The screaming baby on a nine-hour flight, and the “choosing-to-ignore-it” parents. The loud talking cell phone user on the adjacent tour bus seat. The complaining companion who only wants to eat at McDonalds, “because it’s safe.” The friend who refuses to leave the hotel, for fear of getting robbed by the crazy locals. In regards to travel, I’m sure we’ve all seen these people. And I’m sure we’ve all felt annoyed by these people. Annnnnd, I’m also sure that some of us have even been these people (c’mon, admit it!). So what do you do? What is the protocol in regards to being an upstanding traveler?
I’m no expert, but after the years of traveling that I have under my belt, I have been privy to observe some rules of travel etiquette. Now, these rules aren’t written in stone, but are merely suggestions, some a bit stronger than others! Many of these rules can also be used as an everyday adherence. I mean, when it comes right down to it, this is all just good manners, people!
Before your trip:
1. When planning a trip with a large group of people, I have one word for you: communication! Almost every trip involving multiple people ends up with someone feeling, or actually being left out (Home Alone wasn’t just a movie!!). Make sure to include everyone in the planning process. Not everyone travels the same way you do, and not everyone will be able to afford everything you can, so make sure to get input from all parties while planning your trip!
2. Pack accordingly! I am very much guilty of this one, as most of the time, I have forgotten at least one (if not all) of my toiletries. Yup, I am that girl, the one that is bounding into your hotel room asking, “Can I borrow your toothpaste? I left mine at home...” Yes, guilty as charged. That being said, it’s important that you make sure to pack mindfully since assuming that someone else will have what you need is very dangerous! This is especially important if you know you will be in an area that is not conveniantly located near shopping centers. Plus, when you’ve paid that extra $15 bag fee charge by the airline to make sure you had extra sweaters for those chilly nights, it’s pretty annoying when you don’t end up wearing them, thanks to your “super cold” friend who just so happened to forget theirs....
3. Arrive on time for your transportation! Whether it’s a carpool, flight, bus, water taxi, camel, etc., you should always make sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare. This is even more important when others are waiting on you. Everyone is eager to get to their destination, and many times, airlines, taxi services, bus routes, etc. all have a strict schedule to keep. By being late, you are not only holding up your own ride, but wreaking havoc on the rides of all future patrons. So, if you know you are a late riser, or just simply cannot help but rush each morning, set multiple alarms, or enlist the help of a friend who is more adept to keeping with the clock. :)
During your trip:
1. Roll with the punches! Go with the flow! Stay loose (and not in the bowel movement way..hehe)! Something is always going to happen, and the more you come to terms with that, the better! Keeping an open mind about transportation glitches, hotel reservation screw-ups, or manic cases of sunburn are only going to allow you to enjoy the rest of your trip. Case in point: during a trip to Poland, my friends and I missed the last bus to our airport, which was thirty minutes away … by car. Instead of freaking out, we hoofed it ourselves, and because of that, were able to get a great workout in and sight see better than we could have if we were stuck inside a taxi!
