I am not sure what is happening with the general traveling public these days. But it seems like a lot of people need reminders of how to be a polite traveler. And after a recent work trip, where I experienced a lot of rudeness, I am ready to share some thoughts.
I’ve written about how to make travel more enjoyable. And the joy of bringing nice travel-sized toiletries on a trip. Those were fun posts to write! But sadly, on a recent work trip, I was reminded that we need to get back to basics. Because a few rude travelers are making the travel experience much worse off for the rest of us. So here are my thoughts on being a polite traveler.
Don’t carry on a bag that you can’t lift into the overhead yourself
I’m not going to get into the topic of whether you should recline your seat or not (I think you shouldn’t!) But there is a behavior that a polite traveler would never engage in. And sadly, I think this one is largely directed at the ladies out there. If you can’t heave and pull out your carry-on suitcase into the overhead by yourself, you have no business bringing it on the plane.
It slows everyone down boarding and deplaning when you stand there, looking helpless and silently pleading for some strong man to help you out. And I have no sympathy! If this seems like an impossible ask- it’s time for some upper body strength training. It’s a very easy thing to train for- just get a weight plate that’s close to your suitcase weight and start lifting it over your head. Add a squat too for some lower body work. You’re welcome.
Your hotel room and the hallway are not your house
On this last trip, I seemed to have terribly bad luck and got stuck on a hall with 5 women friends in 5 different rooms. They came in and out of each other’s rooms, slamming the door with each entrance and exit. They were laughing and talking in the hallway right outside my room. They were socializing in the two rooms on each side of mine until 2am.
Let’s get something straight here- no one wants to hear anything you do in your room or the hallway. It is your job, as a polite traveler, to be as silent as possible. No talking in the hallway. No making any noise whatsoever after 9pm.
And in the morning, around 6am, I heard one of them blasting music from her phone in the bathroom while she got ready for the day. Unbelievable. The fact that I even need to mention this is a sad commentary on the state of this country. Luckily, I was already awake because I was trying to get a workout in…Which leads me to this next one.
Don’t be nasty in the hotel gym
This one is directly mainly to the gym bros out there. I get it- you are a strong, tough guy. But guess what, women like to use weights too. So scoot over and for god’s sake, wipe down your equipment. Because it’s super gross to workout right after you.
And for the hotel operators- you can turn the gym music off completely. No one needs to hear it. 100% of people are wearing headphones and listening to their own music. For the love of god, turn it down at least.
But there were a few glimmers of hope…
2 men offered to help me with my bag at the Hertz shuttle. 3 guys actually got up to give me their seats! When people are being so nice, it’s the right thing to thank them profusely. And whereas I used to turn such offers down (I can lift my own bag! I don’t need a seat- I’m not old!) I actually have started taking people up on them. I know when I make similar offers, it actually feels good to have someone take me up on it. I assume those guys felt the same way.
And if it makes it more likely that they’ll make the offer again in the future, well, that’s an added bonus!
