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TRAVEL ETIQUETTE

>travel etiquette tips from heather wiese alexander of BellINVITO

Travel etiquette has become a hot topic. I love to arrive in new cities, especially when I can also love the journey. Additionally, I have yet to encounter a person who can't relate to this subject. A word to the wise, when traveling, we're in this together. Learn how to be a good traveler and it will take you surprisingly far—happily.

If you're traveling today, you have extra challenges. Tempers are flaring. Pack some extra patience. Adjust expectations arrive a few minutes earlier. It will seriously make all the difference. I'm a busy last-minute traveler, which means getting to the airport the suggested hour or two early is not a happy place for me. That said, building an extra 20 minutes into my travel routine has been a trip-saver and an anxiety-reducer. I speak from experience, it's much easier to be patient and kind when you've taken care of yourself first.

My list of new travel-tweaks:

  • Leave 20-30 min earlier
  • Have an extra mask on-hand
  • Have my vaccination card next to my ID
  • Take 3 big, deep breaths before I put the mask on that's not coming off for several long hours

*Additionally, an investment in Clear and TSA-Pre have been well worth the time and money.

It has taken an education in the ongoing trends of travel combined with research into etiquette that exists in the world of transit—especially internationally, to form a set of travel tips you can rely on. If you have a question, we always love to give you a well-researched, reliable answer. Ask away. Buon viaggio!

LEAN BACK Yes, you can recline—slowly and politely. It's not recommended to ask permission, but a polite second of eye-contact that says, "I know you're there and I'm being careful," is recommended when possible.

TIGHT SQUEEZEThe middle seat gets both arm rests. It's their only luxury, don't deny them this little win.

WAIT YOUR TURNYou most certainly are a special snowflake—only, not when queuing. Remember status covers a whole group of people. Wait patiently behind those ahead of you in your same boarding group status. If you need to pass someone of lower airline status, it's polite to acknowledge them at an elevated fellow human status while doing so. (That just means be a little nicer than you have to.)

RISE TO THE OCCASIONStand up to let someone in or out of your row. No ifs, ands

GO WITH THE FLOW—OR MOVE OVERWalk left. Stand Right. Especially pay attention to corridors, escalators, and moving sidewalks.

PRIVATE MATTERSMaintain your beauty regimens and certainly all forms of hygiene in a bathroom. They are everywhere. Use them.

DRESS FOR SUCCESSSure, travel comfortably. However travel etiquette isn't about a mass-standard. While I love my athleisure wear as much as the next girl, wearing full workout gear on board is a no-go for an informed jet setter. Leggings and a hygge sweater? We won't fault you.

MANAGE YOUR SPACEKeep trash, limbs, and bags confined to your purchased area and not the common spaces.