In This Issue:
Travel Etiquette

Travel Etiquette - The do's and don'ts

When it comes to etiquette and manners, we know you should keep your elbows off the table and always bring a gift to a dinner party, but are these applicable everywhere in the world?

Flight Centre's Etiquette Guru, Adam Barralet, from Flight Centre Sheppard Centre in Toronto has travelled all over the world and has learned a lot of valuable tips along the way.

India

The typical greeting in India is called a namaste and basically involves placing your hands together in a prayer position under your chin and giving a bow. Handshakes are becoming more commonly used, especially in big cities but the namaste is always a safe choice if you are unsure if physical contact is appropriate. India is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.

Indians typically are friendly and talkative and will strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere at any time. Don't get taken aback if they ask personal questions and feel free to ask similar questions in response to your host.

There are certain actions to avoid in India. During conversation don't place your hands on your hips as this is seen as aggressive. Don't whistle, wink, use your finger to point or beckon, touch another's ear or point your feet towards someone. If you accidentally touch someone with your foot, apologize as the feet are considered unclean. Keep intimacy and physical contact, even hugging, to a minimum.

If you are a guest at somebody's home, arrive about 15 minutes late. Gifts are not expected in India when attending a private dinner party. Before entering the house remove your shoes. Indians always wash their hands before and after eating and will often also wash their mouth. Eat with your right hand as the left hand is used for what is considered "less clean" activities such as going to the washroom. It is polite to refuse the first thing that is offered to you, but then after that accept each dish or drink offered. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

When dining out in India you may be tempted to share the sumptuous new tastes with a companion. However never offer anyone, even your partner food from your plate, it will be viewed with disgust. There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that are served.

With different groups if you are unsure what to do, politely asking what is correct is a sure way to ensure no one if offended. Follow these guidelines and you should avoid any situations where you offend any of the 1.2 billion Indians.

Chile

Chileans may seem more like the straight Europeans than the typical, gregarious South Americans but they will soon warm. Although the initial greetings should be a firm handshake with eye contact, rapport will soon develop leading to men hugging and the women air kissing once on the right cheek. When greeting a group be sure to acknowledge the eldest first.

Like many South Americans, Chileans use both their maternal and paternal surnames. The father's surname is listed first and is the one used in conversation. If you know of any titles always try to use them. If no title exists then simply use "Senor" (male) or "Senora" (female) followed by the surname. When addressing older people with whom you have a personal relationship, they may be referred to as "don" (male) or "dona" (female) with their first name. First names are used between close friends - wait until invited to move to a first name basis.

In conversation Chileans have a couple of habits that you may not be used to. A common parting phrase is "I'll call you later". Don't waste your time watching your phone as it's simply a way of saying I'll see you again. Chileans will also interrupt you mid-sentence. Whereas you may feel this is rude, this is common practice in Chile. Take it as a compliment as it is a signal they are engaged and interested in what you are saying.

At the dinner table keep your hands visible. Wrist should rest against the edge and elbows should definitely not be rested upon the table. Keep your knife and fork in each hand rather than putting down your knife to eat as is the custom in North America. When pouring wine, use your right hand. If you are attending a home dinner party, bring a gift for the host. Flowers or candy are typical choices, just don't choose yellow roses (symbolizing contempt) or purple or black flowers (symbolizing death). When dining out, a ten percent service charge will be added to the bill. However it is expected that an extra ten percent tip should be paid for good service.

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