Vacation Etiquette: America and Canada’s Biggest Travel Pet Peeves

As we prepare to jet off on our getaways this summer, let's address the elephant in the departure lounge: vacation etiquette. Have you ever found yourself eyeing up that spare armrest on the plane, torn between an elbow battle or simply letting the other passenger use it? And what about reclining your seat mid-flight – is it your right or a travel sin? We delved into the minds of 3,000 Americans and 3,000 Canadians to uncover their perspectives on travel manners.

We also got the scoop on what our respondents think are the ultimate dos and don’ts when vacationing with pals, covering everything from budget differences to borrowing clothes. And, of course, we address the ever-awkward question: is it really acceptable to bring a new romantic interest back to the hotel room on a friend's vacation?

We then organized the data by state, province, and territory to identify the most laidback and the most irritable travelers from each region, using a 100-point scoring system. So grab your boarding pass, and let's get started!

Key Findings:

• Both Americans and Canadians agree on the #1 travel etiquette rule: never raid a friend's suitcase without asking first
• Americans find themselves most divided over whether it’s really acceptable to recline your seat on a plane (51% are in favor, while 49% oppose it)
• Canadians are split the most over the acceptability of bringing a newly met love interest back to the hotel room while on a friends vacation, an even 50/50 split
• In America, Rhode Island has the highest travel etiquette standards with a score of 76.9/100, while Idaho boasts the most laid-back travelers with just 4.2/100
• In Canada, British Columbia tops the travel etiquette scale at 81.8/100, while Nova Scotia shines with a relaxed score of 7/100

Jet-Set Manners: America's Travel Etiquette Takeaways

So, what do our American respondents have to say about the travel dos and don’ts? Some topics stir up passionate opinions, while others leave travelers divided. Let's reveal America's Vacation Etiquette Handbook and see what's flying high and what's causing a bit of turbulence.

Plane and Simple: Flying Etiquette

The hot topic causing the most divide among our American respondents is the ongoing debate, is it acceptable to recline your seat? The results are almost split right down the middle, with 51% giving it the thumbs up and 49% hitting the brakes. However, a majority—69%—believe you should give a heads-up to the person behind you before reclining. Where do you stand, are you team recline or team no-go?

Once you're past the recline battle, you're thrown into the extra armrest showdown. But how do Americans think you should handle it? According to our findings, 45% believe it's best to ignore the situation and keep to yourself, while 42% graciously opt to let the other person have the armrest. A bold 10% admit to subtly pushing their elbows outward to discourage others, while a confident 3% assert dominance by claiming both armrests.

Top 3 Rules of Travel Etiquette, according to Americans

When it comes to travel manners, some topics were far more clear-cut. Our participants spoke loud and clear, revealing an almost unanimous sentiment: before raiding a friend's luggage for that forgotten charger or sunscreen, it's essential to ask. An overwhelming 95% of respondents agree with this golden rule of travel etiquette. So, next time you're checking out your buddy's suitcase, remember to check with them first!

Another resounding vote among our participants: when it comes to group dynamics, it's all about mutual respect. A staggering 93% emphasize the importance of consulting the group before extending invitations to additional friends or partners.

Rounding out the top three rules of travel etiquette, a whopping 91% of Americans say bringing strongly scented food onto the plane is a big no-no! So, before you pack that tuna sandwich or boiled egg for your in-flight snack, consider your fellow passengers' noses and pack your snacks wisely!

Additional Travel Etiquette Stats: Unpacking the Numbers

When it comes to holidaying with pals, things can get tricky when someone wants to bring a new flame back to the hotel. It appears that 60% of our participants disapprove of this. So, next time you're on a getaway with your friends, you might want to refer to this guidebook to avoid any awkward moments!

Now, let's talk budgets. We asked our respondents how they'd navigate differences in spending when traveling with friends. Here's the breakdown: 44% opt to discuss budgets beforehand and agree on a plan that suits everyone, 29% prefer venues and activities that accommodate everyone, 22% let each person cover their own expenses without letting it affect the choice of venue or activity, while 5% believe in splitting bills evenly, regardless of what each person orders.

An additional noteworthy observation: when vacationing with friends, 71% say there's no need to sit next to each other on the plane.

We asked our respondents if there was anything else they wanted to add and there was certainly a recurring theme concerning feet etiquette, here are some of the most popular:

• Don't clip your toenails on a plane
• Keep your shoes on during the flight
• Keep your feet to yourself while on the plane
• Don't paint your nails mid-air
• And, last but not least, remember to flush, especially when sharing a room and restroom with someone else

State by State Breakdown:

After crunching the numbers, we dug into the state-by-state breakdown. We used our 100-point scoring system to reveal which states have the highest travel etiquette standards and which are the most laid-back.

Rhode Island residents take their travel etiquette very seriously, boasting the top score of 76.9/100. Their travel standards are sky-high, as shown by their unanimous disapproval of bringing romantic interests back to a hotel on a friends' vacation. An overwhelming 93% are anti-smelly-plane-snacks. Additionally, 93% emphasize the importance of asking the group before inviting extra friends or partners to join the vacation. It's clear they take their travel manners seriously and won't hesitate to let you know!

Nebraska earns a solid 2nd place with a score of 66.7/100 on the travel etiquette scale. The Cornhusker State takes a stand against smelly plane snacks, with 100% of residents labeling them as rude. Additionally, 89% believe in the importance of seeking permission before borrowing items from friends' luggage. They are also equally as insistent on consulting the group before inviting extra friends or partners onto the vacation.

