Generally the social and cultural etiquette of Australia differs little from the standard customs of the Western world. But as with any country or region, Australians have their own take on what they consider to be good etiquette.
Australia’s history as a British penal colony is somewhat brutal, with many stories of struggle and hardship. It is worth noting that when in the company of Australians, their history should not be made light of or broached as a subject at dinner parties or other social events. It could be said, however, that this history has given rise to the credence of equality and ‘brotherhood’ within Australian culture.
Equality is the mainstay of Australian social etiquette, customs and everyday behaviour. A person’s class and financial background are not dwelled upon, whilst cultural differences are celebrated but do not make for special treatment. It is generally considered that everyone should be treated in the same way, regardless of their race, religion, or financial status or gender.
Humor
Targeting an ethnic group as a source of derogatory humour is definitely regarded as a complete faux pas as far as Australians are concerned. It would be generally regarded as bigoted and racist, completely against Australian values.
However, when in the company of friends, it’s not uncommon for Australians to ‘take the mick’ out of each other, usually a jovial exchange of mocking and putting down between friends and family. Modesty is considered a virtue in Australia, and this sort of exchange is only meant in jest with no real weight behind any accusations. The subtext of this sort of humour is usually the complete opposite of the jibes, it actually means that the person being mocked is regarded as decent! It’s really not worth inputting unless you’re well acquainted within the friendship group, as you could be seen as just rude. Never joke about someone if they’re not around, as it will probably be considered as conniving behaviour.
Meeting and Greeting
The Australian way of communicating is quite forthcoming and direct, and perhaps even a little brusque in contrast to their South Asian neighbours. Don’t ever mistake this sort of approach for rudeness, as Australians are renowned straight talkers, yet relaxed and informal with it. They don’t generally partake in idle chitchat, especially in business dealings, and usually there is no double or hidden meaning in what they say, as trust is considered a virtue.
When greeting an Australian, generally a good, firm handshake is the best option, usually followed by an informal question about their well being, such as “how’s it going?”. You shouldn’t expect a lengthy reply, nor should you give one! A simple “OK” or “Good thanks” will suffice.
Outback
The Australian Outback is a vast, relatively unpopulated area. The chances are that you will come across little in the way of civilisation whilst travelling. For this reason, although you might not necessarily stop and chat, it is still considered good manners to acknowledge and wave at each vehicle that may pass you from time to time.
Socializing and Shouting
Australians love their beer and wine. Beer is the most common tipple in Australia, and when socializing in Australia, it’s considered good etiquette to buy a round of drinks for your group. In the true Australian philosophy of equality, each person is expected to buy a round. The colloquialism used for this buying of drinks is known as “shouting a round”. No physical shouting is actually required, unless of course you find yourself in a noisy bar! Not buying a round of drinks will render you stingy and cheap in the eyes of your Australian company.
Owing to their relatively warm climates, Australians are also well renowned for their love of barbecues. Barbecues tend to be quite informal affairs, so if you are invited to one it is thought to be good manners to find out whether the host would like you to bring some food to share. It almost goes without saying that you should bring your own beer for your consumption, and any leftovers should be left to the host or hostess.
Although a relaxed attitude applies to many aspects of Australian life, when invited to a dinner party in Australia, formal table manners are still expected. It is good etiquette to bring a gift of a good wine, as well as the usual gifts of flowers or chocolates. Australia is a well-known wine producing country, and many Australians know their grapes and what constitutes a decent wine. So it is well worth bringing a good bottle of locally produced wine!
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Abraham Lincoln believed in the ideal that everyone in America should have the opportunity to improve his/her economic and social condition. Lincoln’s life was the embodiment of that idea. We know him as the sixteenth president but he was also a spouse, parent, and neighbor who experienced the same hopes, dreams, and challenges of life that are still experienced by many people.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Lincoln Home every year to learn more about the man who fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Even during Lincoln's life, when he was an attorney turned president-elect, people came to Springfield at Eighth and Jackson Streets to learn more about Lincoln, his family, and his home.
