Latest news with #traveletiquette
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The UK regions with the worst offenders for rising early and snapping up sunbeds - where does YOUR area rank
Everyone loves to blag a poolside spot in the sun – and this year has seen fierce battles between those looking to grab their loungers early. Even though most resorts prohibit the reserving of sunbeds, it's common to see them draped with towels while holidaymakers are off having their breakfast – a travel etiquette no-no. And now the worst-behaving Brits have been revealed – with one region coming bottom of the list. Those in the West Midlands are most likely to get up early when they're on holiday in order to reserve their sunbed. This was closely followed by people living in England's North West and North East, Wales and Northern Ireland. The results come from a YouGov survey of more than 2,500 UK adults, who were asked about their part in the so-called 'sunbed wars'. Those living in the South West and Yorkshire and the Humber are least likely to spring out of bed to snatch a lounger. Across the UK, 12 per cent of those asked admitted to this behaviour – with people in Northern Ireland and Wales just above the UK average, and Scotland coming in at 10 per cent. Though over one in ten revealed this habit, it marks a decrease from the 72 per cent who admitted doing so five years ago, according to GetYourGuide, an online marketplace for travel activities. Benjy Potter, a spokesperson for the company, said this shows that 'the days of getting up at the crack of dawn to simply sit are fading fast' – though footage on social media from this summer shows the dawn scramble is very much still a thing. But it seems that some habits are harder to break. The research revealed that almost a quarter of Brits still indulge in a full English breakfast at the airport before jetting off. Booze has been given a brush-off, with 30 per cent of UK travellers saying they drink less alcohol on holiday now than they did five years ago. Only 12 per cent admit having a tipple at the airport before flying, with those in the North East (18 per cent) most likely to hit up Wetherspoons for a pint. Despite this, many tourists are still playing up when abroad. This week, holidaymakers were left shocked as they watched a 'stampede' unfold for prime sunbed spots at a popular five-star hotel in Crete. It was sparked by influencers who wanted to take selfies 'all day' on them – infuriating other guests. Dozens of guests were seen charging towards available loungers as the pool opened for the day in chaotic scenes at Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa on the Greek island of Crete. And earlier this month, British summer workers got revenge on 'selfish' tourists in Zante who reserved sunbeds – by 'hiding' their towels and flinging them up trees. Waitress Millie Newsham, 20, was on her way back to her hotel room at 6am after a night out with friends last week when they noticed towels had been placed on sunbeds to reserve them. Footage shows the group dragging towels off the loungers, chucking and scattering them around the poolside. The Brits can be seen flinging the towels onto railings and a tree.
Fox News
5 days ago
- Fox News
Airline passenger sparks heated debate about bringing 'fragrant food' on planes
A flight passenger is asking fellow flyers for thoughts about a hot issue among travelers: Should people be "bringing fragrant food on the plane" while they're sitting in economy seating? Posting in the "r/unitedairlines" forum, the user said that he or she (the writer didn't specify) was "curious about people's thoughts on bringing food heavy on the aromatics on the plane to eat in the back of the bus." The individual went on, "I think it is somewhat inconsiderate given how mushed in we all are (everyone gets to smell Bob's lunch!)." The user added, "I'm mostly just wondering if I'm alone in finding it rude. Probably doesn't help that [the] dude who prompted the question is shoveling it in, so slurps accompany the smells." The post stirred the pot online. Redditors took to the comments section to share thoughts on the common issue. "I wouldn't bring food that is very fragrant on any class of service, or on a bus or train, or even on a shared car trip," said one user. "I think, just as you say, it's the right thing to be thoughtful of those around you." Another person wrote, "No, no, no, no, no and NO! [This] would be the same ignoramus [who would] microwave fish in an office." Joked another user, "I typically bring onboard a tuna fish hoagie with sliced onions and sauerkraut that I first warm up a bit by placing in my armpit for five minutes." One Redditor shared, "I will happily sit behind anyone peeling an orange; they smell amazing." Yet another user wrote, "I travel for work and have to eat when/where I can. It's usually on the go, sometimes with tight connections. So, if I'm hungry on the plane, I'm going to eat. People who haven't walked in my shoes don't get to judge me." "People with food allergies bring their own food," commented another Redditor. "People who haven't walked in my shoes don't get to judge me." "There aren't many airlines that handle requests for safe foods well. Trying to get a nut-free meal is incredibly difficult, but it's easy to get a gluten-free meal." Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," told Fox News Digital that passengers should be mindful of others. "Don't bring stinky foods on the plane," he said. Leff said that with airflow and filtration, smells, sprays or perfumes can be spread throughout the cabin. "Some airports sell barbecue, but saucy ribs aren't a great idea… Neither is Chinese food to go," said Leff.
