This week on the Friday Five, we’ve got more tips on traveling etiquette. As you are traveling the world you are often encountering many cultures and people along the way. These tips should help you not become disliked by those around you. Simple things that can take you far.
Aww Brock! You’re sweet! Yes, always be nice to old ladies!!
Such a great list. I remember sitting outside the metro station in Kuala Lumpur, a modern city, only to see two foreigners walking around without shoes as if it were their backyard. Come on!!!! Wear some shoes.
And god yes the smelly people are even worse. So disrespectful to smell like crap and expect people to actually want to be near you.
The #1 is another classic, though it’s something I think we all do sometimes. Or at least I can’t claim to have never done it. But I try not to.
Love tip #1… I haven’t even launched on my rtw yet and I already get a sense from some travel bloggers that they think very highly of themselves and their worldliness. I will definitely keep this in mind as I travel.
Love the tip about talking to the elderly. I have to say that my favorite part of Chiapas was talking with an older gentleman who developed the El Panchan community. He was amazing and talking with him was one of the things I looked forward to the most on the 2nd trip back. I can’t wait to interact more with the true pillars (elderly) of the community when we travel.
Hey Brock. I think this is your best frday five yet. Youve become very informative and natural in front of the camera now and it makes for good video. Keep up the good work. Cant wait to see more of Europe from your perspective! Safe Travels
Tip #1 is great because I think every traveller will encounter this. Whether you’re backpacking or taking a luxury cruise, there are often those people trying to one-up everyone else with the places they’ve been and seen and things they’ve done. Instead of just enjoying each others’ adventures, no matter how big or small.
And as for the other tips, they’re great. And as Aretha said, it’s all about R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Respect those around you. Respect the locals (you’re in THEIR home). Just show respect.
And as for the grungy backpacker stereotype(!). As the famous Tim Gunn said: If you want to dress as though you never got out of bed, don’t get out of bed! It IS important to be comfortable when travelling. But with a little pre-trip planning it’s easy to be comfortable, wear respectable clothing, and do it for cheap 😉
Great tips Brock! Glad to know that I fall into your catagory of ‘old ladies’. I love talking to you and I enjoy how nice you are too me! Miss you.
@Donna – I learn such interesting things from Old Ladies. And they are always curious and worried about my safety. I’ve had to email old ladies from trains to let them know I made it to my next destination.
@Jason – Glad you like the tips. We are in other people’s space and homes, a little respect is due.
@Jenneil – Yes, it’s important to stay grounded. People can get cocky, but we are all on different adventures – there is no reason to ‘1-up’ anyone. It’s not a super mario game.
@Jordan – WOW! Thanks Jordan. Such a compliment. Glad to see you can see my progression. Slowly but surly I am saying umm and ahh less often. I appreciate the encouragement. These videos take a lot of work so positive feedback is always helpful to keep me going.
@Darren – Yes, Aretha did say it best. R-E-S-P-E-C-T! THanks Darren!
@Kim – You are anything but an old lady, honest. That said I do enjoy talking to you so, if you prefer that category well, we’ll make it work.
Hi Brock, that’s excellent advice!! I enjoyed your video. I need to comment on the “little ” old ” lady”….I am finding lately that “older” people do not like to be referred to as “little old ladies” and lots of older ladies aren’t even little. I wonder how me feel about this? I’m also finding that some older folk do not like to be fussed over………..how strange our world is that there is so much individuality……….lol I guess it all boils down to “dignity and respect” for everyone.
Thanks Brock,
Kate
that room looks awfully familiar =p xxx
@Kathleen -Yes, dignity and respect is key. As for the little old ladies, I’ve found many here in England and they seem pleased as punch with their description. They were certainly little! Thanks for the comment!
@Carlea = Yes, yes it does.