Take Good Manners on Vacation
After a snowier than normal winter and a terribly wet spring, the summer vacation season beckons. According to most reports, most Americans will forgo last year’s “stay-cations.” Instead, they plan to gas-up the family car or head to the airport for an old-fashioned get-up-and-go vacation, giving them loads of opportunity to practice good manners on the road.
If you’re heading out, keep the following best practices in mind:
1.vBefore you hang a “gone fishing” sign on your office door, change your voice-mail greeting to inform callers that you’ll be away on vacation. At the same time, create an automatic e-mail response detailing the dates during which you will be away. In both cases, provide the name and contact information for a person who can be of assistance in the case of an emergency.
2. Speed-up the security screening line by dressing for the TSA. Avoid layering clothing and lace-up shoes. Don’t forget any liquids you intend to carry with you must be stored in containers no larger than 3 ounce, and they must all fit into a sandwich bag.
3. Parents with vacationing children and business travelers must find common ground. If you’re a parent, please do explain to little Johnny or Suzie that they can’t spend a two-hour flight kicking the seat of the nice man who happens to be seated in front of them. And businessmen and women, remember you were a child once, too. Instead of seeing traveling tykes as the enemy, enjoy the wonder they express at the magic of flight.
4. Don’t forget to show your appreciation to all the service workers who make your vacation a delight. Give doormen a small gratuity each time they call a cab for you. Bell caps should receive $1 for every bag they help you move to your room. Leave a few dollars on your pillow for the hotel housekeeper. And after dining, reward good service with a 15% tip, superlative service with a 20% tip.
5. Before you return to work, consider taking one day to respond to all e-mails and voice-mails. Doing so will make your first day back in the office a little stressful.
If you've just started work as an intern, summer associate or new hire, your first vacation may be month away. However, when it's time for you to take a break, too, follow these tips and You'll be viewed as a real professional.
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