Traveling near and far.

Enjoying Travel and Dealing with Problems

Travel is wonderful, but whether your trip goes well will depend in part on how well you plan and how you deal with any problems that occur. While you can't always prevent such items as flight delays or cancellations, how you act is your choice. For instance, arriving at your hotel and learning that your "lovely view" is really of the parking lot is frustrating—but if you politely complain, you might find yourself with a better room.

Wherever you are headed and for whatever purpose, remember these three easy rules of travel etiquette:

Be respectful: Be polite to fellow travelers, natives, and those helping you along the way.

Be reasonable: It's okay to ask for changes, like a peek at another room—but don't flip out if your exact request isn't feasible.

Be a good guest: Take everything back the way you found it. Don't litter or insult the place by saying things are "better back home."

This section covers all from pre-trip preparation, travel with friends or children, automobile, railroad, or airline transportation, to hotel and cruise etiquette, and foreign travel. For general advice on outdoor travel (including camping or boating).

Before You Leave

Prepare ahead of time to avoid problems. Make sure your ID is valid—a driver’s license is usually enough, but for international travel, you’ll need a passport. Check the TSA website for current airport security rules.

It’s also smart to leave a copy of your travel plans (including hotel contacts) with a family member or friend. Learn about the local customs and etiquette in the places you’re visiting—your library or the internet are great resources.

Plan ahead and make a note of your reservation details and confirmation numbers. Treat travel agents with respect when speaking to them on the phone or in person. Be ready so the conversation is short and productive. If the arrangement doesn't work out, tactfully ask if others are available. A "Could you please check again?" polite query is better than being furious.

Traveling With Friends

Road tripping with friends can really test friendships. Being confined together in cramped quarters—a car or hotel room—over long hours can be stressful. To make it trouble-free, make sure you and your traveling companions are on the same page on:

Interests: Don't travel with someone whose style of vacationing is the polar opposite of yours. If you love nature and quiet inns, don't travel with someone who prefers luxury hotels and a night life.

Budget: Agree on what each of you is comfortable spending on food, accommodations, and activities so that everyone feels no pressure.

Daily rhythm: Make sure your sleep and activity rhythms are compatible. Early risers and late sleepers don't always mix on vacation.

Plan together and give each of you some "must-see" places to put in. You don't all have to stick together every minute—some alone time can prevent the peace from being broken.

If there is money involved, plan ahead. Here are some easy ways to keep an eye on shared costs:

Everyone pays his or her own way: Use credit cards or pay bills along the way.

One person pays, then settle up later: Keep receipts and split expenses later on.

Use a group fund: Each person puts an equal amount into a collective money pool to cover group costs, and any remaining at the end is divided.

Road Trips

Road trips are still a popular way to travel the country, but car hours together can be tense. Everyone has to chip in to keep things going.

Hold a pre-trip meeting to cover essential details such as:

Travel plans, arrival times, and meeting locations.

A general outline of the trip.

Each person’s top priorities for things to do or see.

How you’ll handle shared expenses and who will keep track.

Food and meals—how many nights you’ll eat out, who brings what, etc.

A list of supplies and who’s bringing what (like gear or snacks).

Whether you are the driver or passenger, keep everyone comfortable. Be flexible with music, air conditioning, and stoppages. If a sleeper is required, remain quiet.

Drivers: You are the boss. Keep your cool, even in traffic or when delayed, and take breaks. When on two-lane roads, be a courtesy motorist and give room to passing vehicles to safely pass.

Passengers: Do not distract the driver—especially in heavy traffic. Opt to volunteer someone to help with directions and navigation.

Traveling With Children

Travel with kids takes patience. Start by buckling them up properly. Get ready to stop more often, especially for babies. Pull over and address their needs if kids cry or fuss.

Teach older kids how to act in the car: no screaming, fighting, or throwing objects. Set rules before and stick to them.

Make the ride fun—bring along quiet games, play "I Spy," or put on a car concert. While your older kids may be glued to devices, car rides are also great opportunities for conversation.

Flying High: Tips for a Smooth Air Travel Experience

The Reality at 34,000 Feet

Flying nowadays involves battling long security lines, delays, cancellations, and cut-back amenities. How to handle it all best? Stay calm, polite, flexible, and jocular. Complaining won't change things—your attitude can smooth or complicate your experience, especially when dealing with airline or security staff.

Planning Ahead

Plan ahead of time to travel to the airport. Check baggage limits—size, weight, and number allowed. Have your identification and travel documents ready and mark all your bags with your name. An e-ticket might allow you to check in and print your boarding pass ahead of time.

