|
Top Ten Thoughts on Travel Etiquette
Lynne Christen
From
Travel Wisdom
We live in a wonderfully diverse world and one of the
greatest benefits of travel is the opportunity to experience
different cultures and lifestyles. No one likes to be
stereotyped as a "Tacky Tourist" or an "Ugly
American." Yet, travelers who are polite, patient,
and pleasant at home sometimes behave and dress in ways
that are inappropriate and offensive in other cultures.
1. While you research where to stay, eat, and
sightsee at your destination, include research on customs
and cultural sensitivities.
2. Embrace the concept that because something
is different, it is not funny or wrong. On a recent
trip to Hong Kong, at breakfast, a member of a tour
group complained loudly about being tired of the "funny
money, funny food, and funny accents" Sadly, she
didn't consider how rude her comments were to Asian
diners, restaurant staff, and fellow travelers.
3. Think before you speak. If tempted to criticize
or make jokes, bite your tongue. Humor is frequently
misunderstood or misinterpreted. Grandmother said, "If
you can't say something nice, don't say anything."
Good advice.
4. Learn a few words in the language of your
destination. Even if your pronunciation is not perfect,
words like good morning, please, and thank you are appreciated.
Get a copy of the Worldwide Multilingual Phrase Book
by Eric Dondero, a great small guide to basic words
and phases in over 40 languages.
5. Dress appropriately. Tourists are turned away
daily at The Vatican because they are clad in shorts
and tank tops. Unless you are at a resort or on a cruise
ship, shorts mark you as a tourist and restrict admission
to many shrines, temples, museums, restaurants and theatres.
We are proud to be Americans, but this is not the time
or international climate to broadcast our identity with
brand name sportswear or distinctively U.S. attire.
When in doubt, err on the side of a conservative appearance.
6. Actions do speak louder than words. Gestures
and non-verbal communication differ from culture to
culture. A positive gesture in the U.S. may be offensive
in another culture. For instance, making a circle with
thumb and index finger to say okay symbolizes something
is worthless or obscene in some countries. In many cultures
pointing or beckoning with the index finger is insulting.
The Internet puts customs of world at your fingertips
or read The Simple Guide to Customs & Etiquette,
published for many countries worldwide.
7. Hold the cigar. Park the chewing gum. Silence
cell phones. Good etiquette at home and abroad. Be a
considerate smoker. Choose a smoking location that doesn't
impact others. In some countries such as Singapore,
chewing gum is illegal…so is littering. Violators
incur heavy fines. Learn the rules and obey them.
8. Practice good photo etiquette. Travelers snap
rolls of film from speeding tour buses, at performances,
and of men, women and children on the street. Flash
photography and video are restricted at performances
and museums. Photography of some private corporate
or government locations may violate the law. Photographing
people without asking their permission violates personal
rights. Ask before you aim that camera.
9. The Golden Rule says, "Do unto others
as you would have them do unto you." The Golden
Rule assumes others want to be treated just as you do.
When it comes to travel etiquette, the Platinum Rule
says, "Do unto others as they would like to be
treated" Treating others by their standards has
dramatic and lasting effects.
10. Be receptive to new experiences. Try exotic foods.
Seek classes or exhibits that teach new skills and appreciation.
The more you experience your destination, the more you
gain from your travel experience.
This Top Ten Travel column is an excerpt from Travel
Wisdom - Tips, Tools, and Tactics for All Travelers
written by travel experts, Lynne and Hank Christen Contact
the Christens at travelwisdom@cox.net.
You may purchase Travel Wisdom at www.travel-wisdom.com
or by calling 888-587-5582..
back
to the top
|
