Posts tagged "travel etiquette"

Basic Etiquette Rules for Air Travel

August 29, 2014

travel etiquette Earlier this month I boarded a plane for a 30-hour journey to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali and Tokyo. Exciting stuff! I love to explore new places and experience different cultures, but I also know that flying can be stressful.

After you’ve made your way through the body check and long security lines, you have to squeeze yourself into an ever-shrinking plane seat. That isn’t the best way to start your exciting journey!

If you’re getting ready for a long plane ride, here are some etiquette tips to consider that will help ensure you and your fellow passengers have a pleasant flight.

Skip the perfume. Many people have strong reactions to perfumes and colognes.
Board with your zone.
Carry your bag in front of you when making your way to your seat.
Place your carryon bag in such a way that it allows room for others.
Use the space in front of your seat to store your purse or small bag.
Check behind you before you recline.
Use armrest to balance yourself when you get up from your seat. Avoid grabbing seat in front of you!
Keep your shoes and socks on, please.
Listening to music or watching a movie on your computer to pass the time? Make sure you have good earphones!
Wait your turn when exiting the plane. Allow the people in front of you to make their way out first.
If you are sick, don’t fly. If you can’t change your plans, and you’re coughing or sneezing while in flight, do so into the crook of your elbow. And keep fragrance-free hand sanitizer at arm’s length.

The bottom line, when traveling or otherwise, is to do your best to make others feel comfortable. If you’re popping up and down in your seat or assaulting your seatmate’s senses with the smell of yesterday’s leftovers, you’re infringing on their comfort level. Manners go a long way when you’re going a LONG way – and in the end, the journey will be pleasant for everyone if you consider these few etiquette tips.

Safe travels!

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Navigating Cruise Ship Etiquette

November 21, 2013

It’s a great time of year to take to the open seas! When you embark on a cruise vacation, don’t forget to pack your manners!

Before you step on board, here are a few cruise etiquette tips to help you — and your fellow shipmates– avoid rocky seas.

Know your cruise etiquette

Be courteous

You are on a floating hotel, with thousands of people for a week. This is the time to really roll out the manners. If for example, there’s a line at the elevator, take the stairs. When in your cabin, keep your voice down. The walls are thin and your neighbors can hear you! If you are a slow walker, move to the side of the narrow hallway to let others pass by—especially if it’s a rocky night at sea!

Follow the dress code

Check the dress code so you don’t make fashion faux pas. Refer to your ship’s daily program for appropriate attire for the evening’s activities. Many cruise ships have formal nights and on other nights, after 6 pm, many of the ships have specific recommendations on appropriate attire for the evening.

Example: jeans or cutoff shorts are not likely to be appropriate attire in the main dining rooms in the evening. The dress code information for each cruise line is typically available on their website so it’s best to check before you pack so you’re not stuck for something to wear!

Don’t overindulge

Most food, and sometimes alcohol, is already paid for and so it can be easy to overindulge, especially since you’re in vacation mode! Remember that too much food or alcohol can enhance the effects of rocky seas and it would be no fun at all to spend your vacation recovering in your cabin. Additionally, the floors on the ship can become slippery and you wouldn’t want to risk a fall.

Don’t be a seat saver

Saving the lounge chairs by the pool is a no-no in cruise culture, and yet I see it happening every time I take a cruise. Just because you’re the early bird, doesn’t mean it’s polite to pile your towels and sunscreen on a chair and then skedaddle to breakfast. If you’re not using the chair, be polite and leave it available for others.

Keep and eye on your children

If you’re on a family cruise vacation, remember that it’s not going to be a vacation from parenting. Most cruise lines have wonderful children’s programs that allow the parents a few hours of fun in the sun while the kids are safe at play. When not under the supervision of the cruise crew, be sure to keep an eye on your kids so that they are safe. Not only is it unsafe for them to have full reign of the ship, it can disrupt the enjoyment of the other passengers on ship.

Wait your turn

Disembarking the ship when you are at a port of call can be downright frustrating. Everyone wants to get in as much time as they can during the short time ashore. Be patient. It’s all part of the journey, so you may as well just breathe and enjoy it.

Arrive on time

Speaking of disembarking, if you leave the ship when it’s at a port of call, be wary of the time. The ship WILL leave port on time. You don’t want to be that couple that are running down the boardwalk as the ship is pulling away from the dock.

Know what to tip

All ships have their own policies, so be sure you review these before you leave the house. A good rule of thumb is to tip each person who has helped you on the ship – and it’s per person, not per cabin

And don’t forget the three “C’s at sea: Let consideration, courtesy and civility guide you on your journey!