Travel always brings with it a whole lot of preparation. It’s not as simple as getting a ticket and flying off or driving away . The itinerary is the very first step and definitely the most important one. Your entire trip would be so much more stylish (yes, stylish) if you have a plan. It saves you the trouble of having to go to your destination and then trying to figure out what to do.
Make a list of the things you'd like to do, places you want to visit and things you want to buy. With all the help available online or with assistance from a travel agent, you could look up and choose where to go and what to do. Once you have a plan in place, making reservations becomes a whole lot easier. Be courteous when you deal with your travel agent or reservation staff, either on the phone or in person. If you are having trouble getting a reservation or the airfare you want, calmly ask for alternatives. ‘Could you please look again?’ works much better than, say, ‘Are you serious?’
Once all your reservations have been made, it is thoughtful to give a copy of the itinerary to a family member or anyone who may need it in case of an emergency. Include your hotel name, number and the dates you are likely to be there. To make the most of your travels, learn or read up as much as possible about courtesies, manners and taboos about the place you are travelling to.
Every country or place has it own unique gestures. For example, in China it is considered an invasion of privacy if you stare into another person’s eyes. When it comes to dining etiquette in China, it is completely acceptable to belch and slurp during a meal as it conveys that you are enjoying your meal and not being impolite.
There are a whole lot of websites that you could look up if you want to read up on customs and etiquette in different places.
Life at 30,000 feet is a different world altogether. As an air traveller, you are faced with the realities of dealing with security checks, flight delays, flying anxiety and meal adjustments. Patience, courtesy, flexibility and a sense of humour will serve you well at these times. It’s futile to get upset over things that you don’t have control over. How well you deal with airport staff and security personnel can determine how quickly you arrive at your destination.
Just the other day, when I was on a flight back from Mumbai, a co-passenger was in such a hurry to deplane that when he pulled down his oversized cabin baggage from the overhead bin, it landed on the head of another passenger.
Here’s some cabin-baggage etiquette that you could use: Start by holding it in front of you or behind you as you walk down the aisle. This way you avoid hitting the faces of passengers who are seated as you pass them. As soon as you reach your seat, put it in the nearest overhead bin available, taking care that you do not quash the belongings of other people. Offer to help co-passengers if they are having trouble lifting their luggage up.
˜≈ Last week a reader wrote in saying he was shy and wanted to improve his overall communication when speaking to strangers, especially young women. Here’s my advice to him: You must rely on yourself, because only you can change the situation.
Be confident at all times. If you meet a young woman for the first time, talk about common things like interests, hobbies, movies and the like.
These are excellent conversation-starters and you can find things to talk about from there.
(A weekly column in which Sulakshana Badani will answer your queries related to etiquette. Write to her at staystylish24x7@gmail.com)
