Exploring new places and immersing yourself there is a rewarding experience. This experience could be more rewarding if you observe and follow the customs and travel etiquette of the place you are planning to visit. While traveling it is very important to have good habits like politeness and gratefulness. It is crucial for visitors to make a good impression on hosts or the people they meet while traveling as it’s the traveler who represents their home countries. If locals/hosts recognize you as a good person, they will be more friendly with you and your trip might become more engaging then. Also, you will give them a good impression of your country.
In some countries, it’s okay to whistle for a cab, slurp your soup or point with your index finger while in other countries, it’s not okay. Here is a few travel etiquette every globetrotter should know :
Do not occupy reserved seats
We really need to understand that seats are reserved for a reason and we should not occupy those seats. There are many instances where people sit on somebody else’ seat while boarding. If you really wish to sit on another seat which is not assigned to you, first confirm from the staff whether you can sit there or not, else take it only if it stays vacant. Sometimes travelers pay extra for reserving those seats and they really want their seats back. To avoid the last-minute hassle, try to avoid occupying reserved seats.
Show some courtesy to fellow passengers
While traveling on public transport like trains, buses, etc, always think about fellow passengers as they are also paying equally like us. Always allow some space for them to get in and out, and do not put your bags or feet in the common passage. Try to offer your seat to people who require it more, such as pregnant women, senior citizens, or the handicapped.
Be careful while burping or sneezing, try to cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief. Do not kick the seat in front of you and won’t lower your recliners to an extent that you might as well be sleeping in a fellow passenger’s lap. You may have paid extra for reclining seats, however, this might become uncomfortable for the person at the front and the back, don’t forget that they have also paid the same amount for the same comfort.
Don’t talk bass-like loud
If you are sharing seats in journeys, restaurants, etc. don’t talk bass-like loud while on a call. It gets overtly intrusive, boring, and even irritating for others to listen to the stuff that really does not matter to them like- what’s happening at your workplace or what your friend is doing or having for dinner. Even if you are not on the phone and speaking to the person sitting next to you, moderate the volume of the conversation and avoid peeping into others’ smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.
Table manners go a long way
Be discreet with the eating habits of others while dining. Remember that there are vegans or just people from other countries where eating meat is not allowed, try to keep bones and other leftovers in a separate bowl. Do not use your spoon to serve the dish on your plate, always use the serving spoon. Do not chomp, eat – many people have a habit of chomping food, especially non-veg, but this could look disgusting to others. Table manners really go a long way in easing the others around you.
Loo etiquette
Leaving a loo/washroom dirty is considered to be a disgusting act. Handling a toilet seat is not just a matter of decorum, but a window into the human soul. All of us use public toilets while traveling, they look nothing less than a breeding ground for bacteria. All it takes to maintain hygiene is one flush and some toilet paper. Try not to drip on the seat, if you mistakenly dropped, make sure to clean your mess before leaving the washroom. Also, do not just hog up the space at the sink for a long time so others can’t wash their hands or get to look in the mirror.
by Alok K Singh,, Co-founder and CEO, Travomint
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