Washington Post
22-06-2025
- Washington Post
Is it rude to ditch your travel partner for the airport lounge? We asked.
Traveling has always come with complications. Our By The Way Concierge column will take your travel dilemmas to the experts to help you navigate the unexpected. Want to see your question answered? Submit it here. As airport lounges crack down on crowds, some are getting stricter with guest policies by implementing new rules and higher fees. If you're a card-carrying member, but your travel companion is not, is it a faux pas to leave them behind for a little lounge time before your flight? All is fair in love and upgrades? Not quite. The airport lounge can feel like a port in the storm, an elegant oasis away from the chaos of the greater terminal. But they're not worth ruining a relationship over — or at least the start of a trip. 'Let's just acknowledge that these lounges are fine, but they are not amazing,' said Nick Leighton, co-host of the etiquette podcast 'Were you raised by wolves?' 'Like if the Qantas First [Class] Lounge was plopped into the middle of New York City, would it be the hottest restaurant or a lounge down? No, it would not.' In fact, 'there are a lot of lounges around the world where it is worse than the terminal outside,' Leighton added. But the allure of 'free' charcuterie and can be alluring, so let's figure out what to do in a lopsided membership situation. Tackling this question starts with establishing some context, says Jo Hayes, founder of First: who is the travel companion? If it's a colleague, Hayes says you may appreciate some time apart anyway. Leighton agrees, so long as you're talking about your work equal. 'It's sort of like every man for himself if you're at the same level,' he said. 'It's a little trickier if you're traveling and your boss doesn't have access. There's a little power dynamic there.' To avoid flexing on your colleague — superior, subordinate, whoever, really — Leighton says to part ways before you get to the lounge, maybe mentioning you're going to grab some food and you'll see them at the gate later. Mostly, you don't want to rub in your elite status. 'We want to be mindful of your companions' feelings; we don't want to embarrass them,' Leighton said. A loved one — like a family member or your romantic partner — is a different story. 'I think the default setting is that you don't go,' Leighton said. Lisa Richey, founder of the American Academy of Etiquette, Inc., had the same sentiment. 'Instead, find a quiet corner, have a coffee, and be fully present,' she said. 'This is a great opportunity to enjoy a human connection.' However, every relationship is different. Leighton pointed out that some couples appreciate a break from each other, they might not even choose to sit next to each other on the plane. 'In that case, have at it,' he said. 'Enjoy that lounge; enjoy that warm prosecco!' If you don't have that kind of 'separate togetherness' approach to your travel day, consider their reaction to a proposed split. How do you think that conversation is going to go? Will you hurt their feelings by even asking? And what kind of airport are you leaving them in? Is the terminal miserable and your lounge visit further salting the wound? Hayes says whatever the scenario, her No. 1 tip is to have clear communication before you decide. Here's her sample script: 'We've got a two-hour layover. How would you feel about my going into the lounge for that time? It feels a bit awkward, or rude, leaving you out here, so if you'd prefer I stay with you, just say so.' Frame the question in a way that's polite and demonstrates you have considered their feelings. You want them to feel respected, and that you don't want to do anything that would hurt them. 'This is what good manners are all about,' Hayes said. Plus, 'when people feel respected, they're far more likely to offer grace in return,' she added.
