FOREIGN TRAVEL ETIQUETTE

This 1950’s short black and white film features Emily Post, explaining to viewers the proper etiquette when traveling out of the United States. Much more so in the earlier decades than in today, there was a concern over social etiquette; how one should behave in social settings; domestic and abroad. Today much of the formalities seem to have all but faded. Emily Post, who wrote a column on good taste that was syndicated in over 200 American newspapers, narrates this brief guide on manners (:13). It opens with images of her sitting in her home in front of linen curtains. Post notes Americans are ambassadors for goodwill when they travel to other countries (:38). A US passport is presented stamped September 11th, 1951 (:48). The film then takes viewers to Le Bourget in northeastern France (:52) as a hotel guest berates the front desk over ice cubes (:57). Emily then notes that ice cubes were in fact an American staple not popularly used in European countries (1:19). While traveling abroad, one must expect to encounter different customs (1:21). A tourist and bellhop stand outside a hotel (1:36). The tourist and his female companion go over foreign phrases together (1:45). The trip goes to Italy (1:54). Restaurant etiquette is depicted as a man goes over the menu for Ristorante Mercurio Rome (2:01). It is important to be aware of gratuity norms (2:20). Often 15% gratuity is included in the bill though an additional five percent cash tip is customary. Emily notes it is forbidden to tip while flying (2:39). On a luxury liner cruise ship, guests enjoy refreshments delivered by wait staff (2:40). In her hotel room, a young woman’s attire is compared to that of the common European’s as they generally dress more conservatively than Americans do (3:03). In social settings, European’s tend towards more formal greetings and may refrain from using a person’s first name until the second time meeting them (3:22). In a wine cellar a couple is approached by their waiter as the film dictates a good attitude is the most valuable carry-on to take as one travels (3:55).

Complete catalog record

Transcription

[Music] much of my mail comes to me from people who are going to travel abroad this is of course important because every traveling American is a potential ambassador of goodwill for our country observances etiquette which means consideration of others will ensure a happy trip but remember when you're abroad you are the foreigner many cultures are different what kind of a hotel is this anyway look all I want is some ice cubes no no no ice cubes she told us this episode really but okay about you sorted order to the toggle ice cubes are an American institution don't expect to find all the things you are used to like ice cubes or ice water everywhere in Europe merci Monsieur au revoir Oh merci beaucoup Sam everybody for sale merci beaucoup visa damage estimate is your fault oh well reunion party claw or what yes learning a few simple phrases of the language can be a great help it shows that you want to make friends and a friendly attitude will be immediately recognized and appreciated one of the most exciting things about traveling is the discovery of new and different things to eat it's a rewarding experience you won't soon forget when it comes to tipping many European hotels and restaurants add a percentage to the check for service but it is customary though not required to tip additionally five to ten percent is sufficient however if the service charge has not been added to the check then it fifteen percent tipping is forbidden when you travel by air deanship travelers should count on about five to eight percent of their fair to the apportioned among cabin dining room bath and deck Stewart the purser does not receive a tip so there are many other things you will find out for yourself when you go abroad for example Europeans are much more conservative in their dress those slacks and shorts will be proper only at a resort and while he may want a dinner jacket for a very special occasion he can go almost anywhere in Europe in a dark cute generally you will find that europeans tend to be more formal than we are for example europeans dont use first names as quickly as we do or become overly familiar certainly not after a first meeting and note that they're unfriendly is just not customary new customs are part of the fun of traveling to other lands but remember the most important thing you can take with you is your attitude consideration of others will enable you to enjoy fully a wonderful experience of trouble [Applause]

Sources

16mm Filmography (legacy record) — title, year, format, description, catalog record, video

Original permalink · Record added 2025-01-23 16:44:06