April 4, 2025
Life Style

Vacation Etiquette: The Good, the Bad, and the Poolside Drama

Traveling is a delightful escape from reality, a chance to unwind and create treasured memories. But what happens when your fellow travelers’ habits start encroaching on your relaxation time? Let’s delve into the world of vacation etiquette, where some behaviors are universally frowned upon.

“Nothing is worse than getting down to the pool while on vacation and not seeing a single lounge chair free.”

Picture this: you wake up early, excited for a day of leisure by the pool, only to find every chair occupied by towels and belongings with no sight of their owners. According to Hotels.com experts, 60% of travelers detest this practice of reserving chairs and then disappearing for hours. It’s a frustration felt worldwide, exacerbated by hotels not providing an adequate number of chairs for their guests.

Expert Insight: Travelers often have high expectations when it comes to hotel amenities like pool lounges. The battle for a comfortable spot can sometimes turn into an unnecessary competition, leading to dissatisfaction among guests.

One traveler shared his experience with The Wall Street Journal, recounting how he had to sacrifice precious sleep hours just to secure seats by the pool. This struggle has prompted some hotels to implement strict policies against chair reservations. For instance, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club in Hawaii allows only one additional chair per visitor and warns that unattended items may be removed by security.

“Many resort-goers might find it hard to actually relax — the main reason they’re on vacation.”

The essence of a vacation is relaxation—a break from daily stresses and routines. However, certain habits can disrupt this tranquility. Working by the pool is one such behavior that irks many travelers. While some don’t mind seeing individuals engrossed in work tasks poolside, others believe it detracts from the holiday ambiance.

Packing on public displays of affection (PDA) near communal areas like pools also divides opinions among surveyed individuals. An overwhelming 86% express discomfort witnessing excessive affection between couples in shared spaces meant for relaxation.

Expert Insight: PDA can be culturally subjective; what may seem inappropriate in one setting could be completely acceptable elsewhere. Understanding cultural norms plays a crucial role in respecting fellow travelers’ boundaries during vacations.

“76% agree they don’t want people wearing pajamas or bathrobes around hotels — especially at breakfast.”

Attire etiquette extends beyond beachwear; it encompasses all aspects of dressing appropriately within hotel premises. A significant 76% emphasize their aversion to seeing guests clad in pajamas or bathrobes outside designated areas like breakfast spots.

Some hotels have taken proactive measures to enforce dress codes that deter guests from parading in loungewear publicly—Hotel Bennett in South Carolina and Goring Hotel in the UK being notable examples with stringent policies against such attire choices.

The debate over consuming food and drinks in bed emerges as another point of contention among survey participants—40% deem it acceptable while others prefer adhering to more traditional dining spaces within hotel rooms.

Myka Meier sheds light on room service etiquette advising travelers not to leave empty trays outside their rooms—a gesture perceived as messy and inconvenient for other guests navigating hallways.

In conclusion, adhering to basic travel etiquettes can enhance everyone’s vacation experiences—creating harmonious environments where relaxation takes center stage while avoiding potential conflicts arising from differing preferences and behaviors.

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