Stay Positive When Traveling and Be a Good Guest
When traveling today it's easy to get stressed out with all the crowds, constant noise and delays. If we aren't careful it's easy to fall into a foul mood, and even become short with people we encounter along the way. With this in mind, here are some things to remember as you embark on your next journey.
Everyone has a bad day from time to time. If you run into someone who appears to be ready to go off the deep end, try to be the calm in their storm. Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a calm, kind voice to get them centered and back on track. If your kindness is not welcomed, then move on and don't let it affect your day.
Have a sense of humor as you navigate your way through the airport. You will run into people who travel all the time and have little patience for the occasional traveler. There will be some who are extremely nervous about flying and will be scurrying around trying to find where they should be; they will be impatient in this endeavor. Help if you can or cut a wide path to stay out of their way.
Boarding and disembarking the plane; be patient and wait your turn. Make sure if you are bringing carry-on luggage that you put it in the overhead bin (or remove it) as soon as possible in order to clear the isle to allow others to do the same. While in flight stay in your own space and try not to invade what little space your seat mates have; as we all know there is not much room per passenger these days.
No matter what your travel destination is remember that it is somebody else's home. Treat them, and their country, the same way you would want to be treated. If possible try to speak at least a few words in their native language; they will appreciate your effort. Be respectful of their culture and customs and be sure to engage them when visiting their historical sites; they will have a wealth of knowledge, and local stories, that may not be on the usual tourist tour. For the best experience with local food, find out where the locals eat.
If you are driving be prepared for anything. Their rules of the road may differ, and their driving habits could be stressful as you try to maneuver to your destinations. They know where they are going and may not have patience for tourists on the road who may be lost. If you do find yourself off the beaten path and unsure of where to go stop and ask for directions; you, and the other drivers, will appreciate it.
Remember, leave your stress and bad moods at home, relax and savor every experience, learn all you can, and try to make new friends. Someday their travel destination may be your country, and you can then share your hospitality and knowledge with them.
Everyone has a bad day from time to time. If you run into someone who appears to be ready to go off the deep end, try to be the calm in their storm. Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a calm, kind voice to get them centered and back on track. If your kindness is not welcomed, then move on and don't let it affect your day.
Have a sense of humor as you navigate your way through the airport. You will run into people who travel all the time and have little patience for the occasional traveler. There will be some who are extremely nervous about flying and will be scurrying around trying to find where they should be; they will be impatient in this endeavor. Help if you can or cut a wide path to stay out of their way.
Boarding and disembarking the plane; be patient and wait your turn. Make sure if you are bringing carry-on luggage that you put it in the overhead bin (or remove it) as soon as possible in order to clear the isle to allow others to do the same. While in flight stay in your own space and try not to invade what little space your seat mates have; as we all know there is not much room per passenger these days.
No matter what your travel destination is remember that it is somebody else's home. Treat them, and their country, the same way you would want to be treated. If possible try to speak at least a few words in their native language; they will appreciate your effort. Be respectful of their culture and customs and be sure to engage them when visiting their historical sites; they will have a wealth of knowledge, and local stories, that may not be on the usual tourist tour. For the best experience with local food, find out where the locals eat.
If you are driving be prepared for anything. Their rules of the road may differ, and their driving habits could be stressful as you try to maneuver to your destinations. They know where they are going and may not have patience for tourists on the road who may be lost. If you do find yourself off the beaten path and unsure of where to go stop and ask for directions; you, and the other drivers, will appreciate it.
Remember, leave your stress and bad moods at home, relax and savor every experience, learn all you can, and try to make new friends. Someday their travel destination may be your country, and you can then share your hospitality and knowledge with them.
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