So, you are all packed, ready to go and excited about your upcoming trip or vacation right? If not, it’s time to get the excitement rolling. Travel is not only a perfect time for you to reconnect with the things that really matter and some relaxation as well, but it’s also a time for you to experience things that are new, completely different and adventurous.
The fact that you are going to be able to eat at restaurants that you never thought you ever would, experience a world class city, or escape into the stunning mountain wilderness, these are all things that you want to allow yourself to soak in every moment possible.
While, these should be the main focus of your mindset, having general travel courtesies will go a long way and might even get you some unexpected perks or even a new friend. Here are a few things to keep in mind while traveling that will not only enhance your journey to your exciting destination but also significantly lessen the chance for irritability and stress.
Airport Counter Courtesy
As we all know, sometimes your experience at the airport service counter can be a little bit stressful. This is when the saying a smile can go a long way; can really go a long way. Even though this is the job that the agent signed up for and want to pursue, dealing with the public non-stop can have its challenges. You will be very surprised when you say hello with a smile how they look at you and respond with so much appreciation. The simple fact that you are acknowledging they are there to help you will in turn provide you with excellent service.
Line Awareness
As a courtesy to those around you, be aware of the line that you are in. When the line starts to move, move along with it to keep the line moving at a steady pace and to allow room for others to get in the line in the back. Utilizing all the space in a line will create the illusion that the line is moving faster and will help to keep the irritation level down for those waiting.
Friendly Interaction
Being nice to one another and respectful will provide a much happier traveling experience for everyone. Pretty much everyone you interact with is excited about where they are going or where they just returned from including yourself.
Of course there will be situations or happenings that take place along the way that can cause irritation or annoyance, but just try to keep in mind that usually know one is doing anything intentionally to intrude on your wonderful time. Being polite to those that do know the meaning, in the long run will make you feel better and you’ll be able to forget about it and get back to your good time much quicker.
Patience
Patience is a virtue. This is a lesson that we all are tested on, sometimes multiple times in one day. Whether it’s waiting in line, ordering dinner, checking in at the front desk, or dealing with crowds, most tend to say that if you remind yourself that it will not do you any good to get frustrated or heated & that it will not change the situation, will do you a world of good to help you keep your cool.
In fact, you’ll be the only one that is going to get upset, so it’s just not worth it. Just try to keep that in mind the next time someone has changed their coffee drink order for the 4th time.
Flight Departures
We have all heard the flight attendants say, “please keep the aisle clear as soon as you stow your bag, so those behind you can get through to get to their seat”. This is so very true but yet still remains, one of the main reasons that flights are delayed. This is because the flight crews are not able to complete some of the safety procedures until everyone is seated and all bags are stowed and secured.
The sooner everyone is ready to go, the quicker the flight can leave and remain an on-time departure. Flight attendants are not trying to be brass when they keep announcing this, but they are required to keep the boarding process moving along as quickly as possible.
Flight Arrivals
In many ways, once a flight arrives it’s the first sign of our fast paced world & the everyone for themselves approach, instead of following the “love thy neighbor” motto. When exiting a flight, keeping common courtesy in mind is extremely appreciated by all.
Try to help those that need help getting their carry-ons down from the overhead bins and let the row before you get into the aisle to exit before trying to proceed yourself. This also keeps the flow of exiting the aircraft moving at a much faster pace. It’s pretty much guaranteed that no matter if you’re the first off the flight or the last, everyone will be waiting at baggage claim all together for their bags.
Baggage Claim
The baggage claim area can actually be one of the most hectic & dangerous areas of anyone’s travel itinerary. Why is this? When travelers form a single barricade around the entire baggage claim belt, it’s almost impossible for anyone else to get to their bag or to not hit someone else when trying to pull it off the belt.
Many travel industry experts suggest to stand back from the belt, and the when you see your bag step up and pull your belongings off the belt. Not only will this allow everyone the chance to identify their baggage quickly but will minimize those getting hit with baggage when others are trying to pull off their property from the belt.
Rental Car Counters
Rental car counters are often where you will find some of the longest lines and tests of patience. This usually tends to be because of all the offerings, standard procedures and questions that the agents are required to ask of each customer. These things are not allowed to be skipped over and each customer must initial everything that was discussed.
Things that customers can do to assist, is to have a lot of the information already filled out online once they make their reservation. More and more rental car companies are allowing more of the information to be completely filled out online and some even allow you to complete everything so when you arrive you can simply walk up to the car and leave.
Hotel Front Desks
At most hotels, you will find that they will do everything they can for you to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If there happens to be a problem when you are checking in, remember the saying “you attract more bees with honey”.
The front desk attendant will usually already be trying to do everything they can to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and with your added politeness, sometimes it will even result in you receiving an upgrade for a better room at no additional cost. If you do ever have a problem during your stay, contact the front desk immediately as they are the heartbeat of the hotel and will try to accommodate most requests as efficient as possible.
Interaction with One Another
Overall, just simple kindness and courtesy to others will make everyone’s travels even that much more enjoyable. Everyone will have little frustrations or annoyances, but at the same time, everyone has been looking forward to the adventure they are on for quite some time. In most cases, it’s not worth letting the little things be the experience of your destination.
These are the times when you should be having the best times of your life. Some travelers end up meeting others that become their best friends from that moment on, just because they simply held the elevator for them at the hotel or said hello while in line checking in. Human interaction is good for everyone and kindness goes a very long way.
(images:crowdinrailwaystation,liverpoolairport,securitylines,delayatlarnacaairportcyprus,lancefisher,boardingaplane,boarding,whatgoesaround,PhilWindley,frontdesk,venetian)