Gofiaa. T
I EIE
Exploring a new destination and immersing yourself in the culture of its citizens is a rewarding experience. But it can be more rewarding if we, as travelers take care to know the customs and travel etiquette of the places we travel to. When locals see you as a kind and trustworthy person, they’ll welcome you, and your stay will be greatly enriched by their friendship.
Let’s start off with the initial step in our voyage that is to step into airport. Get your travel documents ready and your luggage packed before getting in line for checking cause nobody wants to end up being in the embarrassing situation of digging inside your bag for presenting the documents infront of the officials. Look after you luggage never entrust the job to a stranger. Except for the fact that you shouldn’t trust a stranger, you wouldn’t know when the person might want to step out due to their personal emergencies or catch their own flight. When you take phone calls or need to Facetime someone avoid doing so in the terminal or boarding area, instead choose a secluded place. People might be taking a short rest between their connecting flights and it’s not advisable to disturb them. DON’T CUT IN LINE. Nobody likes that. You’re all going to the same place and the plane isn’t moving without you so why the rush?
When you’ve finally entered your flight you might want to keep these in mind. Have you ever been in the legendary fight of who gets the armrest in a triple seated row? Let me clear up the misconception: The passenger in the middle seat of a three-seat row gets the luxury of both armrests. This is because the passenger at right gets access to the window and the one at left gets access to the aisle. So it would be fair for the middle passenger to get both the arm rest to themselves. Also, give a quick glance behind you before reclining. If you notice that the passenger behind you is tall, If there is a child in lap or an open tray table where drinks or laptop has been balanced it might be best if you avoid doing so. Reclining your seat during meal time is a big no. If you’re are travelling by train then make not occupy more than one spot. When you are talking, do so in low volume. Play music or watch videos with your headphones on.
Finally we’ve reached the destination now what to do? Respect the locals Most people are eager to help and engage with a friendly person, no matter where they’re from. Do your research and dress appropriately. You don’t have to support someone’s beliefs to show them respect while you’re visiting their country. Learn few greetings and phrases in their language to show them your effort taken to know them more. Be mindful when you take pictures. Be considerate about who or what you include in the background. Have controversial opinions to yourself. Be mindful that the locals could be sensitive about specific topics especially politics and religion and at last Do not litter. I don’t think so this needs further explanation.
Here are some unique practices of certain countries that you might want to know. Pointing using your index finger is considered rude in Malaysia.Being fashionably late would put off Germans but countries like Argentina, expects you to come a bit late to events or dinners. Tipping culture: Tipping could be considered rude in some south Asian Countries like Japan but is a must at western countries and would be rude if you didn’t.There are actually a few countries—Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland—where sitting at the back seat of a cab goes against the rules of egalitarianism. Quite amusing isn’t it?
If you think that this is too much information to just keep in mind, first of all I think the same too but hey! The effort that you took is all that matters. Practicing them could be very helpful in the long run.
References:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mike-hook-50569a_securelife-activity-7157012088664563712-o8nj
https://packhacker.com/blog/general/travel-etiquette
