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Culture and Manners
      
 
Our Advice for the Woman Travelling Solo
 
When traveling to the Caribbean, I see a lot of disgruntled reviews on sites from travelers who are disappointed with their service on the islands. Usually these diappointments revolve around what's considered to be 'poor service' because staff aren't jumping to the traveler's every whim. People, please cut this OUT.
 
While I know the overwhelming majority of travelers - Americans as well as others -- display nothing but charm and good manners, I have personally witnessed some who do NOT-- people who go to the Caribbean looking for ahnd-and-foot service because of their 'poverty by other standards' perceptions. But take note, because Caribbeans may not have the financial wealth of other western countries, they are comfortable and proud of their land and what they have.
 
There are some gorgeous luxury homes on the islands -- owned and occupied by natives and expatriots of West Indian, African, African American as well as European descent. They work and try to make a better way just like we do so again, please respect them and be courteous. 
  
               
My BEST advice: check the "they should be grateful just because I'm here" attitudes before you display your passport at customs.

 

 
More thoughts on this... 
 
The people I've met in my travels have been beautiful and dignified; many are well educated, some on their own islands, others abroad who have decided to return home to live. Wherever you’re traveling from, you are a guest in another country so mind your manners and please behave as such.
 
“Please” and “thank you” go along way regardless of the culture. Yes, hotel and wait staff are in the service industry but this doesn't mean they are your servants or that you can expect them to hop everytime you say hop because you show up to visit their paradise. And, you are not the only guest. I can’t stress this enough.
 
If you want a man/woman hand servant to jump at your every need, simply pay $2000+ USD or more per night at an Über luxury hotel and get it.

Otherwise, try a little courtesy and respect, and display the manners you’d show and expect the service you’d expect everywhere – whether you're in Paris, Milan, or St Kitts or St Lucia. Demographics of the populous hopefully don’t change your manners or attitudes toward people. You’ll be AMAZED at how far it will get you on the islands and anywhere else you travel.

With that said, there will always be people having bad days or perhaps sulking for other reasons. Don’t let their attitudes color your view of the entire trip or an entire island of people. I have yet to travel anywhere where ALL or even a majority of service industry staff were not friendly and accommodating. Again, I think that has a lot to do with the way I treat my hosts – the way I want to be treated.
So Mind the Manners! If necessary, read up before you make your trip.