Let the story of Abraham Lincoln awe and inspire! At Lincoln Home National Historic Site you can follow in the footsteps of the father, husband, lawyer, and statesman who led the nation through the turbulent Civil War, and inspired him to turn the war into a "new birth of freedom."
Robert Lincoln donated the family home in Springfield to the State of Illinois in 1887 under the condition that it would always be open free to the public and well maintained.
Dedicated in 1874, the Lincoln Tomb is the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary, and three of their four sons, Edward, William, and Thomas. The eldest son, Robert T. Lincoln, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Also on the site is the public receiving vault, constructed ca. 1860, the scene of funeral services for Abraham Lincoln on May 4, 1865. In 1960 the Tomb was designated a National Historic Landmark and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & Library, dedicated in 2005, is only a few blocks from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The site offers a wide range of exhibits covering the life and times of Abraham Lincoln, including replicas of his boyhood cabin and the Lincoln White House.
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Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of “68 years of travel experience" provides amazing deals for your dream vacation with experienced, friendly travel experts.
Services offered include booking domestic and international air travel, hotel and resort reservations, car rental and cruises for individuals, corporate, group and incentive travel. Also tour packages of every type from a weekend getaway, to San Diego or Disneyland to involved and detailed vacations worldwide.
Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.
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Chichen Itza was recently designated one of the NEW Seven Wonders of the World, this is an extraordinary visit to one of the most impressive archaeological discoveries on the planet!!
Marvel at the construction of massive structures such as the Kukulcan Pyramid, designed by Mayan architects without modern day technology; test the acoustical magic in the largest Ball Court in the Americas and walk the same paths as Mayan priests did centuries ago to offer sacrifices to their gods at the Sacred Well.
After the guided tour, enjoy the fantastic grounds of the Mayaland hotel, you can also refresh in the cool, mystical waters of a Mayan cenote and take advantage of another amazing photo!
Experience one of the richest ancient cultures in the world. If have a natural curiosity about different cultures and about the history of man, visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site is simply a “MUST DO” day.
For almost 40 years, Apple Vacations has provided the most value in vacations to millions of people. Throughout the years, they have provided what you want in a vacation, great service, convenience, and value. They understand just how important your vacation is. They know because, like you, vacations are important to them too.
To find out more about Apple Vacations and the many vacation plans they have, go to rawhidetravel.com and click on the Apple Vacations menu tab or call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 and they will guide you through all your vacation planning.
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Children grow up quickly so it's time to stop putting off those must-see sites. Start with the The Lost Citadel of Machu Picchu, the last stronghold of the Incas. From the Andean city of Cuzco, 50 miles to the southeast, the luxurious Hiram Bingham, one of the Orient-Express trains, will lead you through a jungle thick with leafy trees, alongside the tumultuous waters of the Urubamba River, and across two 13,000-feet high mountain passes. Eventually, you'll reach Machu Picchu, whose glorious history will be disclosed in its entirety by your guides, many who are descendents. The train ride is a little over three hours, leaving you at Machu Picchu for five hours, before making the descent home. You'll dine on a four-course dinner that night inspired by Andean recipes, all washed down with that Peruvian signature cocktail, the pisco sour.
The train leaves from Cuzco in the morning taking a spectacular journey through a changing landscape while guests enjoy breakfast. After the steep climb out of Cuzco, the train descends into the Sacred Valley, passing lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes.
Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea level, in the midst of a tropical mountain forest in an extraordinarily beautiful setting, Machu Picchu was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. Its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
For many visitors, the journey to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking the Hiram Bingham means passengers can focus their attention and energy on what matters most, content in the knowledge that the logistical details of the day's trip have been taken care of by PeruRail.
Looking for that uniquely different family vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!
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It is no wonder that Jamaica is a popular holiday destination what with its many beautiful beaches and tropical climate. Jamaicans are also notoriously polite but relaxed people with an easygoing attitude that filters down into their way of life.
