Ah, travel! The chance to explore new cultures, indulge in mountains of delicious food, and collect enough Instagrammable moments to make your friends jealous.
But hold on there, globetrotting adventurer! Before you set off, let’s brush up on your travel etiquette. After all, nobody wants to be that tourist — the one everyone rolls their eyes at or mutters about under their breath for their annoying, or downright disrespectful, faux pas.
Using Solitaire Bliss’s review of naughty travel behaviors as our guide, here are five tips that will keep you from committing crimes against travel decency when you jet off on your next vacation.
1. Don’t Be a Space Invader
Airports and airplanes are battlegrounds for precious personal space. We’ve all seen it — the guy who manspreads in the terminal seating, taking up enough room to accommodate a small family reunion.
Numerous ways of taking up space crack the list of Solitaire Bliss’s most commonly observed naughty travel behaviors, from putting bags on seats in the terminal (75.47%), to lying down (63.14%), to stealing both armrests on the plane (58.79%)
Remember, your seat is meant for you, not your stuff. Taking up multiple seats in a busy airport just means fewer people get to sit down. While it might be tempting to spread out, limit yourself to one seat and stow your stuff underneath it. This ensures everyone has enough space to chill (or stress-eat airplane peanuts) comfortably.
2. Ask Before You Recline
The age-old airplane debate: to recline, or not to recline? Airplane seats are tiny, and not the comfiest for a long flight. But reclining can definitely spur some legroom wars. Reclining without asking is the top naughty travel behavior, witnessed by 75.47% of travelers.
To avoid becoming a meme-worthy villain in the next seat, consider this: A polite inquiry goes a long way. Ask your seatmate — or better yet, the person behind you — “Excuse me, would you mind if I reclined my seat a bit?” Simple as that! It shows courtesy and gives everyone a chance to adjust if needed.
3. Silence Is Golden
Airplanes are not concert halls, conference rooms, or daycare, though sometimes the crying baby might convince you otherwise. Loud phone calls — both in the terminal (74.08%) and on the plane (55%) — are an epidemic, according to Solitaire Bliss.
Respect your fellow passengers’ need for peace and quiet. Taking calls, blasting music, and sharing too-enthusiastic travel stories are probably best saved for when you’re off the plane. Put your phone on airplane mode (to the almost 40% of travelers who don’t — seriously, folks, it’s not just a suggestion!), use headphones, and keep the conversation volume to a minimum.
4. Be Mindful of What You Wear
Traveling is an adventure, yes, but not necessarily an olfactory one. Wearing strong perfumes and colognes can be very overwhelming in close quarters — something that 1 in 2 people observe about their fellow travelers.
Let the pilot, not your personal scent, transport everyone to an exotic locale. Tone down what you wear on your travels. Opt for lighter scents, or better yet, save the fragrance for a fancy night out once you land.
5. Embrace the “Golden Rule”
This one’s a classic for a reason: Treat others as you wish to be treated. Be patient with airport staff, smile at your fellow travelers, and offer a helping hand when you see someone struggling. Though vacationing is fun, the journey can definitely get hectic and stressful. A little kindness goes a long way in making your trip, and everyone else’s, more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Following these simple tips on your next vacation can make all the difference. You’ll be surprised how quickly a little courtesy can transform you from a “naughty traveler” into a top-rated tourist, leaving a trail of good impressions (and maybe a few envious Instagram followers) in your wake. Now get out there and explore the world responsibly!