The Polite Traveler

  Our manners are the most important accessory to pack when vacationing in a foreign country.  The people of each country view protocol, etiquette, and manners differently.  Just consider our presidents’ trips to Europe and all the different protocols each was required to learn and then exhibit.  This is something all of us should consider as we venture out beyond our borders.  Dress and Behave for the Region For example, if vacationing in Italy, plan to dress and behave more formally than here in the US.  Italians firmly believe in a term called, “bella figura,” which literally means beautiful figure.  Culturally, Italians believe in behaving with a sense of decorum and formality and this term reflects this belief.  This is a natural extension from loyalty to family , friends, and the community, especially in the south.   One should always try to present oneself in the best manner; one’s actions should at least appear virtuous. ...

Do the French Have Good Manners?  When I mention visiting France, especially Paris, I often receive smirks and comments about French manners, or lack of such.   To comments about the French as rude, off-putting, and aloof, I respond, "Have you ever visited France?"   My experience is always positive.   They are warm, kind, and open.   Therefore, I decided to clear up all these misunderstandings about the French and their manners .   Bonjour means so much more than hello. After interviewing more French than I can count, I've found that they all agree on one point; offering proper greetings is most important with respect to manners.   Simply, proper greetings are the most basic of manners for them.   To visit a store without saying, "Bonjour Madame (or Monsieur)" to the shopkeeper is viewed as extremely poor manners.   Even botching almost every French word we attempt to utter, most French will accept us if we approach them with an ea...

How to be a Good Ambassador of Your Country When Traveling Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, When any of us travels outside our home country, we are ambassadors of ours.  Consequently, it is no wonder why the Chinese government was outraged over the behavior of some of their vacationing citizens.  Reports of defacing relics, spitting, and yelling in public, is definitely cringe-worthy.  All these impolite behaviors have even led to new tourism laws in China.  Given that the Chinese are not the only ill-mannered tourist, let us explore proper vacation etiquette.   Note : Follow country guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.   Also, during the pandemic, some amenities may not be available.  Please remember, this is only temporary. Study the culture; know before you go! To capture the nuances, blend in and avoid insulting the locals, it is essential to do your homework by studying...