Saying ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me’ will go a long way in Jamaica; as such pleasantries and politeness are admired. With its relatively close proximity to the USA, and close historic colonial ties to Britain, Jamaica is a country that employs most aspects of generic ‘Western’ ideas of etiquette However, as with most countries; there may be a few variations in the local customs that you should be aware of.
Language
Jamaica is an English-speaking country and it is unlikely that you encounter any language problems with those that work within the hospitality and tourist industry. Be aware thought that many Jamaican citizens will speak patois (also known as Jamaican Creole), and this is where language may be an issue.
If you do not understand, just ask politely whether your counterpart could repeat himself. Never ask to be spoken to ‘properly’ – the patois is an important characteristic of Jamaican culture, and although English is the official language, any allusion to English being ‘superior’ would be extremely bad etiquette. However, the likelihood is that you will only come across a fusion of Jamaican patois and English, so you should be able to pick up the notion of what is being said.
Greetings!
You should always acknowledge a greeting by returning the greeting. When meeting someone for the first time, and in both social and formal circumstances, a firm handshake between men is the norm. Rather than retaining a ‘stiff upper lip’, a cheerful greeting such as ‘how do you do’ or ‘good afternoon’ will often endear you to your Jamaican host. At first, women may begin by greeting men and other women with a handshake. However, if a firm friendship and familiarity is established, a hug and kissing on the cheeks will usually replace such formalities.Until your Jamaican counterpart initiates the use of first names, always address people by using formal titles, such as Mr, Mrs, Dr, and suchlike. Moving too quickly to informalities may not always be appropriate and could be perceived as disrespectful.
In Jamaica, unless you are at a beach resort, you should avoid wearing revealing clothing. Shorts and miniskirts are not considered appropriate for women, so it is best to wear longer skirts and dresses. You may be aware of the way in which Rastafarians dress in Jamaica. They are not a tourist attraction, and you should not treat them as such, do not just begin blithely taking pictures of them. If you want to take a photograph of a Rastafarian or any person in Jamaica for that matter, you should approach your subject and politely ask them if they would mind if you took a picture.
SocialisingJamaica’s social scene is varied and lively. Religion plays an important role in community, and many aspects of faith influence the customs and etiquette of Jamaicans. Although Jamaicans are vivacious people, a conservative approach is best when socialising. Outlandish behaviour and public displays of affection are not taken to well.
Caribbean and Jamaican cooking is widely known for its mix of tropical and spicy tastes. It is therefore no surprise that eating out is very popular in Jamaica. If choosing to dine out during your visit, although mostly informal, you should always try and follow the proper dining etiquette. Always use your utensils to eat, as eating with your hands could be seen as rather crass. You should also try to finish everything that has been served up to you, as leaving large amounts of food could be seen as an indicator of your distaste.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
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Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and a part of the Green River valley and hilly country of south central Kentucky. This is the world's longest known cave system, with more than 390 miles explored. Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a "grand, gloomy and peculiar place," but its vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned its name, Mammoth.
Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave, with more than 392 miles of interconnected passages, so long that if the second and third longest caves in the world were joined together, Mammoth Cave would still be the planet's longest cave and have more than 100 miles left over!
The National Park Service offers several cave tours to visitors. Some notable features of the cave, such as Grand Avenue, Frozen Niagara, and Fat Man's Misery, can be seen on lighted tours ranging from one to six hours in length. Two tours, lit only by visitor-carried paraffin lamps, are popular alternatives to the electric-lit routes. Several "wild" tours venture away from the developed parts of the cave into muddy crawls and dusty tunnels. The lectures delivered by the National Park Service cave guides are varied by tour, so that in taking several tours the visitor learns about different facets of the cave's formation, or of the cave's human history and prehistory.
Your visit to Mammoth Cave National Park can include cave tours, surface hikes, canoeing on the Green River, picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and more.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.
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