The Polite Traveler

  My dear polite travelers, We have just returned from a very enlightening and enjoyable Italian holiday.  The focus of the trip was in part research (manners, etiquette , and mobility challenged travel-related) and in part just plain soaking up the culture.  Fun.  Most easily, we found our fun and interaction with others.  However, the research and soaking up the culture of the locals was the difficult part of the equation.  Tourist Overload I suppose we set ourselves up for this difficulty due to our choices of location.  As a teacher, I felt compelled to visit a few of the best-known art and architecture/historical centers: Siena, Florence, and Venice (skipped Rome this visit).  These cities are not only drenched in art and history but they are also overrun with tourists.  So, mostly we found ourselves surrounded by those either not from Italy or those truly tired of intruders.  We have all heard of the ugly Americans, those w...

  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. ...

  My dear polite travelers, In some countries, it is considered impolite to tip.  In some, Americans are viewed as rude or pretentious because we over-tip.  So, here are some guidelines that appear to be a ‘general rule’.  Still, it is best to ask the hotel staff where you are staying.  Just like in the U.S., there are regional differences.   Australia —Not expected       Dining: 10%          Porters: $2 per bag        Taxi: Round to the next dollar China —Most don’t expect a tip        Dining 10-15% in large cities  Porters $2-3         Taxi None Britain— Not always necessary, but appreciated          Dining: 10% if not added to the bill Porters: £ 2 per bag      ...

My Top Five Favorite Foods of Paris My Dear Polite Traveler, The streets of Paris are lined with food vendors, which as a small business owner always looking for the best bang for my small-budget buck appreciates greatly.   Most offer excellent food at amazingly affordable prices, especially my favorites.   Those who love chocolate , butter, and ham – not necessarily at the same time – should appreciate my list of favorites as well.   Get ready to drool. #5 C roque Monsieur As Paris is the land of ham and cheese, it's a no-brainer they would have a killer grilled ham and cheese sandwich.   Jambon, French for ham, appears on almost all menus in one form or another and of course, cheese is...well, everywhere.   My favorite Croque Monsieur is the less heavy open face version.   This is a piece of toasted dense bread coated with a slight touch of mustard, crumbled cheese—such as g ruyere— followed with a slice of ham and finished with the cheesy béchame...

  Eight Great Traveling on the Cheap Tips Jet-leg confusion can cause travelers to do some pretty silly things, but overspending shouldn't be one of them.  Careful planning and some insider tips can help you save, even when traveling to the city of lights--Paris, France.  For my small business, I need to adhere to a strict budget and use the same philosophy when traveling.  Follow me as I share some of my favorite money-saving tips.   Rent an Apartment With a little due diligence, a couple can stay in Paris on the cheap and have a kitchen to boot.  Of all the tourists we interviewed,  Vrbo  was the most popular sites for finding great rentals.  For example, we found a cute, newly remodeled ground floor apartment in the quiet, but famous Montmartre neighborhood – five minutes from the Moulin Rouge – is € 500 per week plus a € 50 cleaning fee.  Shop for Hotel Deals For our most recent vi...

  How to be a Good Global Citizen Paris is a city of unimaginable beauty, from ancient architecture to art-filled museums.  What detracts from this beauty is what it attracts—the tourists.  There are many more tourists in Paris than those who live there.  Actually, this is true of all of France.   Because of this fact, it is very important for all of us who visit to be the very best global citizens possible.  If we make the effort, everyone will have a much more pleasant time.  How to do this?  Follow along and I will lead you—politely. Use Indoor Voices The Louvre is a huge place, which could take days to explore in-depth.  So, as you can imagine, it can become very noisy if everyone were to speak loudly .  This is an enormous problem with today’s many tour groups.  The noise level is made even worse with the many tourists who don’t know how to use indoor...

  Enjoy Paris Without Spending a Dime by Following These Tips! Dear Polite Traveler, I love to travel.  Nevertheless, traveling, especially from the US to Europe can be very expensive.  As a result, if I want to continue to travel to Europe, I have had to find freebies in my favorite cities.  Paris is my number one favorite and I'm sharing my freebie secrets with you. Take Advantage of Street Performers Street performers can be found all over the center of Paris, but tend to congregate in specific areas for our free entertainment pleasure.  For example, all around Notre Dame -- especially on the two nearby bridges -- a variety of  performers  strut their very talented stuff.  Musicians tend to gravitate toward the Place des Vosges, not far from Notre Dame.  It is a lovely square garden -like area surrounded by stately, regal buildings.  It is also home to the Victor Hugo Museum, the writer of...

My Short Visit to the Land of Color and Water My trip to Italy began with a short stay in the land of water, color and striking architecture.  Add all those up and most people would guess I’m talking about Venice.  In two short days, I fell in love with all I stumbled upon.  Here’s what I found. Water, water everywhere! Ah, beautiful Venice.  Land of …lots of water!  Venice is comprised of over one hundred little islands separated by canals.  Ingeniously, bridges link all these islands.  Many of these bridges are absolutely stunning.  My favorite was the famous Rialto Bridge, which is nearest to our lodging, Pensione Guerrato.  I believe the Rialto is most famous due to the market that runs its entire length.  It could also be due to the its history of collapsing.  It has done so a number of times in the past. The best way to travel in Venice’s water slogged city is by Vap...

    How to Eat Well When Traveling to the Burgundy Region of France French food is fresh, delicious, and considered the standard for many professional chefs.  This is well known.  However, what is considered traditional food from the heart of the Burgundy region of France, better known as Beaune?   On our travels through this region and while staying in the quaint town of Beaune, I’ve found the answer to that question.  This was a delicious task. Is that a snail on my plate? Escargot is common in most regions of France, but very popular here in Beaune.  Most often, it is packed with a buttery herb mixture and baked.  Considered an appetizer, if combined with a salad it is a satisfying meal.  Superb French bread is free and served with most meals .  Beef Bourguignon is more than just a stew When is a beef stew not beef stew?  When it is made in France.  Beef Bourguignon is a...