The Art of Travel Etiquette: Mastering the Bon Ton of Being a Globetrotting Gentleman (or Lady)

Ah, the joys of travel. The gentle hum of airplane engines, the rush of wind in your hair as you lean out of a train window, and the exotic smells wafting from street food vendors in lands far from home. Traveling is a privilege, a pleasure, and—let's face it—sometimes a test of patience. You, dear reader, might be a seasoned traveler or someone just dipping their toes into the vast pool of global exploration. Either way, one thing is certain: how you travel matters just as much as where you travel.

2/5/20254 min read

Let’s talk about bon ton, or, for us Americans, good manners. Specifically, the kind of good manners that make you a joy to encounter rather than “that guy” (we all know that guy). Travel etiquette isn’t just about following rules; it’s about creating harmony in spaces where people from different walks of life converge.

And trust me, as someone who has had his fair share of misadventures on the road, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a good traveler—and what makes people wish you’d stayed home.

Chapter 1: The Airport Chronicles

Picture this: You’re in a TSA line at JFK, fumbling for your ID while the person behind you taps their foot loud enough to rival a Broadway percussionist. You're holding up the line, sweating through your jacket, and somewhere in the process, you realize your passport is... in the suitcase you just checked.

Lesson learned? Preparation is everything. Good airport manners begin at home. Keep your essentials (passport, ID, boarding pass) accessible. If you're the kind of person who gets flustered, take a deep breath. Nothing says "I've got this" like calmly removing your laptop from your bag while the TSA officer nods approvingly.

Oh, and let’s not forget the boarding process. It’s not a competition, people! The flight isn’t leaving without you. If you’re in Group 4, don’t linger around the gate as though you might miraculously get upgraded to First Class. And for the love of complimentary peanuts, wait for the poor soul in the aisle seat to sit down before launching your carry-on into the overhead bin.

Chapter 2: Planes, Trains, and Personal Space

Speaking of planes, let’s address the age-old debate: To recline, or not to recline? I’ll tell you a little story. Once, on a flight to Tokyo, the person in front of me reclined their seat so abruptly that my laptop nearly became a permanent part of my kneecaps. Did I grumble under my breath? Sure. Did I gently tap their seat and ask them to reconsider their life choices? Absolutely.

The rule here is simple: Be mindful. Recline slowly, check behind you, and remember that a few inches of space might mean the world to the person typing furiously on a tray table.

On trains, it’s all about shared spaces. Feet do not belong on seats, no matter how long your day has been. And headphones exist for a reason—no one needs to hear your playlist or your Facetime call with Aunt Linda.

Chapter 3: The Hotel Code of Conduct

Ah, hotels—the traveler’s oasis. But even in a space designed for comfort, there are unspoken rules. For example, do not—I repeat, do not—hoard the complimentary toiletries as though they’re rare artifacts. Yes, the mini shampoo bottles are cute, but taking a dozen of them isn’t cute. It’s borderline kleptomania.

One time, during a stay in Rome, I heard a couple in the next room yelling at housekeeping because their towels hadn’t been folded into swans. Swans! Let me tell you, nothing screams “ugly American” like demanding origami towels. Be kind to the staff. They’re juggling a million things, and a simple “grazie” can work wonders.

Chapter 4: Street Smarts and Market Manners

When you’re exploring a new city, especially one with vibrant street markets, remember: Bargaining is an art, not a war. Haggling is part of the culture in many places, but there’s a fine line between negotiating and being downright rude. Once, in Marrakech, I watched a fellow traveler argue over the equivalent of $2 for a handcrafted scarf. The vendor eventually just walked away. Moral of the story? Know when to stop.

And let’s talk about taking pictures. Not everything—or everyone—is a photo op. I’ve seen tourists shove cameras in the faces of street performers, monks, and even children without so much as a “may I?” Always ask permission. If you wouldn’t like a stranger snapping your picture at Starbucks, why would a flamenco dancer in Seville feel any different?

Chapter 5: Food, Glorious Food

One of the greatest joys of travel is food, but this is also where many travelers stumble. Here's a tip: Be adventurous, but not obnoxious. If you’re in Vietnam and someone offers you balut (a fertilized duck egg), it’s fine to politely decline. But don’t gag dramatically or launch into a speech about how “we don’t eat stuff like this back home.”

Also, learn a few words in the local language to show appreciation. A simple “delicious” (delicioso in Spanish, délicieux in French, or aroi mak mak in Thai) can earn you smiles—and maybe even an extra helping of dessert.

Chapter 6: Leaving a Place Better Than You Found It

Finally, the golden rule of travel etiquette: Leave no trace. Whether you’re hiking in Yosemite or wandering the cobblestone streets of Dubrovnik, respect the environment and the local culture. Dispose of trash properly, follow posted signs, and remember that you’re a guest.

One of my most humbling moments came while visiting a remote village in Nepal. A local guide pulled me aside and gently asked if I could pick up a plastic bottle I’d accidentally dropped. That tiny gesture taught me a big lesson: Respect isn’t just shown to people—it’s shown to places, too.

In Closing: Be the Traveler You’d Want to Meet

At the heart of good travel etiquette is empathy. Imagine how your actions affect others—fellow travelers, locals, and even the environment. Be curious, kind, and adaptable. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself.

So, pack your bags, brush up on your bon ton, and go see the world. Just promise me one thing: Don’t be that guy.

Safe travels, my friend. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.