The travelling world we live in is becoming a little less patient. All you need to do is look to our neighbors to the south to see that the numbers of unruly passengers on airplanes is on the rise.

Being a good traveller does not mean you accept crappy service or if you feel you have been ripped off or taken advantage of. You still need to advocate for yourself when such incidents arise, but you can do so in a firm and respectful way to ensure you get some satisfaction.

With this in mind, we thought we would ask some of our customers what they think would be their top tips when it comes to being a good traveller, whether it is in a group tour or travelling on your own. Here is a list, in no particular order, of suggestions we received on how to get the most of your vacation, so you come home with amazing memories and more knowledgeable on the people and places you have just visited.

1. Travel with an open mind and be polite – Canadians are known as a friendly lot, and we are recognized for this around the world. When we travel, it is an exciting and fun experience. Not many people are unhappy when they travel. It is good to have an open mind about the places we visit. It is very rarely the same as what we have at home and that is the intrigue of travel. If you want that you have at home, you stay home. Patience, respect, kindness and showing an interest in the people and places you visit will help you enjoy the experience. The people you visit are as proud of their home and where they live as we are of our home.
2. Expect the unexpected – As a Tour Director, this happens more than you realize. We just don’t let you see us sweat. There are times when circumstances are beyond our control and we have to make adjustments. Traffic, weather, protests (it happened in Barcelona) and events occur that may make some visits and activities almost impossible. It is best to “roll with the punches” and make the most of a bad situation. Yelling at a hospitality worker who is so far down the management chain will not do anything but make the situation worse.
3. Explore and experience – When you visit a city for the first time, you should explore and experience as much as you can. Do your research before hand to see what may interest you. Ask your Tour Director or hotel staff for safety tips if you are traveling alone or with a partner. Try new foods for the first time. Ask locals for directions if you feel you are lost. Use Google translate or download an APP if you need assistance with interpreting language. Sometimes your favorite memories are when you do get lost and you get off the beaten path and see things most tourists may not have seen.

   

4. Travelling with a group – Perhaps one of the most important aspects of group travel is being on time. When we create tours, we try and fit as much in as possible and allow for free time for you to explore on your own. We create a schedule so we can maximize our time and it is a Tour Director’s dream when we have everyone onboard and we gain 5 or 10 minutes of our day. When travelling with a group and your guide or Tour Director is speaking, we would like your attention. We make a joke of it sometimes but you wouldn’t believe the number of times we give instructions and need to repeat them because someone was not paying attention. Also it can be distracting to others around you when you are talking loudly so please be considerate of other travellers and your tour leaders.

   

5. Phone hack and data – If you travel with a cellphone, you can use it more for just taking pictures or texting. One great suggestion was to take a picture of your passport, drivers license, medication lists and emergency contacts incase you lose your originals. Also be prepared with having a battery backup and the correct adapter if travelling internationally. Most important is you have a password or facial recognition on your phone incase it gets lost or stolen. Protect your data.
6. Packing – The old adage of “pack half as many clothes and twice as much money” rings true when travelling. You really do not need all the clothes you feel you need. You can wear outfits multiple times and if you are multiple nights in a hotel, you can hand wash small items and air dry when necessary. If you are travelling as a couple, a good tip is to put half your clothes in your other travelers’ suitcase. This will ensure that you are not stuck for what to wear of your suitcase get lost in transit.
7. Be in the moment – Taking pictures is an important part of travel. But it is also important to be in the moment and take in the scenery of the places we visit. If you are constantly taking pictures and looking through a lens, you may miss a memory that you can capture in your mind that will stay with you forever. It could be something far away that your camera would not even pick up. It could be a smell or sound that goes with the place you are visiting. And really, how many times have we gone back and looked at our photos and had no idea what we were looking at?
8. Rest stops – We try to schedule rest stops every 2 to 2 ½ hours. It is important to make best use of them, especially when it comes to a washroom stops. There may be a washroom on the bus but the driver may not open it, especially on European trip. You will be more comfortable onboard when you are not wondering when the next stop is going to be.

Hopefully these tips will help you get the most enjoyment from your travels. Travel is a great way to expand your knowledge of the world, appreciate what you have seen and the people you have met. You may realize we have a lot more in common than we realize. Family, friends, good food and a hearty laugh is important no matter where you live. Safe travels!