With summer holidays well underway, we thought it would be a great time to refresh everyone on Summer Holiday Etiquette. Why? Because the Columbia Valley is notorious for the amount of tourists that it attracts, and we would love to help spread a little etiquette knowledge to help out. Make sure to share this with your traveling friends!
Airport Etiquette
Air travel can be a joy, or it can be a serious hassle, and the outcome generally depends on you. Keeping some basic etiquette rules in mind will make the experience more pleasant for everyone and ensure that you pass through security and onto the airplane without a hitch.
1. Be as quick! Try to be as efficient and respectful as you can while loading your hand luggage on the security conveyor to be checked. Keep that efficiency handy so that you can unpack and repack your toiletries, laptops and other electronic devices.
2. Always queue in a patient, orderly fashion. Don’t be tempted to jump the line, or line up where you don’t belong, because it’s simply not fair to others.
3. Have your passport and boarding pass ready before you get to the front of the line.
4. Go straight to your assigned seat, do not pass go, and do not collect $200. Just stow your bag quickly without blocking the aisle for other passengers.
Tipping Tips
It can be hard, when traveling, to know what the right thing to do is, especially when it comes to tipping. That’s why we put together this tip guide for you!
1. Airport curbside check in: The convenience of checking in at the curb is worth a tip, we feel. Tip $5 for one bag, and $3 to $5 for each additional bag.
2. Taxi driver: A minimum of 10% up to 20% or more for a driver that assists you with your heavy luggage, doesn’t scare the daylights out of you while driving or taking extra long, drawn out routes to increase the fare.
3. Limo/town car driver: Some car companies include gratuity into their bill, but if not, you may choose to leave a tip. If gratuity is not included, tip 15% – 20% of fare.
4. Restaurant servers: As many restaurants do not include gratuity and many servers rely on it, we recommend a minimum of 15% to 18% tip, and 20% upwards for exceptional service.
5. Hotel bellman: Generally, $1 to $2 per bag, but if you only have one or two bags, make it worth the bellman’s trip and give the him $5.
6. Hotel room service: Check the bill first to see if gratuity has already been added. If it has not been included, tip 15% to 20% of the bill. It is not necessary to leave an additional tip for tray pick-up.
7. Bartender: If running a tab, tip 15% to 20% of the bill, or $1 to $2 dollars per drink. Dropping loose change in a jar when it amounts to a few cents is not acceptable patron manners.
8. Spa manicurist, esthetician, massage therapist: Check the tipping policy, as some spas do not allow gratuity, or it may already be included in the bill. If not, tip 15% to 20% of service.
Behaving at the Beach
We are fortunate enough to have several amazing public beaches for visitors to enjoy. Beaches are great places for your entire family to have fun – laying in the sun, playing in the water, pinicing and more! The beach can be a truly relaxing experience – as long as your fellow beachgoers adhere to the unwritten rules of beach etiquette.
1. Consider where you place your beach tent or umbrella. Make sure that you are not setting it up directly in front of others blocking their view, or in a way that will place another beach-goer in shade they may not want.
2. We get it, music can really make your beach experience. We just ask that you play your music respectfully – either put in your headphones or keep your volume low.
3. Always take your litter with you and dispose of it properly.
4. Consider whom you are surrounded with. Try not to be excessively loud, rude, or disruptive. It’s also wise to keep swearing down around young ones.
5. Some beaches allow dogs. If it does, ensure your dog is kept on a lead and under no circumstances should you allow your dog to get close to other people or their picnics.
6. Please swim in designated areas and always follow the lifeguards’ safety instructions, when possible.
7. If you are with children, keep an eye on them at all times. Do not allow them to kick sand or play ball games near other people.
Poolside Manners
The Columbia Valley has some amazing pools for your swimming pleasure, especially natural hot springs! All the rules of beach etiquette also apply to the swimming pool but be aware that different pools have different rules. These are usually displayed in a prominent place so take the time to read them before diving into the water but we’ll share a few we feel are extra important.
1. Yes, splashing can be very fun… for YOU. However, splashing can be very annoying to other swimmers. Teach your children not to splash excessively while in the pool and keep games to the shallow end.
2. Check that you have a clear space before diving or jumping into the pool to make sure you do not get in the way of oncoming swimmers.
3. It’s recommended you shower before getting into the pool to help keep the water free of waterborne bacteria.
4. Do not claim chairs if you are not going to use them imminently or consistently. That means not placing bags, towels or magazines on sun loungers and heading off for a long swim or meal.
Respect the locals
Can we get an amen? There is nothing more important than respecting the locals you’re visiting. Yes, different cultures have different rules for etiquette and manners, and no one expects you to know them all, however it’s always a good idea to have a basic understanding of the types of folks you’ll be spending time around during your vacation. Respecting local customs makes for a more relaxing and, ultimately, more fulfilling holiday.
1. Do not assume that everyone speaks the language you do. Try to learn some polite words and phrases in the local language such as ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘I would like…’
2. Be respectful of people living in the vicinity of your villa, B&B, apartment or hotel. That means being aware of the impact you’re having on those around you.
3. Keep noise to a minimum when returning from a night out, dispose of litter responsibly, and do not yell or play loud music.
4. Dispose of your trash only as directed. Do not leave it laying around on the ground, in hallways, or on picnic tables.
5. Leave the space in the same shape you found it, whenever possible.
6. Keep an open mind and embrace your surroundings by trying the local cuisine and venturing beyond the regular touristy areas.
7. Taking and posting photos of your destination is a key part of the traveling experience for many people but make sure that you are not intrusive. Always ask for permission before photographing bystanders or private houses.