Security Ready

Discover what you can pack in your luggage by checking the TSA website or contacting your airline. Pack and dress intelligently: wear simple shoes to remove, and avoid carrying too much metal. Consider packing your belt and jewelry and putting them on when you get through security. Rules change, so learn to adjust.

At the Airport

Check-In

Come between 1 to 2½ hours early, depending on the airport and destination. If you have no checked bags, check in online or at a kiosk. Be patient when checking bags at the counter and have your documents ready-even if your flight is delayed. Agents have no control over weather or mechanical delays.

Security Checkpoint

Be organized—have ID and boarding pass at hand. If security staff must check your bag or scan you heavily, don't get alarmed. They're simply doing their job.

At the Gate

Take up only space you need and be considerate of others. If you need to charge your phone, pull it out when you're done so someone else can use the outlet. Move to a less crowded area for making calls so as not to disturb other passengers.

Boarding

Board in the order listed. Wait for your row or group to be called. Cutting or rushing is time-wasting and frustrating to others. Be respectful, especially of those which take a little longer boarding.

Seat Swaps

You are not obligated to swap seats, but it is polite if there is a legitimate reason, such as keeping family members together to sit together. Say no politely if you want to stay in your seat.

Carry-On and Overhead Bin Courtesy

Keep your bag in front of you—not at your side—when you walk down the aisle. Set your carry-on carefully into the overhead bin without crushing other things. Help other people by lifting bags if possible. If there is no space remaining, you may have to check your bag.

General Courtesy

Room is scarce and service is reduced, so show patience. Refer a major annoyance to a flight attendant, but ignore little annoyances when you can.

Aisle Manners

Elbows and feet from the aisle. If you need to get out of your row, gently wake the person blocking your way.

Seat Conduct

Don't spread out into your neighbor's space or reach over to see their screen. Be considerate, and wear headphones on equipment. Keep bathroom trips short and clean up.

Reclining Seats

You have the right to recline, but do it slowly and consider the person behind you. An early heads-up is courteous. If you're being bumped in, nicely ask if the seat can be adjusted. 

Armrest Sharing

Try sharing the armrest by sharing it—one does the front, the other does the back. When seated in the middle seat, reasonable armrest priority is okay.

Getting Around

Don't grab the seat in front of you to stand up. Use your own seat or armrests if possible. Handle the tray table gently too.

Children on Board

Parents: bring snacks, toys, and comfort items to occupy children. Book flights near nap time, and act proactively in managing behavior.

Passengers: If kids get unruly, be respectful to the child or parent. Earplugs can be worn if crying is annoying.

Getting Off the Plane

Once the seatbelt sign is extinguished, wait your turn to disembark. When you have a close connection, notify the crew ahead of time or politely request people near you to allow you through. Don't force your way, and wait for split friends at the station.

Train and Bus Travel

Same respect as in airplanes. Don't hog seats with bags. Speak to seatmates but not excessively. Be concise and discreet on calls. Respect designated "quiet zones" if available.

Use overhead compartments for bags, keep personal hygiene in private, and refrain from consuming pungent food. Clean up your mess. Keep kids in tow and refrain from wandering around in circles or disturbing fellow travelers.

Hotel and Lodging Courtesy

Be courteous upon arrival. If your room does not meet with your approval, quietly request a switch. Some hotels have pets, but check in advance. Leash pets and never leave them unattended in your room. Always clean up after them.

Working with Staff

Be polite and tip in moderation: bellhops, housekeeping, concierge, etc.

Room Service

Ask prices first. You might greet the door wearing a robe. Check whether gratuity is included—if not, tip separately.

Leave soiled trays outside and request pickup.

B&Bs and Inns

Clean shared spaces, keep noise volumes low, and be courteous if you're sharing bathrooms. Tip housekeepers even though owners don't expect tips.

Souvenir Rules

Toiletries are complimentary, towels and robes are not. They are hotel property, and taking them will result in a fee.

Cruise Ship Etiquette

Follow boarding instructions, and be prepared for security scanning. Dress according to cruise policy, which may include formal nights.

Socializing

Be welcoming to make friends with fellow travelers without being intrusive. Avoid inflammatory topics. Introduce yourself and have pleasant conversation.

Activities and Recreation

Plan activities, be punctual, and reschedule as needed. Keep time at shared facilities short, and leave it spotless afterward. Don't monopolize deck chairs or hot tubs.

Dining

You might dine with other eating companions—learn their names and act. Plan how to divide joint wine bills in advance. Negotiate with the maître d' if table seating isn't working.

Entertainment

Arrive at productions early and do not book extra seats. Show respect during performances.

The Captain's Table

If invited, dress appropriately and write a thank-you letter afterwards.

