Returning Home, with Thanks
Returning home from vacation can be bittersweet. On the one hand, you’re glad to be home to your familiar surroundings and the comfort of being back in your own space. On the other hand, there might be a bit of a letdown after the change of scenery and routine you experienced while traveling and visiting other regions of the U.S. or another country. But, the fact remains that your vacation is over and it’s time to go back to school or work.
Global Etiquette
Globalization has transformed the workplace, making everyone more sensitive to the various cultures that the diverse workforce has produced. Technology has brought nations closer together, and today we Americans work with people from all over the world and of various backgrounds.
But it’s a bit different working with people of diversified backgrounds at work than when we travel to other countries and find ourselves on different turfs where the local customers often are quite different from ours. In those cases it behooves Americans to know the proper etiquette and protocol of the country to which we have traveled, whether we’re there for business or pleasure.
Airline Travel Etiquette
Although airline travel has become increasingly complicated and challenging, it is also increaslingly popular this summer and flights are crowded. You can expect delays due to weather, equipment issues, flights backed up and other conditions.
The formula to make your air travel as pleasant and efficient as possible is: preparation + good manners = successful air travel. The following tips will help your travel to be safe and enjoyable:
Bicycle Etiquette
Whether you travel by bicycle for recreation, such as touring or mountain biking, or you use your bicycle to get to or do your work, there are the rules of the road and the rules of etiquette to follow.
The important fact to remember when you are bicycling on the highway, trail or city street, is that you are on one of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. But, it’s not just other vehicles with which you must contend; expect to encounter pedestrians (including children, people pushing strollers, disabled and elderly people), dogs, deer, horses, other bicyclists, etc. Many motorists resent bicyclists on the road because they are afraid they are going to hit a bicyclist; many pedestrians resent bicyclists on the trail and city streets because they fear the bicyclist will run into them. Bicyclists have been known to flout the law by speeding, running red lights, disregarding pedestrians, failing to signal properly, riding erratically or in a driver’s blind spot. Bicyclists are frequently viewed as nuisances on the road, trail or in the city.
;)
Outer Space Etiquette
Would you like spend your vacation – or at least part of it – on the Moon? That might be possible if a company called Space Adventures, Ltd., has its way; the company is one of a growing number of businesses focused on offering private citizens seats on space capsules for travel in outer space. So, while we’re on the subject of vacation etiquette and summer travel, in honor of the 43rd anniversary of the U.S. Moon Landing on July 20, 1969, I’m devoting this entry to the future of commercial space travel and evolving outer space etiquette.
Rider Etiquette
My only experience with a motorcycle was as a passenger on my date’s ride when I was in my mid-20s; he was a few years older than I and a rather conservative banker, and I thought it was such a groovy idea (that’s how we talked back then). Alas, it was the kind of experience that was akin to a ride on Space Mountain, meaning that once is quite enough, thank you very kindly.
The image that many have of motorcyclists, also referred to as bikers, riders and cyclists, is that of rebels and even road terrorists. But, I can assure you that my banker was neither; he just liked to ride his motorcycle. And, I have cousins who ride motorcycles and they are a highly educated, highly accomplished bunch.
Fourth of July Barbecue Etiquette
For many Americans, nothing says summer has arrived like a Fourth of July celebration. Roughly two weeks following the summer solstice, The Fourth is a great marker for the seasonal passage.
There are many ways we Americans celebrate The Fourth. Among the favorites is the barbecue; following are some etiquette guidelines to make them even more enjoyable:
On The Road – The Car Trip
In addition to crowded beaches and long lines, traveling to one’s vacation destination can test the mettle of the politest among us. Many road conditions are simply out of our control, but how we behave and react to them is most definitely within our control. That’s where etiquette for the road comes into play.
Lining Up With Etiquette
Historical sites, natural wonders and theme parks are popular vacation destinations. Such vacations often include standing in long lines – or queues as they’re called in some regions – or waiting along crowded parade routes. Few people enjoy them, but lines are a reality of the vacation experience, whether you’re waiting for admission to an attraction, ride, exhibit or restaurant table. Depending on where you are while waiting in line, you could strike up some interesting conversations and learn something about the place you’re visiting, or have some visiting time with your friends and family members.
Following are some guidelines to make standing in line – or lining up -- more tolerable and pleasant for everyone:
Don’t Forget to Pack Your Manners
Everyone looks forward to summer. Regardless of whether you have plans to go away or not, the nature of summer seems to slow time and evoke a feeling of being on vacation if only on the weekends. With its warm weather, sunshine and evenings fragrant with honeysuckle summer sets the stage for cookouts, picnics, trips to the beach, lighter clothing, relaxing evenings and a drift toward leisure time. Summer is vacation time because for many it’s the most convenient time of year to take off time off from work.
Jeanne Nelson 