With All Due Respect—A Very Short Course in Travel Etiquette

No one wants to be told how to behave, and I certainly don’t want to preach, but as our culture becomes more casual, we’ve all developed a pretty laissez-fair approach to what’s expected in different social situations.

So, at the risk of sounding a bit school-marmish (and I apologize in advance if that’s how this comes off), I wanted to offer this gentle reminder that there are still some cultural rules that differ not only from country to country but also from one part of our own country to the next.

Whenever we travel, even within our own borders, we’re guests of the place that we visit, and to be a good guest we need to know and respect our host’s cultural expectations. There are many books and Web sites these days that offer quick courses in the cultures of various countries—from Italy and France to Japan and China—so that travelers for business or pleasure can be assured that they won’t inadvertently offend.

But when we’re in our own country we may forget that those differences still apply. People in the South, for example, are known for their gracious hospitality, but what goes along with that Southern charm is an attachment to old-fashioned etiquette and a dress code that leans toward formality—dresses, stockings, and heels for the ladies and jackets for the gentlemen.

People on the West Coast tend to be more casual and friendly, but they are also, in general, more environmentally aware and health conscious than those in other parts of the country.

And in the North East we can expect a faster pace and a more competitive spirit. Particularly in the big cities, there’s a “let’s get to the point and get on with it” attitude that can sometimes be disconcerting to those accustomed to a more leisurely approach to life.

So, wherever you’re going, learning what you can of what to expect and what’s expected before you get there can insure a more pleasurable experience for both you and your “hosts.”