| "body"> | | | | other than English, make an effort to learn important |
| There are plenty of travel stories about "ugly | | | | phrases. You should be able to understand and return |
| Americans." Usually, these travelers aren't aware they | | | | greetings and ask simple questions. When you use |
| are doing anything wrong while on vacation. But if you | | | | English, speak clearly and without slang, paying close |
| aren't aware of local customs and etiquette, offending | | | | attention to other people's reactions to determine if |
| those around you may be inevitable. Though you will | | | | you are being understood. But do not expect to be |
| find that the uniquely Caribbean hospitality and slower | | | | accommodated with English translation everywhere |
| pace of Aruba tourism are markedly different than | | | | you go. Traveling to foreign places always involves a |
| anything in the U.S., adjusting isn't nearly as difficult as it | | | | compromise. |
| seems. As you enjoy all of your activities in Aruba, | | | | If you find yourself staying in someone else's home or |
| here are some tips to make sure you and everyone | | | | any individual goes out of their way for your vacation, |
| else remain happy and comfortable. | | | | a small gift is always a nice touch. If you are invited to |
| As you are traveling to escape the often hectic nature | | | | dinner, bring flowers or a bottle of wine. Tokens like |
| of American life, try to enjoy the more relaxed pace | | | | these can greatly assist common interactions and |
| of Aruba. Instead of being pushy and trying to speed | | | | even earn you some friends. Obviously, gifts don't |
| up your meals and activities, simply be patient and | | | | have to be expensive; your good intentions will |
| friendly. Don't wait until returning home to realize how | | | | certainly be recognized on their own. |
| much you relished these opportunities to relax. | | | | Be generous with your tips, but don't overdo it. Most |
| Regardless of where you plan on traveling, engage in | | | | people in the service industry rely heavily on gratuities, |
| some research on local greetings and customs. If you | | | | yet a tip far above the accepted amount could be |
| are greeted with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, return | | | | perceived as an arrogant flaunting of wealth. The |
| the favor graciously. When addressing the staff of | | | | following is a list of generally expected gratuities, but |
| any establishment you enter, try to be friendly and | | | | you can always ask your concierge about local |
| always introduce yourself with a "hello" or "good day." | | | | guidelines: A doorman should receive $1 to $2 for |
| The respect you show towards others will be returned | | | | carrying your luggage and up to $4 for securing a taxi. |
| to you whenever you need assistance. | | | | If a bellhop assists you getting to your room, $1 to $2 |
| It also isn't too difficult to be a classy tourist. When | | | | per bag is customary with an additional $2 to $3 for |
| traveling to Aruba, pack some business attire along | | | | bringing a requested item. The concierge, always a |
| with the swimsuit and sandals. As you wouldn't wear | | | | valuable resource when traveling, deserves $5 to $10 |
| beach gear to a restaurant at home, you should try to | | | | when performing any special service and probably |
| look your best when out on the town abroad. Take | | | | more when securing tickets to a sold-out event or a |
| your courtesy one step further and try to understand | | | | difficult dinner reservation. When dining, waiters and |
| the dining traditions of your destination. It is a good idea | | | | bartenders should always receive 15-20% of your total |
| to pay close attention to others' behaviors in formal | | | | bill amount. It is also a good idea to offer tips of $2-3 to |
| situations. If you find yourself confronted with unknown | | | | housekeepers and valets whenever they come to |
| foods, try your best to expand your palette. When | | | | your assistance. |
| attending events, be an attentive and appreciative | | | | Most importantly, enjoy your vacation. As long as you |
| audience member regardless of how much you enjoy | | | | keep in mind that you aren't at home and need to |
| a performance. | | | | practice moderation and respect, you will always look |
| When traveling to a country that speaks any language | | | | like a smart traveler, not an "ugly American. |