Noise and Crew Interaction

On ships, noise travels. Show respect in the halls and cabins. Be friendly to staff and don't monopolize their time. Tip according to the cruise line policies or the level of service.

Group Tours

Greet fellow travelers on your tour and arrive punctually. Do not moan or criticise. Participate wholeheartedly during guided commentary and try to involve others—especially solo travellers or older people—in group activities. Tip guides and staff generously if you have enjoyed the experience.

International Travel

Be a good representative of your country. Avoid making negative comments about host-country habits, politics, or food.

Before You Go

Learn about the history, religion, government, finances, and traditions of your destination. Learn a few useful phrases in the local language.

Communication Tips

Speak clearly, slowly, and kindly when using English. Smile, use simple introductions and sayings, and be patient if you are not being understood. A cheerful voice will carry you far.

Body Language

Body language is also an important communication factor, and it varies extensively across cultures. What is acceptable in one area is either offensive or perplexing somewhere else. In America, for example, direct eye contact means you're listening and respectful. In parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, it may be seen as disrespectful or aggressive, though.

Gestures also vary in meaning where you are. Waving someone over by curving your finger is impolite in many countries. Even common gestures such as thumbs-up, OK sign, or "V" for victory will have adverse meanings in some cultures, so it's best to steer clear of these unless you are sure they are received the same. In some cases, waving can even mean "no."

The distance you're standing from people matters too. In the United States, 2–3 feet is ideal when conversing. But in Northern Europe and a few Asian nations, additional space is required. Conversely, in some cultures such as the Middle East, Latin America, and the Southern parts of Europe, they're used to being a lot closer—sometimes less than 18 inches away.

Handshakes are also an issue. In Asia and the Middle East, American-style handshake would be seen as a sign of aggression. In Latin cultures like South America, Spain, or Italy, people will include a gesture to the elbow or forearm. In some Islamic countries, women won't shake hands at all—so it's better to wait for a woman to extend her hand first. In Japan and in the majority of Asian countries, a bow is utilized instead of a handshake. When greeting each other in Thailand, individuals use a "wai" (palms together close to the chest and slight bow), with handshakes becoming more common.

Touch while conversing also varies. Latin America, the Southern Europe states, Africa, the Middle East, and India have more relaxed touching. A gentle arm touch, for instance, is acceptable and not to be interpreted personally.

Basic International Courtesies

It's important to be respectful of the local customs while traveling abroad. Being courteous and interested in the culture leaves a good impression—not only of you, but also of your country. Here are some general tips for good manners while traveling overseas:

Greet people in the local manner. In Europe, that typically means shaking hands. In Asia, be prepared to bow or employ a wai.

Be more formal than at your own house. Use titles and last names unless specifically invited to address others otherwise.

Dress nicely and modestly unless told it's okay to dress down.

Be tolerant. Don't complain that things are different.

Find out about local gift-giving customs, such as what gifts are appropriate and when/when/how to give them.

Be careful when complimenting someone’s possessions—some cultures feel obliged to give the item away if it’s admired.

Respect food and drink customs. If you’re a guest, don’t ask for something that might go against your host’s traditions.

Avoid being loud or drawing attention to yourself through your appearance or behavior.

Stand up when the host country's national anthem is played—it’s a sign of respect.

In Muslim-Majority Countries

If you are traveling to an area with a high concentration of Muslims (e.g., those in the Gulf States, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, or Africa and India), be mindful of these cultural tips:

Eat and pass/receive something similar to a business card with your right hand.

Sit on both feet firmly on the ground—do not show the soles of your feet.

Do not touch anyone on the head—it is holy.

Do not ask about a man's wife or daughters.

Wear long pants or skirts—short clothing is not suitable.

Do not kiss or hold hands openly in public with your travel partner.

Take off your shoes before entering a mosque. Do not walk in front of people praying or go into the main prayer hall unless allowed.

Avoid offering gifts that have images of people or animals. Do not offer alcohol or pigskin products.

Adventure Travel Tips

Regardless of whether you are young and backpacking the world or older and exploring off-the-beaten-track locations, adhering to these suggestions can ease your experience:

Do your research. Get to know the climate, food, and local conditions so that you will know how to pack and not get surprised.

Be respectful of local custom and lifestyle. Adapt to them in order to fit in.

If you have allergies or special diets, plan ahead. Don't rely on locals to make exceptions.

Packentials like toilet paper—services in remote areas won't necessarily stock what you need.

Most of the globe is slower paced. Be adaptable and roll with the punches.

Smile! It helps in good times and can diffuse tension when they don't turn out as planned—which they sometimes won't.