• Try to learn some of the language of the country that you are going to. It might really help you with the locals, no matter how poorly you speak it.

• Do research on customs and cultural sensitivities of the country you are going to.

• Dress appropriately. Inappropriate attire may restrict admission to many places, such as museums, restaurants, theatres, temples etc.

• Be careful when using gestures in a foreign country. It might have the opposite meaning in the visiting country.

• Learn the rules and obey them. In Singapore, for example, chewing gum is illegal and so is littering.

• Ask before taking pictures or videos at certain venues. You might violate the law and photographing people without asking their permission violates personal rights.

• When driving in a taxi, don’t get impatient, angry, frustrated or huff and puff in the back seat if you are stuck in traffic. It’s not the cab drivers fault.

• Have your business card translated to the language of the country you are visiting. Make sure it is translated correctly and be careful about colours used. In the country of your destination it might have a different meaning.

• Do not disturb other air travellers if they are wearing headphones, are listening to their iPod, are reading a book or have their eyes closed. These are signs that a person does not want to be disturbed, therefore be respectful!

• Don’t read from other people’s laptops or look over their shoulder reading their books, letters etc.

• Sit in your assigned seat. Don’t pretend you wouldn’t understand the numbering system.

• Be kind to the person in front of you (and don’t grab their seat back when you get up) and the person behind you (don’t recline your seat back rapidly).

• If you need to get up in an airplane, do excuse yourself. Try not to wait until the person on the aisle has just dozed off.

• If the person ahead or behind you is struggling with their bag, be kind and give them a hand.

• Start getting ready while you are in line (taking off your coat, shoes, etc.) before going through the metal detector (at airports).

• If on a bus or train you notice a disabled, an elderly or pregnant person who can’t find a seat, stand up. If you see a group of people travelling together, it would be a good idea to move to a different seat, to allow them to sit together.

• Don’t turn your iPod up full-blast. Respect others’ privacy and keep your tunes to yourself.

• Don’t spread out your briefcase, snacks, magazines etc. on the seat next to you.

• Treat the conductor in the bus or train politely. Make sure you have your card ready so when he comes by, he doesn’t have to wait.

• Let passengers off the train first before you get on.

• Don’t think your bag or suitcase is entitled to a separate seat.

• Don’t sit with your legs as wide apart as possible.

• Take a shower beforehand or use a deodorant, body odour can put off other travellers.

• Don’t stare at other passengers.

• Don’t make a mad rush for the doors as they are about to close.

• Don’t block the doorways (particularly during rush hours) so that people can easily get in and out.

• Stand on the right when travelling on escalators (in London underground at least!)

• If your kids come along, control them. Give them whatever they want, so that they keep quiet. Don’t allow them to scream at the top of their lungs, to run around or poke people.

• Gather your trash and put it in the trash receptacle as you exit the train. It is allowed to leave a current newspaper neatly folded on your seat for the next commuter.

• If service is good, don’t forget to tip your taxi driver. This will vary from country to country.

Thanks for your interest, Karin Schroeck-Singh