Top Tips for being a Polite traveler- ramp up your travel etiquette

By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: 7/10/21 5:24 PM

By: Susan Sherren for Couture Trips
Published: 7/8/21 7:58 PM CST

Just because your away from home doesn’t mean you can toss out all the things your mother taught you. Nowadays we are hearing about more and more incidences where travellers just lose it. We will give you a few tips on how to shine while you are out and about. 

• Say please and thank you. Many service people are stressed and could use a nice little reply now and again. If you really love their service, make sure to compliment them.
• Plan ahead and don't expect others to accommodate your late arrival. It would be best if you were at the airport 2-3 hours ahead of time these days. Have all your travel documents ready and available so you don't hold up the line.
• Wear your mask as directed in public spaces, especially when you're in-flight. These days, it isn't polite to expect the flight attendant to remind you to put on your mask constantly. Plus you won't be so popular with your seatmates. 
• Wait your turn. Nothing is more annoying than someone jumping the line. These days there are lots of hoops you have to jump through when your travelling. Whether you're disembarking from the aircraft or waiting in the TSA security line, just be patient.
• Don't hog the overhead bins. Nothing is more annoying than seeing passengers stuff the overhead bins full. Place your luggage, so it fits in the overhead bin space properly. If you can, especially tall travellers- help out your fellow travellers by placing their luggage in the overhead bin or assist them by removing the bags on arrival, give them a hand. 
• Keep your phone conversations private. Nothing is more annoying than hearing how your seatmates kid is doing while you're sitting there waiting to disembark. If you must make a call, keep your voice down!
• Greet your fellow passengers with a kind hello, or how are you doing, sitting down with your earbuds in and acting as if your the only person on the planet is, yes, rude.
• Eat appropriately during meal service time. Just because your away from home doesn't mean you can chew with your mouth open or talk with a mouth full of food. Have some decorum when eating. Place your napkin in your lap, don't belch and try taking small bites
• Show respect for the culture you are engaging. Before travelling, learn a bit about the place, the people and how things are done there. It might surprise you how far this will take you. Merci goes a long way with the French!
• Dress appropriately for the flight. No, pyjamas aren't a good idea, even though they might be super comfortable. You also aren't at the gym so leave the leggings behind. Have a few go-to outfits in your closet that are comfortable but also stylish. It is also a good idea to wear closed-toed shoes and avoid sandals in case of an emergency or you have to run to your next gate!
• Gentlemen, please show us ladies some respect by opening or holding doors etc. I may be old-fashioned, but when a man is acting civilized, it goes a long way. Plus, you never know who is looking and scoring your behaviour. Put your best self out there!
• Be respectful of others personal space and practice social distancing.

​Now is the time to do a little self-evaluation on where you stand with your travel etiquette. No one is perfect, and we aren't suggesting perfection in how you conduct yourself while you are on the go. If we all take these suggestions to heart, the travel experience could be a joyful one for all of us, even if we have to endure endless lines, flight cancellations and grumpy flight attendants. We can rise above this, keep ourselves in check, and look forward to a beautiful and restful vacation. 

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