Taking luggage, along with the massive black cases for the camera equipment, to film at Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) for my public television series, was quite an endeavor! I chose to wear my riding boots on the plane. Lady Carnarvon and I rode together in the episode. I did not want to take the chance of them being lost in my luggage... anyone who rides can understand how cherished their “broken-in riding boots” are!
Whether you travel around the world or domestically, being a polite traveler is tantamount to being a thoughtful houseguest... the kind people appreciate and want to invite back to visit! Once you leave your local “kingdom,” you enter into new territory where customs, food, accents or language can vary. Yet, kindness and respect for others will always be your finest asset, anywhere!
Assisting someone with their suitcase, whether picking it up off the baggage carousel or offering to help someone struggling to place a heavy carry-on in an overhead bin, is often appreciated. On my last flight to Ireland, an elderly gentleman offered to help me, but prefaced his offer by saying, “I hope you will not be insulted if I offer to help… but I would be happy to assist you if you would like me to!” It was brilliant manners on his part. By prefacing with respect for my independence as a woman, he was then also able to be chivalrous and useful, and his help was greatly appreciated!
If you are entering a shop or a business in another country, ask them, preferably in their native language, if they speak English. Just presuming that they speak English is often considered arrogant.
On that note, while there is no need to take an intensive course, everybody appreciates hearing a few particular words in their own language. Learning words and phrases like “thank you,” “please,” “pardon,” or “my apologies,” convey genuine interest in the culture you’re visiting and go a long way in setting yourself apart as a visitor.
Take off your sunglasses when meeting someone. This is applicable anytime, anywhere! It is pretentious to think that the other person does not need to see your eyes, including Customs Officers!
Have some form of crafts, books, or toys to entertain your children. Little ones are not always interested or amused with the telly available on a plane.
Dress appropriately when you travel... Well, that is a whole other newsletter!
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There was a massive amount of camera equipment, and we were so grateful to park our Fox Hall Productions van in front of Blenheim Palace by the Private Apartment’s front door! VIP!
Forbidden Faux Pas
No-no: Not to study how people greet each other in the cultures you’re visiting. While in Europe and America the handshake is largely the go-to gesture, it can very broadly in other cultures. In Japan, for example, direct eye contact and a smile can be considered confrontational. In some middle eastern countries, tradition suggests that men simply raise their right hand to their heart when greeting a woman, rather than making physical contact.
What is done: Just as you would for a visiting houseguest, a little pre-work and studying of the culture you’re visiting will convey a more elegant demeanor and, overall, will enrich your traveling experience more!