A student’s essay on international relations had this telling paragraph: “In a US convenience store, I paid for my shopping and left the empty basket near the check-out counter. Without a word, the man behind me picked it up and put it in the stacking rack. I should have done that. I felt ashamed.” He must have felt relieved as well. He escaped getting a public lecture on “being considerate.”
Been there, felt that? We litter, “cut” our way into queues, push and shove while boarding trains, speak loudly while everyone else is silent. We play music, watch movies on the mobile in quiet trains. And indulge in this unpardonable act — scratch our message on monuments. We seem to believe that breaking the law and getting away with it is “macho”, it is occasion to feel like a hero. Apologising when caught is a cowardly act. Instead we say, “Oh, I’m in a hurry”, “Are you catching everyone?”, “I am new to this place, why pick on me?”
While wilful acts that border on the “boorish” are bad enough in our own streets, they are infinitely worse when exhibited abroad. We forget we operate under a different set of rules, we are in countries where civic rules are followed by all and unruly acts are severely punished. In some countries flinging a beer can in the street invites steep fines or time in lock-up, riding a mobike on the footpath is just not done. Breaking the law and getting punished is one thing. Much more is lost in terms of our nation’s reputation and honour. It is hard to fix that damage.
Being mindful
Rotarian B Sridhar, who is compiling stories of his travels across the world, wonders if our young travellers need a crash course in “travel behaviour.” “Why do our intelligent, tech-savvy, smart kids turn boorish while away travelling?” he asks. “Will someone tell them they are India’s ambassadors abroad?”
He lists specific instances that left him appalled. “Once, Indian youngsters on our coach tour occupied the back seat and began to drink. I wondered how they would manage the tight sight-seeing schedule, and one of them began to throw up. Quite embarrassing.” He wishes youngsters would not take off on their own while on a scheduled tour. “At one point, we had to backtrack to pick up people who had gone hang-gliding off schedule.”
College student Naren Pradhan, who grew up in California, would like Indian schools/colleges to include travel etiquette in the curriculum. “Lessons should include ‘Don’t litter, play music at reasonable decibel levels, speak softly and put back shopping items you pull out and don’t buy. And don’t throw trash into a marsh.’ This is a serious violation in California.”
Young people are travelling more than ever before. Their social media pictures show them in places once considered “remote.” Many of these places like the ones in the North-East look pristine, but will they remain so? Will we resist the temptation to chuck trash around, carve our love stories on protected surfaces, stop to let animals cross in forested areas? And definitely not enter areas barred for human entry?
Here are some do’s and dont’s of travel:
1.Learn as much as you can about the place you’re visiting. In Vatican you are expected to cover your knees and shoulders. Always tip the tour bus driver.
2.You are a visitor! Do not disturb the locals. Don’t expect them to make space for you on the train/tram/bus. Be courteous when you ask for information.
3.Follow rules. Read the sign-boards carefully. “No swimming?” Don’t.
4.Learn a few words/phrases of the local language. Instead of nodding vaguely, use native words for “yes”, “no”, “thank you”, “good-bye.” Find out the right way to greet. Is shaking hands okay?
5.Watch out for where you can take selfies. Selfie etiquette dictates that you should be mindful of whom you include. Find out if using a selfie stick is okay in places like museums and churches.
6.Mind your manners in restaurants. Order carefully and don’t leave a mess. Find the rules of tipping. Take advice from the tour guide.
7.Dress appropriately. Avoid offending local dress sensibilities. Ask: Are flip-flops ok in a place of worship?
8.Stand in queues, always. Walk through the queue corridors marked, don’t jump across the ropes.
9.Bargain only where it is allowed. Buy what you can afford, to help local economy. Don’t launch a haggling match.
10.Be polite. Made a mistake? Apologise!
