When Preparing for Vacation, Let's All Pack our Manners

Here in Vermont hot, humid weather has set in, the 4^th has been gloriously celebrated and we are officially into the summer travel and vacation season. Vermont offers many, great outdoor adventures such as swimming, boating, fishing, biking and hiking. And of course, being a member of the board of directors of the Vermont Attractions Association, I speak from a natural bias when I say that I think Vermont has wonderful attractions and activities for virtually every person in the family. And I certainly hope when visiting Vermont that you’ll come to see our quarry, our artisans at the factory, enjoy the sandblast experience, bowl on the outdoor granite lane and explore our exhibits and photos. But one thing we all should do when in Vermont or anywhere else on vacation is to bring our manners with us.

Now in tourism we see people when they are tired, hot, bothered by a missed turn or otherwise annoyed by some of the pressures and inconveniences of travel, whether by plane, train, bus or car. So we naturally try to go the extra mile to smile and be pleasant when the occasional crank walks through our doors.  We had one such crank the other day.  I was approached by staff person after staff person with a tale of woe, having been somewhat mistreated by an unhappy guest, a young, harried mother who was clearly not having the best of days. Each of the staff did her/his best to please the woman, but to little avail. She was feeling downright miserable and nothing was going to deprive her of her misery, not even a smile or the extraordinary patience shown to her by each of my staff. Every one of us is human and subject to such an occasional day. I hope wherever she is that she is feeling happier and more peaceful.

We spent part of the 4^th at a nearby body of water and were pleased to see so many young families enjoying themselves, swimming, boating and picnicking. We were about 150 feet from the shore, on a grassy knoll shaded by some gracious old elms. Well, we were reveling in the shade and enjoying our picnic lunch between raids by numerous dogs hoping for a morsel or two. Now one of our party was traumatized by a dog when she was very small, so she feels uncomfortable with strange dogs coming right up to her, shaking water all over her and trying to grab food out of her hands. Two other dogs, having a grand time “doggy wrestling”, were completely oblivious to all of the humans stretched out on blankets around them. They trampled over several sunbathers much to the chagrin of many of the aforementioned. 

So what is my point?  Will I rush right out to circulate a petition to present to the local governing body to enact lease-law legislation? No, I don’t think we need another law. I am for less government, not more of it. Besides, I’d hate to deprive young families of the pleasures of romping and splashing about in the shallow water near the shore with their dogs or playing Frisbee or fetch with them. But I do propose that we all evaluate our actions in light of how we impact those around use.  If I bring a dog to the beach, I should, as a responsible owner and a good, thoughtful neighbor, know where my dog is at all times. If he does not interact well with other dogs or does not obey my commands to return promptly when called, then yes; I should keep him on a lease whenever I and my family members are not immediately engaged in some activity with him.

We get customers who hold up the line behind them at the register by taking a cell call during the middle of their transaction or talk on the shuttle bus while the tour is being given.  I’m sure you’ve experienced the same.  And quite frankly, anyone of us can become so involved in the moment that we forget that we are being impolite to others by acting thoughtlessly and rudely.  Let’s all make a mental note to be on guard of thoughtless behavior, making certain that our manners are the first things we pack when we head out on vacation this season.

I wish each of you a joyous, fun-filled summer.

~Todd