When You’re A Tourist, Mind Your Manners
Keywords: Spain, tourists, tourism, holidays, vacations, flights, Menorca, Minorca
When preparing to go on vacation, remember to pack your manners. No matter where you end up travelling, the locals are going to base a lot on your behaviour, including how they perceive your culture in general, on how you behave.
It seems as though many who travel abroad forget to be polite to those that host them when they are away from home. Some suggest that behavior on vacation is directly related to whether or not you’ve visited before. The thinking is that, once you’ve had a taste of the culture, surely you’ll be more sensitive the next time? Others argue that, regardless of how many times you’ve come around, tourists remain a painful necessity to any economy.
While it’s not limited to one demographic or culture, there are some tourists that are notoriously worse than others. However, no matter where you’re from, you’re getting a bad rap for one thing or another. So, how does the bad behavior break down? We’ve got a quick overview of who’s notorious for what when they’re on vacation.
A recent survey has given Brits the top nod for bad behavior when they’re travelling abroad. They’ve been labeled as noisy, rude, badly dressed and terrible tippers. In addition, recent research by the popular online travel agent Expedia shows that Britons are thought to be untidy. Maybe that is a direct result of their sometimes haphazard dress. While not as obvious as it used to be, for some reason, people are still able to tell a Brit from anyone else. Things are looking up though; seven years ago, a survey similar in nature labeled Brits the worst tourists overall, while they now place fifth.
Other badly behaving tourists include those that call Germany their native land. Considered the absolute worst tippers, one might think that they are stingy. If you consider the tipping system they are accustomed to, it may shed a new light on things. In Germany, wait staff do not work on a small hourly wage plus tip system, they work on an hourly wage, period. So, when you go out to dinner in Germany, you don’t tip. Maybe their bad tipping behavior is not stinginess as much as it is a lack of knowledge.
Living in America and think you’ve packed a fashionable wardrobe? Think again. Americans are notoriously the worst dressed tourists around. Many also find the Americans to be lacking in manners and obnoxiously loud, albeit not as bad as the Brits, Russian and Danes. Those from the U.S. do score points though for at least attempting to learn and speak the native language of the countries they are going to visit.
Attempting to take the bull by the horns, the Chinese government has taken the liberty of posting the “do’s” and “don’ts” of travel etiquette in train stations, bus stops and hotels across Beijing. Although many of the Chinese are angered by what they feel is degrading treatment by their own government, the government is not budging. They are trying to curb the Chinese bad behaviour before the Olympics next year. They’ve even gone so far as to issue pamphlets and make travel agencies and their tour guides responsible for correcting the tourists’ behavior. Talk about uncomfortable.
So, who gets kudos for being the overall best behaved on their summer vacation? The Japanese. Considered both polite and tidy, they seem to ruffle no one’s feathers. In Reuters’s 2007 study, they scored a full 35% higher than the Americans who came in second.
Remember, when on vacation, do like the Romans do… or like the Japanese do. Be courteous and keep in mind that you are representing your entire nation when you are out and about. Figure out local customs and, if you’re really brave, learn a little bit of the language before you go. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well your efforts are received.
Tribune Properties produce a series of travel guides, including for the Spanish island of Menorca at www.yourmenorca.net
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Tips For Successful Student Travel (1)
While reviewing the schedule, review the chaperon responsibilities at key points such as check-in, on the motorcoach, in the hotel, and at meals and attractions. Another important component of a safe travel experience is nighttime security.
NYC's Empire State Building: A Must-See For Students (2)
In fact, the building of the structure had another automotive connection in that Raskob was in competition with Walter Chrysler to create the world's tallest building. Empire State, Inc.
800 Number Directory Brings Travel Bargains (3)
How many stop overs, which airport is better to fly out of, you know, who would know that, except someone who is in the industry. Ideally, you wouldn't want to incur the cost of calling several different providers, without the security of a toll free number, especially if you're bargain hunting.
