The "How To Be A Better And Kinder Traveler!" Story

PS - I have been waiting for over two years to post this story.  It has been that long since Carol and I have had the chance to travel to our favorite vacation location of St. Martin.  The other day she asked me if I think we will ever get back there one more time.  I had no answer for her!  The more I thought about it, I realized that perhaps I better post this story so at least you can get a chance to use our ideas as to how to be a better and kinder traveler.  It really does work! Try it and see! 

It was an ordinary day.  Checking the calendar to count the days before we will be heading back to the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean.  Carol and I have been extremely lucky to have been able to travel after my retirement from teaching in 1999.  We have also made quite a few trips with our traveling companions Jere and Just Sue to other islands in the Caribbean.  Jere taught with me at Manheim Township School District and we both retired together and took a trip to Hawaii with our wives to celebrate.  Since then we have made close to 15 trips together while Carol and I have taken another 15 or so trips by ourselves to our favorite destination of St. Martin.  Over the years we have come to realize that when you visit the native home of another, it is best to treat them the same as you would want to be treated if you were the host to a traveler.  Although we can't speak the language of a few of the islands we have visited in the past, we do try and learn a few important words that would help if we were lost or in trouble.  For those islands that speak English, we do make an effort to learn a bit about the local version of English that is spoken so we can converse with those we come in contact with during our vacation.  We do have one advantage on most places we visit; the fact that we are OLD!  We have found that as we age, native islanders, no matter what island it may be, are more willing to try and help us understand the local dialect.  And, when we look confused, which is frequent, most are more than willing to help with problems that may arise.  In return, we try and treat everyone the way we would appreciate being treated.  When ever possible, we try and compliment the person we have come in contact with such as the desk clerk, maid, cook, etc.  

A "Thank You" card is always appreciated.

Writing a note of appreciation is always helpful to send after you have returned from a vacation.  I can tell you that if you return to the same place once again, they will remember the nice letter you sent to them after your previous trip.  Whenever possible, try and find out the name of those who you see on a daily basis while on vacation and use their name when you greet them the next time you see them.  It may make them feel special and more appreciated.  Don't be afraid to ask questions of those you meet while on vacation.  Especially if they are native to the island.  They will certainly appreciate that you want to know more about their culture and may give you suggestions for places to visit that might be something other than a tourist stop where everyone goes.  Ask if they have recommendations for a place to eat and you most certainly will get some of the finest spots on the island to meet more islanders.  Might help if you could learn a few words or even a sentence or two using the local language of a place you visit that doesn't speak your native tongue.  Since we travel frequently to the French side of St. Martin, it would be great to know French.  I'm sorry to say that even though I had two years of French in high school, I only can remember half a dozen words anymore.  At least I know "Oui" (yes) and "Non" (no), but I must make sure I don't use them at the wrong time.  We have been very fortunate during our travels to have found that almost every place we visited speaks English well enough to understand them.  We enjoy a conversation with a waiter or waitress when we go to an island restaurant.  

Ask them about their life on the island and their family and before long you will be good friends.  But, do remember that you may be interfering with their work and only ask questions if you see they may have time to spare.  A return visit will be even more special for both you and the wait staff.  And finally, learn of any customs you should know about before you go on vacation to a special spot.  For instance, in Hawaii, water is considered sacred being it comes from heaven.  So, don't leave the faucet in your room running or throw trash into the local stream.  Over the years, during our trips to St. Martin, we have used the same realtor all the time.  She is like family to us.  I try and take something special with us to give to her as a token of appreciation for all she does for us. Last year we took one of my Polaroid prints I had made of the island and on another occasion we gave her a small stained glass panel I had made.  A bag of pretzels or a box of Whoopie Pies from our hometown are great gifts.  She in return has treated us special every visit we make.  Last year I left my car's key fob in the rental's safe.  She found it and returned it to me.  When I asked to repay her for the postage, which was close to $8, she declined.  Special treatment will yield special treatment in return.  Try it on your next visit.  You will be amazed how much more you enjoy your stay!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.