Mind Your Manners Monday: Travel Etiquette
Not too long ago I made a new friend. Not a real friend... well, yes she's real... but she's a blogging friend! Perhaps I was immediately drawn to the fact that she's an expat living in the UK. Because for two years I too was an expat on the other side of the pond. But mostly I think it's her humor, her writing and her blog. Her blog is full of wonderful, useful and often humorous housekeeping/homekeeping tips... Coryanne also has a fabulous sense of humor. If you haven't stopped by Housewife Bliss do, and make sure she's a regular daily visit! You can tell her I sent you too! (She's also on Twitter!)
Coryanne has enough travel experience under her belt that I thought she would be perfect for a piece on travel etiquette. Travel these days is much more stressful than it has been in the past. Add to that the notoriously bad reputation we Americans have as travelers...
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In my travels I have learned a great number of things about myself and how to experience a new country with respect in a manner that allows you to enjoy it, cherish it and get the most out of it. Here are a few basic travel etiquette tips that will bode you well on your next venture outside our great country.
Learn a few key phrases, even if you are going to an English speaking country. England and America are divided by the same language, a point frustrating to many Americans, and the humorous to many Brits. The most respectful thing you can to for your English hosts is to know the difference between the ‘tube’ and the ‘metro’ or ‘subway’; ‘loo’ and ‘bathroom’ or even ‘Leicester Square’ and ‘Li-chester Square.’ When traveling to a location where English is not the native language, bring a phrase book and learn how to say ‘thank you’, ‘you’re welcome’ or even ‘forgive me I do not know French’. Most importantly, talking louder does not help the person understand you better.
Lower your voice and speak slowly. American are notorious for being loud, fast talkers—I know, I am one of them. Over time, thank goodness, I have learned to lower my voice and breath while speaking. Many people the world over find this habit of ours annoying, off-putting and rude.
Understand the local customs to avoid embarrassment. Each country has its own set of customs, know your destination before you travel. While travelling in the Middle East, for example, you should never eat with your left-hand as it is customary to eat with your right, and perform you ablutions with your left. Many places around the world prefer to eat with their hands – Ethiopia and Syria for example – it would be rude to ask for utensils, an insult to the cook and the host.
Learn the history of your destination. There is nothing more rewarding than visiting a country with an understanding of its history and literature. Take the time to submerge yourself before you depart, hunt out local authors, and if reading non-fiction is a bore to you, then look for historical novels. It will give you great insight into the culture and the country. For example, prior to living in China, I read Chinese poetry, and watched a few Chinese films to quench my own curiosity. When I landed I was able to use that knowledge in fostering relationships with many of the Chinese that I met, and gave me an advantage into understanding them better.
Plan your wardrobe. Wear comfortable, appropriate attire at all times. There is nothing more frustrating than getting to Notre-Dame and having to buy a cheap pashmina from the vendor at the door because you are wearing a sleeveless top. Even worse is to insult the locals with your attire. While in the Middle East I wore a head scarf – not a requirement, mind you, but the result found me in better company and made my time there more enjoyable.
Respect local privacy, always. Before you begin taking photos, know your local customs regarding photography, as some cultures believe that photographs are bad luck. It is hard to resist taking a photo of someone who captures the mood of your travels, however remember that you are probably not the first person who has taken their photo as a travel picture. Many locals will want you to pay them, ask their permission and always say thank you. Most importantly, avoid taking pictures of private moments – prayer, eating, and private celebrations.
Know when to offer gratuity. Some cultures thrive on tips and go to extreme measure of asking for tips, even when nothing is offered, while others find it a great insult. For example, in Egypt, it is very common to tip people for advice or good service. While in Tibet, the monks will ask for donations., but gratuity is not expected for good service. It is important to know what the acceptable rate of gratuity is, it can be interpreted as flaunting your wealth, and as such be an insult to the person you were trying to appreciate.
Keep your children happy. In many countries children are accustomed to being out late at night, to be included in ‘grown-up activities’ and are very well behaved when compared to American children. For example, in Europe, children often accompany their family when dining out, even though the meal never beings before 10pm. They blend in with the environment, they are comfortable and enjoy themselves. However, bring a tired, unadjusted child into a restaurant in Europe and you bring nothing but frustration your way. Ensure your children are up for the travel task, work around their happiness and keep them happy. If they will not enjoy an evening meal at 10pm, move your dinner booking earlier or arrange a nanny to look after them.
Most travel books offer advice on customs, culture, history and travel advice, my favourite books are Knopf Guides – they offer a treasure of information. However remember that even great travel guides cannot offer you the best advice regarding local culture. My advice is to venture outside the central tourist trappings, befriend a local and ask their advice on dinning, shopping and markets – there is nothing worse than going for an evening meal only to find that you are surrounded by fellow travelers; the most memorable and rewarding trips I have taken have found me in local neighborhood haunts, with locals going about their daily business of eating, drinking and being merry.