Marigold Harding, Contributor

During the holiday season many persons will be travelling to visit family and friends not only here in Jamaica but overseas.

There are some basic international courtesies of which I will remind you and which will smooth your way. When travelling overseas be reminded to familiarise yourself with the history, government, religion and language of the country you visit.

Greet others appropriately. In Asia you bow frequently, while in Europe you shake hands.

Pay close attention to the standard of dress in the country you visit and to your grooming. To be conservative is better.

Do not criticise customs in the host country.

Refrain from being loud in speech, attention-getting actions and dress.

Be familiar with gift-giving customs as they vary from country to country. Any gift given, make sure it is beautifully wrapped.

When someone is hosting you, don't request food or drink that may be contrary to his/her practices.

If you are visiting a non English-speaking country, greet the person in a polite manner before you ask "Do you speak English?"

Familiarise yourself with the currency so that you can use money without asking questions or making remarks. After all you do not want to look ignorant.

Stand to show respect, if the National Anthem of your host is being played.

Cultural sensitivity to local customs is a must for overseas travellers.

Hallmarks

Here are some hallmarks of a good guest and a good host or hostess for you to consider:

A good host or hostess is well prepared to see to the needs of each guest, having planned for their entertainment and comfort. Be gracious in accepting the preparations made even if you anticipated something different.

You may politely request any change within reason without causing any inconvenience to your host or hostess. A good guest is enthusiastic, congenial and considerate and treats his/her host and their property with respect.

Should you offer to help clear the table?

Yes, you may offer but do not insist if your hostess refuses your help. If you are a family member you need not offer just 'pitch-in'.

Should you give a gift or flowers to the host/hostess?

When a party is given especially for you, you should send flowers beforehand, otherwise flowers or a gift sent after with a thank you note is always appreciated.

Never abuse your host or hostess' telephone. Nowadays most people have mobile phones so that should not occur. Ensure you have adequate credit to your phone.

A good host or hostess will offer a key to the house so you will have access. Be considerate when entering late at night in order not to disturb anyone's sleep; likewise, if you have to leave early. And if for some reason you are not offered a key, be sure to indicate the times you are likely to be in or out so that your host/hostess is prepared to meet those requirements. You both will relax and have peace of mind.

If you are having visitors, you must indicate to your host or hostess. Do not bring strangers into someone's home without informing them and telling them something about the person who is to visit.

Courtesies

This time of the year lends itself to many family gatherings. The following courtesies should help make every gathering a fun occasion and relatively stress free:

Offer to help and if you live near one another, alternate location for more than one event.

Follow the hosts' lead - Aunty May might prefer to serve everything herself, while Uncle Joe might prefer to take everyone to his favourite restaurant. Relax and enjoy.

Avoid bringing family problems to the table; this is not a time to air grievances. Negative talk about someone not present will probably get back to them and cause hurt feelings.

Indulge in family storytelling. This is the means by which new in-laws and the younger generation will learn the family history.

Accept one another's quirks as long as no one is being hurt by relatives' words and actions.

When deciding what gift to give, consider the family norm. Think about the wishes of the recipient and the general nature of the gifts from other members.

For the relative who is a house guest, establish convenient dates for your visits, arrivals and departure.

Avoid surprises; do not drop in for the holiday without notice.

Set dates and times to arrive and depart.

Be a considerate host and a gracious guest.

Allow yourself to be entertained and participate in the hosts' household routine.

Do not overstay your welcome. Leave when you said you would be leaving.