How To Have Cheap Disney Vacations (4)
Here are a few tips on finding the best deal so that you can enjoy cheap Disney vacations over and over again. There are many Disney vacation packages available whether online or through your tour agency.
Flying With Kids: Useful Tips For Family Travelers (5)
What can you do to keep them entertained? Like all difficulties that the family has to face together, air travel with kids is much easier if everyone involved understands the part they have to play.
Planning Walt Disney Vacations The Right Way (6)
Do research online to help you understand what a Walt Disney vacation is all about. An important thing to keep in mind is that Walt Disney World Vacations are very pricey; the prices vary depending on the time of year you want to travel.
A Merlot Lover's Wine Tour In Napa Valley (7)
As you explore the Silverado Trail further, you will come across Pine Ridge thats located near Yountville. Although Cabernet is its strong contender, Pine Ridge also boasts of its impressive Merlots.
How To Realize A Discount Disney Vacation (8)
To achieved a discounted Disney vacation, one must have a strategy. There are seven areas to be considered when planning a discount Disney vacation, and each of these areas should be considered individually.
The Hilton Hotel & Beach Club In Dubai (9)
There was plenty for us to do on our package holiday tour to Dubai in and around the hotel but venturing out further was never a problem either. The Hilton Hotel and Beach Club was located within walking distance of the shopping malls, the local souk and a golf course so there was plenty for us to do.
Majorca To Have Spain's Top Hotel (10)
Property prices in Mallorca are similar to Menorca property, with a range of apartments and villas in both rural and town locations, and with twenty golf courses plenty of golf course developments too on Mallorca.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Online Hotel Bookings Nice And Easy (1)
You can save much by selecting the services of online hotel booking service providers. You can definitely save on airline flights, car services, and even entertainment. You will get considerable discounts if you allow them to select all services you need.
Holiday Insurance - A Very Valuable Expense Indeed (2)
For all the work we put in to earn our holidays insurance is a nice back up plan to have and a necessary evil in anyone's holiday expenses. (c) 2007 Best Holiday Insurance Guide.
Saving Money When You Are At Your Holiday Destination (3)
If you are feeling bold, it is worth asking at the counter if there is any chance of a free upgrade, you never know your luck! If you are booking car hire from a distance, look at the costs of car hire from the airport as well as from the city that you are staying in.
Tips For Traveling With Pets (4)
The idea of sending your pets to kennels or catteries may distress you, especially when you consider how much they would enjoy sharing a vacation with you. Traveling with pets sounds difficult, but it is manageable, if you know what you're doing.
Luggage Size, Features, Extras And Accessories (5)
Don't forget the extras and accessories that will afford easier packing and security for your belongings. Keep your toiletries in one place by placing them inside small kits or bags.
A Guide To Skiing Holidays In Morzine (6)
They know that Morzine attracts more loyal skiers than any other resort in France, and that their hospitality will go a long way further. However the major pulling factor with Morzine is in the resorts year round appeal.
General Pittsburgh Travel Tips (7)
There are some tips you can follow though to ensure that you are traveling as safely as possible. First, always remember that it is best to travel with as little cash as possible.
Traveling With A Toddler (8)
Food needs are easier to cope with - have some low sugar snacks in your bag. Don't rely on airlines to provide appropriate food. Crunchy fruit and vegetables can be fun to play with as well as to eat, and exploring the tastes and textures of several different foods can be a good way to pass the time.
2007 Holiday Hot Spots (9)
As part of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca has welcomed many visitors back to live full time on the island. Menorca property has proved popular too, for those looking for a gentler pace of life than big sister Mallorca.
Experience The Exciting Cape Namibia Adventure Route (10)
When in season (July - September) this area turns into the most spectacular flower wonderland. Various small National Parks offer visitors unique views of this arid landscape. A small detour will bring you east to the Orange River and the Augrabies Falls.