time on the internet.
*Avoid checking your Facebook and other social networking accounts when someone is waiting to use the computer or has walked by the computer room on several occasions.
*Keep Internet usage related to travel plans, emails, and other essential tasks.
*Internet cafes are great place to spend longer times on a computer.
Minorities:
*Offer to give up your seat on the tram/train/shuttle ride for a child, woman, disabled, or the eldery.
*If appropriate, offer to assist someone in need.
*Remind yourself that every person is a minority or foreigner somewhere.
Time and Punctuality:
*Arriving ontime to dinner reservations, group tours, and spa treatments allow your fellow travelers to enjoy their planned activities as scheduled.
*Observe restaurant, bar, and pool closing times.
*In Western societies, being on time has shown to be more important. However, with that said, being on time shows that you value other travelers.
*Holding up a departure is no way to start a trip.
Please add your own tips, advice, horror stories, and/or criticisms as a comment below.