D.C. claims the third spot with a score of 65.4/100. When it comes to plane etiquette, it's unanimous: 100% agree that bringing smelly food on board is a major faux pas. As for reclining seats, 75% of D.C. residents say it's not acceptable, so you might want to rethink that cozy nap position. In the capital, they take their manners seriously, even at 30,000 feet! However, one thing D.C. residents can’t resist is armrest wars. With 25% of residents (the highest in America) asserting their dominance, it's clear they're not giving up that extra armrest without a fight.

Idaho (4.2/100), Oklahoma (7.7/100) and Oregon (16/100) are the top 3 most laidback states when it comes to traveling.

Canada's Courtesies: Travel Etiquette Insights

Buckle up and stow those tray tables as we get ready to dive into Canada's perspectives on travel etiquette.

What's Stirring the Most Debate?

When it comes to travel manners, it appears Canadians are more divided in their opinions. The question that turned up the heat the most among our respondents: Is it acceptable for a friend to bring a newfound acquittance back to the hotel room while on vacation? Opinions were divided right down the middle, resulting in a nail-biting 50/50 split (out of 3,000 respondents!) Now, we're turning over the sheets to you— Is it room for romance or room for boundaries?

And the great recline debate strikes again! Just like America, our Canadian respondents also found themselves split on this question - is it acceptable to recline your seat on a plane? 58% said yes, while 42% said no. And as for the courtesy of informing the person behind you about your reclining intentions, it's a similar split: 59% said yes, while 41% disagreed.

The Top Rules for Travel Etiquette, according to Canadians

Let’s take a look at where our respondents see eye-to-eye, revealing the etiquette rules that matter most to Canadians. 95% emphasized the importance of seeking permission before rummaging through a friend's suitcase to borrow something. Ranking almost equally in significance, 94% highlighted the importance of consulting the group before extending invitations to additional friends or partners while traveling together.

When it comes to bringing smelly food onto the plane, 90% of our Canadian participants agreed this is a no-go. Meanwhile, 69% said that when traveling in a group, you should be sat next to each other.

Canadian Perspectives: More Travel Etiquette Insights

When it comes to the armrest battle, strategies varied among our respondents. 44% prefer to ignore the situation and keep to themselves, while 36% opt to kindly let the other person have the armrest. Additionally, 16% admit to subtly pushing their elbows outward to discourage others, and a bold 4% advocate for asserting dominance by claiming both armrests.

Now it’s time to discuss budgets. We asked our respondents how they handle spending differences while traveling with friends. Here's what they said: 50% prefer to discuss budgets beforehand and agree on a plan, 26% look for venues and activities that suit everyone's budget, 20% let each person cover their own expenses without affecting plans, and 4% opt for splitting bills evenly, no matter what.

Lastly, we asked our respondents if there were any additional points they wanted to add, and here are the top responses:

• Avoid removing your shoes on a plane
• Refrain from leaving towels on sunbeds to "reserve" them; if you leave, you forfeit your spot
• Be mindful not to doze off onto a stranger's shoulder on a plane
• Keep long hair from draping over the seat on the plane
• Resist the temptation to under pack intentionally and then borrow items from everyone else to lighten your load

Province and Territory Breakdown:

After breaking down the data by province and territory, we uncovered the rule-conscious and laid-back regions

British Columbia leads the way in travel etiquette in Canada, boasting an impressive score of 81.8/100. When it comes to group outings, 94% of British Columbians are adamant about consulting the crew before extending invitations to extra pals or partners. Respect for personal boundaries is paramount, with 93% agreeing that snooping through luggage without permission is a serious no-go. And when it comes to in-flight dining, 92% are united in their disdain for strong-smelling snacks. British Columbia, they take their travel manners seriously—no ifs, ands, or smelly snacks about it!

Saskatchewan secures a strong 2nd place with a score of 80.9/100, underscoring their unwavering commitment to travel etiquette. A whopping 95% of residents are adamant about respecting personal space, firmly declaring it off-limits to go through friends' luggage without asking. Additionally, 85% are on a mission to keep the skies smelling fresh by voting against bringing smelly food on board. And when it comes to in-flight comfort, 72% of Saskatchewanians say no to seat reclining.

Alberta showcases its strong commitment to travel etiquette with a commendable score of 63.8/100. With 95% of residents insisting on consulting the group before expanding the guest list, they prioritize clear communication. Additionally, 90% firmly oppose bringing smelly snacks on flights, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for everyone.

When it comes to laidback travel in Canada, look no further than Nova Scotia (7/100), Manitoba (32.2/100), and Quebec (46.3/100).

Conclusion

When it comes to travel etiquette, remember to never go through a pal's suitcase without permission—it's the number one rule for jet-setting harmony. So, before you embark on your next adventure, pack your manners alongside your passport for a smoother journey. Especially if you're jet-setting with folks from Rhode Island or British Columbia, you wouldn't want to "depart" from their good graces!

Methodology

In May 2024, we conducted a survey involving 3,000 participants from the United States and 3,000 from Canada on Vacation etiquette. We then divided the data by state for the United States and by province and territory for Canada.

From there, we used the results to determine the regions with the highest travel etiquette standards:

The questions:

• Should you always ask before borrowing items from your friends' luggage?
• On a group vacation, should you consult the rest of the group before inviting additional friends and partners?
• Is it rude to bring strong-smelling food onto the plane?
• On a friends vacation, is it acceptable for someone to bring back a newfound romantic interest they had just met on the trip?
• During a group vacation, is it necessary for everyone to sit together on the plane?
• Is it socially acceptable to recline your seat back on a plane?
• Should you give a heads-up to the person behind you before reclining
• How should you handle sharing armrests with fellow passengers?
• How do you navigate differences in vacation budget among friends when dining out or planning activities?

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