“ We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin,
Kofi Annan
but we all belong to one human race”
We recently shared one of our core beliefs about travel on social media, and it received a lot of positive attention. Many of the comments revealed what a significant issue it has become and the importance of travel etiquette. If we have a soapbox issue, this is it. When we observe our fellow travelers out there exploring the world, we can’t help but notice that a major fundamental aspect seems to be missing too often.
Why do so many travelers miss the mark on travel etiquette?
This message here will be concise and straightforward. It doesn’t require complexity because it ultimately boils down to this fundamental truth:
When you journey to a distant land, you are a guest in their homeland, their culture, their heritage, their traditions, and their community. You have chosen to enter and explore their world. You are the outsider; you are the visitor, not them.
Embrace the opportunity to soak in, understand, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Refrain from passing judgment on a life you haven’t lived. Although you may not agree with the choices others make, it is important to acknowledge and respect that those decisions were their choices to make based on the world in which they live.
Our primary responsibility as THE GUEST is simple:
BE A GOOD AND RESPECTFUL GUEST
Let us say this again to help it sink in: Be a good and respectful guest . As you would expect anyone who came into your home to be. We don’t want to hear, well, we saw some foreigners in our community, and they were not respectful. That doesn’t excuse anyone’s behavior; they were wrong, too. Be what you wish them to be.
Tips on Travel Etiquette: Making a Positive Impact
Here are several ways to be a good and respectful traveler and make a positive impact on your journeys. Follow these six steps in travel etiquette to transform your memories into something truly exceptional.
Respect Local Customs
Be mindful of local customs and traditions as you travel. Each place has its own rich history and unique cultural practices that should be respected and appreciated. Take the time to learn about these customs and participate in local traditions with an open mind and respect.
Learn Basic Phrases
Understanding and using basic phrases in the local language, such as “hello,” “please,” and “thank you,” is a great way to demonstrate respect and goodwill when interacting with local people.’
Support local businesses
By choosing to visit local eateries, shops, and native guides, you cannot only contribute to the community but also immerse yourself in an authentic and unique experience.
Mind Your Impact
Remember to be conscious of your impact on the environment. Respect natural areas by refraining from littering and aiming for sustainable travel habits. Adhere to posted regulations, even if you may not personally agree with them.
Keep an Open Mind and Heart
Keep an open mind while traveling. Embrace the diversity and uniqueness of each place you visit. Traveling is an opportunity to immerse yourself in new cultures, broaden your understanding of the world, and gain fresh perspectives.
Be Cognizant of the Space You In :
Please be mindful of your environment. Avoid being the loudest person in the room, and consider the needs of others who are sharing the space with you. Remember that everyone’s presence is equally important, and no one person’s money holds more value than any other’s in the room.
Be aware of cultural differences and refrain from reacting negatively to behaviors that may be considered normal in a different culture. For instance, in many European countries, it is customary for the check to be presented only when the diner requests it. Reacting angrily to the server for not bringing the check without being asked is perceived as rude in that cultural context.
Parting Words
Remember, kindness and respect are universal languages that can unite us all. Let’s make the world a better place, one act of compassion at a time.
Did you know that November 16 is International Day for Tolerance? Learn more about UNESCO’s 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance
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Travel Insurance
Squaremouth.com
Our favorite travel insurance site!
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To empower you as a consumer, we suggest you read our blog post on the importance of travel insurance and how to get the best coverage from top-rated companies for an affordable price.
MedjetAssist
Medical transport back home from anywhere in the world
They are the premier global air medical transport. One caveat to travel insurance is that medical evacuation usually gets you to the closest facility to care for you. Medjet gets you back to the U.S. to the hospital of your choice once you are stable enough to fly. A Medjet membership is only for medical transport. Medjet Horizon offers expanded coverage. They have individual trip policies starting at $99 and annual policies for around $300. Most of their policies limit the age to 74.
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Accommodations and Airfare
Expedia
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VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a US-based company whose mission is to power global travel for everyone and everywhere. focuses on independent travel, and using sites like Expedia makes that possible. Every aspect of travel you need, from airfare, accommodations, rental car, and cruises to activities to do at your destination, can be booked on Expedia .
Booking.com
Hotels, Home rentals, BNBs, Flights, and other Transportation & Tours
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Transportatio n
Daytrip
Personalized city-to-city private car transfer service
Daytrip is an affordable private car service for city-to-city transfers around the world. We love their service, and it costs much less than renting a car. You can enjoy comfortable, stress-free travel with the added bonus of scenic sightseeing stops along your journey. For example, we used them between Budapest and Vienna, making some fantastic stops along the way. Their professional drivers and customizable routes ensure a smooth ride while allowing you to explore hidden gems and local attractions.
To learn more about how Daytrip, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Travel Experiences
Viator
The leading marketplace for travel experiences
Viator believes that making memories is what travel is all about. And with 300,000+ experiences to explore—everything from simple tours to extreme adventures (and all the niche, interesting stuff in between)—making memories that will last a lifetime has never been easier. We use them often during our travels and love their liberal cancellation policy.
Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
GigSky International eSIM Data Plans
Local Prices. No Roaming. Fastest Networks.
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To learn more about how GigSky, check out our blog post for a more detailed review.
Shopping
Amazon Storefront
An excellent source for all travel essentials and guides that we have vetted ourselves
Amazon is one of the most comprehensive online shopping sources in the world. Teams worldwide provide lower prices, better selection, and rapid delivery on behalf of customers. They offer a vast inventory, and their 1.7 million small and medium businesses worldwide selling on Amazon.com offer extensive options to customers.
This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
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