Travel Etiquette | Colesville Travel

13 Ways on How to Improve Your Etiquette When You Travel

Cynthia Amin • November 30, 2020

Exploring a new destination and immersing yourself in the culture of the people is an immensely rewarding experience. However, if you take the time to observe the customs and travel etiquette of the places you visit you can have an even more rewarding experience.

There are some etiquette rules to being a tourist that are obvious, like being respectful and well-mannered to locals. However, there are other less obvious rules that are still very crucial to not only being a good tourist, but also a good human.

Listed below are 13 less obvious ways to improve your travel etiquette when you travel.

1. Learn About the Country

Before you travel anywhere, it is a good idea to be prepared and become familiar with the customs, history, and culture of your destination. Did any historic events occur there? What is the culture like? Is it a conservative country? Are you traveling during a holy time? If you prepare yourself, you will have a better experience and you will relate to the people better.

2. Ask Before Taking People’s Pictures

Never take a close-up picture of a person without permission. If the person is far away, it might be okay to snap a quick photo. Remember that under no circumstances is it ever okay to take a photo of someone grieving at a memorial site or cemetery. If you would like to take someone's picture, ask for permission, if they refuse back down immediately.

3. Be Mindful at Memorials and Religious Places

If you are taking pictures of a memorial or religious place, try to make sure no one is in the photo. People attend these places to grieve and they deserve privacy and respect. If you are at a concentration camp, cemetery or memorial park make sure that you're also respectful of your tone. These are not places to make phone calls, to laugh with friends, or to speak loudly.

4. Dress Conservatively if Necessary

If you're going to a conservative country, respect the culture. Dress as close to the locals as you can, both to show them that you respect their dress code, and for your own safety. If everyone else has their shoulder's covered, you should have yours covered, too.

5. Try to Learn a Little of the Language

Even though English maybe widely spoken, the locals will still appreciate your trying to speak a little of their language. A simple “Hello” or “Thank you” or “It was nice meeting you” in the local language will go a long way and will be appreciated. You can also use smartphone apps like Google Translate to assist.

6. Watch What Others Do

Before you open your laptop at a cafe or make a phone call in a museum, look around to see if anyone else is on their phone or computer. If you're tempted to take a photo of something but no one is taking pictures, perhaps there's a reason. Always scan a room for clues before you make yourself too comfortable.

7. Always Be Polite and Mind Your Manners

Trying local cuisine is a big part of exploring a new culture. The food may be both interesting and different and you might not like the taste. But always remember that it’s the traditional food of the country you’re visiting. So, remember to always be gracious and respectful of the country’s food, drink, dress, music, and lifestyle.

8. Be Prepared to Tip or not

Do some research regarding tipping at your destination. In some countries a gratuity is expected; in others it could be offensive. If you’re not sure, check with your tour guide. It’s always better to be prepared.

9. Only Bargain When Appropriate

Bargaining is a common practice in markets around the world. In some places, it’s expected and part of the culture. However, when bargaining is done disrespectfully it becomes uncomfortable for everyone. Keep this in mind when you start the bargaining process. Also, never try to bargain in a traditional brick-and-mortar store. Just because you are a tourist does not mean you deserve a discount. Knowledge is power and there are ways to find out what a good price is to pay. Ask a local at the hotel you’re staying at or ask someone that knows the country/region what they would pay.

10. Don’t Ever Litter

Littering is frowned upon in every country. Certain countries have public bins that are sorted according to the type of waste. Read the signs and adhere to the guidelines.

11. Always Be Patient

Even if you are in a rush, make sure that you are being careful and polite. If you are an avid traveler and are used to city life, it's easy to forget that you're a visitor. But when you're visiting a new country or culture, it's important to hold the door for people, walk at a respectful distance and pace, and not show signs of frustration when waiting for food or other services. Even if you are jet lagged and tired, late for an important event, if everyone around you is slow, or distracted, find patience. Remember you are a guest and it's not your place to demand fast service or the right of way. Keep in mind that it is an honor to visit. This should help you keep things in perspective.

12. Be Mindful When Taking Selfies

Taking a selfie in a foreign destination is very tempting. Like travel etiquette, you also have selfie etiquette. First, be careful about who/what you include in the background. Second, a selfie stick is not welcome everywhere. In some countries it can be seen as a weapon and museums don’t allow it as a rule. Be careful where you use it, and always keep the people around you in mind when you’re trying to find the perfect angle.

13. Be a Nice Person

Be your best you. Always keep your local hosts and fellow travelers in mind. Remember that all your actions have consequences. If you have mistakenly breached an obscure code of conduct in a foreign country, a sincere apology will go a long way

Listed above are common travel etiquette tips, customs and habits that we should all try to keep in mind when we travel abroad. Are you guilty of any of the above offenses when traveling? If so, please share your experience, we would love to hear.

