Remember, you can make a difference as you explore our world this summer! Take time to smile, say “Good Morning” and sincerely display humility when interacting with drivers, flight attendants, pilots, restaurant personnel, janitors and anyone you may encounter in the service profession. Today, I want to share some personal experiences and tips as they relate to travel etiquette. I’ll also explain how you can enroll in my etiquette classes for adults and children here in the Dallas, Texas area.
Travel Etiquette = Kindness in Action
The first story I want to share with you was an interaction with my Uber driver. After he arrived at my location, I met him with four heavy bags over 50 lbs. In my head, I expected him to potentially drive away after seeing my luggage, but I smiled and offered to lift all of the bags myself. He insisted on helping me. I thanked him for being on-time and having such a clean car. I expressed gratitude for his impeccable service.
As we talked, he began telling me about himself and how he required his boys to have good manners. As I connected with him, he shared. I asked him questions about his family. In summary, remember to ask questions of others as you interact with them. This allows others to know you are interested in them as humans. By displaying humility and interest, you will aid in building a positive reputation towards travelers in all you encounter during your trip.
While recently traveling through the airport, I reminded myself that I teach etiquette and tried to utilize my skills learned in the field as well as all I have gained from The British School of Excellence and while studying etiquette in the UK. My first goal was to make eye contact with all who helped me and address them as Sir or Ma’am. I also made certain they could see my gratitude for their service. I must say, amongst the madness of DFW airport, I did not encounter one ugly or rude attendant. I distinctly remember the smiles I received from the attendants I encountered at McDonald’s. Wow! Sweetness and kindness overflowed. Even my pilot on the airplane stepped up and said “Hello” after I made eye contact.
If you should fail, quickly say you are sorry. After attending Royal Ascot in the UK this summer, our bus driver was a couple of hours late. I was furious…not because he was late, but because his tardiness would cause me to have to cancel a special engagement for my husband. I displayed frustrations, but the next morning, I pulled my instructor (who had planned the event) aside and said those beautiful words, “I am sorry for my lack of mercy.” I said that I understood that there were traffic circumstances that could not have been prevented. He smiled with a pause of relief. After that, we had a beautiful, productive day.
Travel Tips from an Etiquette Expert
We live in a world of hussle and bussle. Many of the disruptions to our personal agendas cannot be helped. When mercy is shown, mercy will be given. Take time to assess any situation by placing your agenda aside.
Last but not least, never be afraid to tip beyond the expected. It is those times in life when we give to the undeserving, we speak to the unspoken and we smile to the person who has no emotion, that we receive the tremendous blessing of a joyous attitude. Never evaluate what others deserve, but search your heart for what you feel is needed at the time. This is a prime example of Situational Awareness with Mercy 101.
Today, it is my goal to spread an infectious energy and enthusiasm towards all I encounter. I rely on my faith to reinforce my joy for life. Take time to create joy in all those who are working to make your life special.
Etiquette Classes for Adults Can Enhance Your Image in Dallas and Abroad
If you’re searching for “adult etiquette classes near me”, you’ve come to the right place. Lisa Burdette is a Dallas expert in travel and dining etiquette as well as social graces. She offers private etiquette classes for adults as well as group training for business corporations. Some of her clients include the Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas, TEXO (The Construction Association) and others.
Lisa loves working with her students of all ages to help them master international etiquette, travel etiquette and how to interpret body language in social settings. She helps her students learn how to dress appropriately in all situations as needed.
Ready to elevate your travel manners and social skills? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
Remember, gratitude followed by connection spells manners!
