Riding some public transportation while abroad? Then it would be important for one to have knowledge of proper etiquette when it comes to riding the train, tube, or metro. This etiquette includes everything from entering the station, riding the escalator to the trains, and behavior on the train itself.

First, when entering the station, it is important to have tickets or metrocard ready. Locals will become frustrated or flustered if they have to wait while people fumble through their bags for their tickets. Get the ticket out and ready before you get in queue to enter the station.

After swiping the metrocard or ticket, normally it is required to go up or down a set of escalators or stairs to reach the trains. If people are in a hurry or do not wish to "ride" the escalator, they will walk down the left side. If you are strolling at leisurely pace or wish to ride down, then stand to the right. For a set of stairs, people in more of a hurry push down on the left, slower walkers stick to the right. This is widely known in most European countries, and for those where it is not, signs are often displayed. An example would be in German train stations there are often signs by the escalator reading, "Rechts stehen, links gehen" – "stand on the right, walk on the left."

Once riders are waiting on the platform for the train, it is courteous to move down the platform as far as possible so that people entering have room to stand. When the train arrives in the station, remember to mind the gap and enter the cars carefully. There are always seating and standing options aboard. The seating to be aware of is the handicap or disabilities seating. Normally those are marked seats by the doors to the train. Also in London there are special seats sometimes marked for pregnant women or signs that say to give them seats if necessary. The important part to remember is offer your seat to those who need it more than you.

Riders must be courteous and polite to other passengers, not only by giving them the special seats, but also by making as much room as possible so that everyone can fit on the train. Another obvious rule would be to keep to yourself and not cause distractions to other riders. These riders do not want to hear others loud conversations or watch any obnoxious behavior.

If all these rules are remembered, and etiquette is followed, it will make for a great trip on public transportation in Europe. The ride will be smooth and easy, and people may even take you for a local.

When you think about etiquette, you usually think about manners at the dinner table and saying "thank you" after something is passed to you. However, one of the biggest etiquette mishaps while in America and abroad is tipping. Tipping is paying a sum of money for services rendered. It is a sign of appreciation and gratitude for someone's services to you. Tips can be given in restaurants, bars, or to concierge workers, bell caps, maids or to many other workers and places. In some locations, tipping is encouraged and expected from customers, while in others tipping is discouraged and considered insulting. Bottom line is that tipping rules vary by country, region and scenario.

In America, the norm is to tip no less than 15% on a restaurant bill. It is common courtesy to tip the waiter after a meal in the United States, as it is seen as a fundamental part of the social contract. Many restaurant workers complain that they do not receive a sufficient amount of tip after waiting on a table. In a bar, it is highly recommended to give tips to the bartender depending on the amount of drinks you ordered and type of drink. Bartenders are more likely to give better service and make better drinks if they are receiving tips in return.

In terms of foreign countries, tipping is not the norm like it is in the United States. I found this guide to global tipping from an article in the Huffington Post. It is the key to all tipping advice from restaurants to hotels to taxis for the countries of Europe, Asia, Asia and the United States.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/28/tipping-guide-a-travelers_n_2646654.html

Do It Right, Stay to the Right

To Tip or Not to Tip?