Travel Etiquette 6 Ways to Be a Good Host 6 Ways to Be a Good Guest
Travel Etiquette
Has your travel experiences been positive lately? Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the attitude you take with you makes a world of difference. The best or the worst can be seen in people while traveling. Begin your journey with an amiable attitude and pack your manners. Travel with a high level of decorum and you’ll be surprised by the superior level of service you’ll receive. People will welcome you everywhere.
Air Travel
The majority of long distance travels are done through the airways. People from all walks of life and social backgrounds travel via air. Because air travel can be a stressful event, following are some etiquette guidelines to make the trip more bearable for you as well as other travelers.
Be Timely – Arrive at the airport in plenty of time to avoid the frustration and stress of rushing.
Be Patient – Expect long lines and endure them without complaints.
Use Self Control - Don’t blame the airline personnel if the flight is delayed. Air traffic control and bad weather conditions are not within their control. Follow directions in the security lines. When boarding and unloading the plane, proceed as instructed. Hurrying to obtain your carry-ons and lingering in the aisles will not help you off the plane any faster. Alert the flight attendants if you have a tight connection; special arrangements can be made.
Be Considerate of Others – Show consideration for the people sitting near you. Share the armrest (the middle seat should be granted control). Don’t bring smelly foods or wear strong fragrances on the flight. Respect fellow passengers’ space. Position your chair so that both you and your neighbors are comfortable. Be cognizant of the noise you may make. When listening to iPods and talking with travel companions, keep the volume turned low. And, if you occupy the aisle seat, be understanding when others need to pass.
Accommodations
When your travel involves an overnight stay in a hotel, motel, resort or inn, familiarize yourself with its accommodations and amenities prior to your arrival so you’ll know what to expect (hair dryer, iron, laundry service, restaurants, coffee service, etc). Being properly prepared will help your stay be more enjoyable.
Once checked in, survey your room for towels, blankets, pillows, hangers, etc. If you need additional items, call immediately to avoid delays. It’s better to request housekeeping early then wait to late at night when the services are limited.
Follow the rules of the establishment. When lodging in a non smoking room, avoid smoking. For those traveling with pets, please check beforehand to ensure that pets are allowed on the premises. Most major hotels do not allow pets; however you can google pet friendly accommodations.
Keep the noise to a minimum. Be aware of the television and radio volumes; most rooms are in close proximity of one another.
It is okay to take the unused portions of the shampoos, conditioners, lotions, etc. The towels, robes, mugs and glasses are for your enjoyment during your stay. Taking them is considered stealing.
Tipping guidelines – Bellman: $1-2 per bag. Valet Parking: $2 when your car is retrieved. Doorman: $2 for hailing a cab. Maid Service: $2-5 per night. Place tip in a marked envelop labeled housekeeping and then leave on a pillow, desk area or in the bathroom. Room Service: the gratuity is usually added to the bill, if not, tip 18-20%.
When tipping, have the exact change ready. Do not display a lack of decorum by requesting change.
Travel Abroad
There is much to be said about international travel and the rules vary from region to region. Before traveling to foreign countries, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the local customs and practices; they differ depending on the area. If you do not know the language of the locals, at minimum, learn the following words or phrases: “please”, “thank-you”, “hello”, “I don’t understand”, “how do you get to”, and for the shoppers, “how much does it cost”. Also, an English Translation Dictionary is always useful.
In summary, the number one rule while traveling is to treat others with the highest degree of respect. Follow the Golden Rule and treat others the way you would like to be treated. Don’t leave home without common courtesies (“thank-you”, “you are welcome”, “please”, “excuse me”, etc). A smile should also accompany you on your trip. Your smile can be your passport to an astounding travel experience and lead you on an adventure beyond your imagination.
No matter the kind of party you're throwing, there are some things a host should remember, even before the party starts.1) Invite clearly. Include necessary information for your guests in the invitation. Is the party a casual get-together or more formal? What about the attire? Maybe a guest would benefit by knowing ahead of time who else will be there, which you might mention when they RSVP.
2) Plan well. Preparing your guest list carefully is key to a successful party. Then do as much as you can ahead of time. (Lower the stress level by serving food and refreshments you know will work.) Get everything ready well before your guests arrive, so you'll feel relaxed from the very beginning.
3) Remain calm. Giving a party can be enjoyable, especially if you approach it with simplicity. Get help if necessary, and don't let your guests think you're huffing and puffing. They'll feel far more comfortable if they don't have to wonder whether they're causing you any trouble.
4) Keep your guests feeling welcome. Make sure guests are warmly greeted, then made to feel welcome throughout the party. Look after each guest as much as you can. If you notice that a guest has an empty glass or if there's one person standing alone, remedy the situation as quickly and cheerfully as possible.
5) Be flexible and gracious. Your soufflé falls. Or one friend arrives with an unexpected guest. The ruined dessert? Have a fallback. The uninvited guest? As discourteous as it is for someone to spring a surprise on you, be gracious. No polite host would ever send an uninvited guest packing.
6) Be appreciative. Thank people for coming as you bid them good-bye. And don't forget to thank anyone who brought you a gift. Even at the most casual parties, there are some things a polite guest should do:
1) Tell your host whether you're attending. And do it immediately. If you delay your reply, you could hinder the host's planning and also make it seem as if you're waiting for something better to come along. Even if no RSVP has been requested, it's thoughtful to let your host know if you won't be able to be there.
2) Be on time. Punctuality means different things to people in different locales, but in general guests should arrive at or shortly after (usually only fifteen minutes) the time stated in the invitation. Do not, however, arrive early.
3) Be a willing participant. When your host says that it's time for dinner, go straight to the table. If you happen to be asked to participate in a party game or view Susie's graduation pictures, accept graciously and enthusiastically no matter how you really feel.
4) Offer to help when you can. If you're visiting with the host in the kitchen as he prepares the food, be specific when you offer to help: "I'd be happy to work on the salad or fill the water glasses." Even if your offer is refused, your gesture will be appreciated. When the party's end draws nigh, you could also offer to help with the cleanup.
5)Don't overindulge. Attacking finger foods as if you haven't eaten in a week will not only attract the wrong kind of attention, it will also leave less food for other guests. Also be sure to keep any consumption of alcoholic beverages on the moderate to low side.
6) Thank the host twice. In some parts of the United States, a second thank-you by phone is customary the day after the party (the first having been delivered on leaving the party) - a gesture that's gracious anywhere. If the party was formal, written thanks are in order. In fact, a written note is always appreciated - even after casual parties.