Contact Colesville Travel at 301-989-1654 if you would like additional information or visit our website https://www.colesvilletravel.com

In the meantime, stay inspired

Cindy

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Before You Book That Group Trip: 8 Things Women Over 40 Should Look For

By Cynthia Amin • November 10, 2026

You have found a beautiful group trip online. The photos are stunning, the destination has been on your list for years, and the itinerary sounds exciting. Before you reach for your passport—and your credit card—pause for a moment. Not all group trips are created equally. A thoughtfully designed journey should offer more than transportation, hotel rooms, and a long list of attractions. It should provide the right balance of culture, comfort, connection, and professional support—especially for women over 40 who know how they want to travel. At this stage of life, we are no longer interested in returning from vacation feeling as though we need another vacation. We want meaningful experiences, quality accommodations, enjoyable company, and enough breathing room to appreciate where we are. Before booking your next women’s group trip, here are eight important things to consider. 1. Is the Itinerary Exciting or Simply Exhausting? Some itineraries look impressive because every hour is filled. But visiting five attractions, changing hotels, and rushing through meals every day does not necessarily create a memorable vacation. It may only create tired travelers. A well-designed group trip should have a natural rhythm. There should be exciting days, slower moments, comfortable travel times, and opportunities to explore without constantly watching the clock. Ask yourself: Will I have time to enjoy the destination? Are there too many early mornings? How often will we change hotels? Is there free time built into the itinerary? The goal should be to experience the destination—not race through it. 2. Are the Hotels Comfortable and Well Located? A beautiful hotel loses some of its appeal when it is far from restaurants, shopping, and the places you came to experience. For mature travelers, location matters. After a full day of sightseeing, you may want to walk to dinner, enjoy a nearby café, or return to your room without spending another hour in traffic. Before booking, look beyond the star rating. Consider the neighborhood, accessibility, room size, elevators, air conditioning, and proximity to the day’s activities. Comfort is not an unnecessary indulgence. It is part of a well-planned travel experience. 3. Does the Trip Go Beyond the Tourist Attractions? Famous landmarks have their place. You should absolutely see the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, and Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront. But the most memorable travel experiences often happen beyond the postcard view. Look for opportunities to learn about the destination’s history, meet local people, enjoy regional cuisine, explore neighborhood markets, hear traditional music, or discover stories that are often left out of standard tours. For many women of color, cultural depth and representation are especially important. We want to understand the full story of a place including the African, Indigenous, and diasporic influences that helped shape it. Meaningful travel allows you to return home with more than photographs. You return with a deeper understanding of the world. 4. Will You Have Time to Yourself? Group travel does not mean the group has to be together every minute. You may love the scheduled tours and group dinners while still wanting an afternoon to shop, visit a museum, enjoy the hotel spa, or simply sit at a café and watch the world go by. That personal time is important. The best curated group travel for women over 40 provides companionship without taking away your independence. You should have people to share the experience with and the freedom to enjoy part of it your own way. 5. Who Is the Trip Designed For? A trip can visit your dream destination and still be the wrong trip for you. Pay attention to the intended audience, group size, activity level, transportation, dress expectations, and overall travel style. A tour designed for backpackers will feel very different from a thoughtfully paced cultural journey for professional and mature women. Ask whether the experience matches what you value: Do you prefer a smaller, more personal group? Are you comfortable with the amount of walking? Do you want nightlife, relaxation, culture, or a combination? Will you feel welcomed and understood? The right travel group should feel comfortable not like you have to change who you are to fit in. 6. Is the Pricing Clear? A low starting price can quickly become much higher once you add transfers, tours, meals, gratuities, resort fees, and other expenses. Before paying a deposit, make sure you understand exactly what is included and what is not. Review: Accommodations Transportation between destinations Airport transfers Tours and entrance fees Meals Gratuities Travel insurance requirements Single-occupancy costs Optional excursions Deposit and cancellation policies A reputable travel professional should explain these details clearly so you can make an informed decision. 7. Who Will Support You Before and During the Trip? Beautiful marketing can sell a trip. Professional support is what helps the trip run smoothly. Who will answer your questions before departure? Who will provide travel documents and preparation guidance? If a flight is delayed, a transfer is missed, or something unexpected happens, who will help? After more than 30 years in the travel industry, I know that the details travelers never see are often the ones that make the greatest difference. A well-planned trip should include more than a reservation. It should provide communication, organization, preparation, and someone who understands how all the pieces fit together. 8. Does the Journey Feel Like It Was Designed With You in Mind? This may be the most important question. You should be able to picture yourself enjoying the trip not merely keeping up with it. A well-designed journey should reflect the way you want to travel now: comfortably, confidently, and with purpose. It should offer beautiful places, engaging experiences, enjoyable meals, thoughtful pacing, and opportunities for genuine connection. That is the philosophy behind Colesville Travel’s curated group journeys. Our Portugal Uncovered: Black Heritage, Wine & Coastal Beauty experience, September 23–October 3, 2027, was designed with these principles in mind. The journey combines Lisbon’s culture and African heritage, the beautiful Algarve coast, Porto, Portuguese cuisine, and the vineyards and scenery of the Douro Valley. It is not about seeing how much Portugal we can squeeze into a few days. It is about experiencing the country in a way that feels rich, memorable, and enjoyable. Choose the Experience, Not Just the Destination A destination may capture your attention, but the design of the journey determines how you will experience it. Before booking your next group trip, look beyond the beautiful photographs. Read the itinerary carefully. Ask questions. Consider the pace, accommodations, cultural experiences, free time, pricing, and professional support. You have worked hard for the opportunity to see the world. Your time and investment deserve a journey created with care. At Colesville Travel, I create thoughtfully planned international group experiences for women who value culture, comfort, connection, and expert guidance. If you are ready to travel but do not want to handle all the details or wait indefinitely for someone else to join you let’s begin planning your next meaningful journey. Visit www.colesvilletravel.com or call 301-989-1654 to learn more about Portugal Uncovered and other upcoming group experiences. The world is waiting. Make sure you experience it well. Cindy #GroupTravelForWomen #TravelForWomenOver40 #WomensGroupTravel #MatureWomenWhoTravel #CuratedGroupTravel #CulturalTravel #MeaningfulTravel #WomenWhoTravel #LuxuryGroupTravel #PortugalTravel #PortugalUncovered #TravelWithCindy #ColesvilleTravel