My family has a tradition of traveling over Christmas and New Year. It’s a great way to find time together, be away from the winter weather, and rush of the season. Most years, we pack up our kid, our dog, family and gifts, swim suits and head to the sunny, beachy Caribbean. We rely on hotel employees, airline attendants, drivers, waitresses, hotel housekeepers and room service to ensure our holiday experience is a joyful one. On the beach this year, I had time to think about the best advice I could give on traveling, tipping, and expressing good manners and gratitude while on holiday.
On the Airplane - Don’t Hog the Seat or Walk in Front
Planes are full, airports are busy, space is tight on board and in the gate area. Be kind and leave the seat next to you open so someone else can get access to their seat and board without being inconvenienced.
The plane pulls up to the gate and every person on board wants to be the first off, the plane. Clearly that can’t happen, and we are a civilized society, so a simple rule will help keep people from being trampled upon arrival. If you are standing in the aisle, make sure the people in the row in front of you have a chance to exit before you start walking forward.
In the Hotel Room - Don’t Slam the Door or Turn the Volume Up
Once wary travelers survive the stressful flight experience, they are almost home-free when they get to the hotel. But there’s one big thing that can ruin a hotel stay: noise. Few hotels are soundproofed enough to keep loud noises from penetrating the sanctum of your room, and the worst offender here is the slamming door.
Continuing with noise-in-the-hotel theme, loud TVs and phone conversations can also drive your neighbors crazy. It’s easy to feel like you are safe and sound in your room and forget that sound travels. Especially late at night, turn it down so others can make the best of their time asleep.
At the Museum or On the Train – Wait to the Right and Walk to the Left
Perhaps one of the most controversial issues of our time – should people in the elevator push the “door open” button? Or should new arrivals just forego the closing doors and wait? My vote is for the latter. Just be patient, wait a few minutes for the next car to come. You are on vacation, relax.
Every moving sidewalk I’ve ever seen in an airport has signs that say exactly that. So why do so many people straddle the entire width with their luggage, and just stand there like a lump of coal? Frequent travelers are busy and every minute counts, so step aside to the right and let them get by you on the left.
When you Need to Say “Thank you” – Remember the Rule of 20%
Waitress and Bartender: 20% of the bill for the best service, 15% for just “okay” and 10% if the worst
Car and Coat Valet: $2.00 local currency is best
Drivers: 20% and $1.00 a bag if they help load and unload
Hotel or Airport Bag Service: $2.00 a bag
Room and Spa Services: 20%
Housekeeper: $5.00 to $10.00 a day and $2.00 for extra services like more towels or toiletries