National Park Etiquette

National Park Etiquette and

Respectful Nature Visits

Image Source: rozabel; "Yosemite National Park, California, USA.", 2024. Accessed via https://www.123RF.com/photo_68566594, Standard License.

Visiting our national parks is a wonderful way to connect with nature and experience some of the most beautiful landscapes our country has to offer. Let’s explore essential etiquette for national park visits, ensuring you leave no trace and preserve these natural wonders for future generations.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Knowing as much information as possible will help you know what to expect and how to prepare for the unexpected.

• Research park regulations and special concerns
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use when possible
• Repackage food to minimize waste
• Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for rock cairns or flagging

Proper planning not only enhances your experience but also reduces your impact on the environment.

Implementing National Park Etiquette

You’ve done your research and are heading out on your adventure.  The overall guideline to remember is that you are a guest in Mother Nature’s home.  As a human in a natural setting, there are many opportunities for you to unknowingly damage the environment you are there to enjoy.

You can prevent this from happening when you:

1. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. To minimize your footprint:

• Stick to established trails and campsites
• Walk single file in the middle of the trail
• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams
• Avoid areas where impacts are just beginning to show

2. Dispose of waste properly.  The "Pack it in, Pack it out" principle is crucial.  Whatever you bring into a natural area, you must also take out with you when you leave.  

• Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter
• Use bathroom facilities when available
• If facilities aren't available, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products 
• Bring reusable containers to minimize waste
• Carry a small trash bag to collect waste as you go

By following the “Pack it in, Pack it out” principle, you help ensure that natural areas remain clean, safe, and enjoyable for all visitors and wildlife.  It's a crucial part of minimizing human impact on the environment and practicing responsible outdoor recreation. You might want to take this a step further by picking up any litter you find, even if it isn't yours – sometimes referred to as "Pack it in, Pack it out, and then some."

3. Leave what You find.

• Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them
• Don't build structures or dig trenches
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species
• Don't carve into trees or deface natural surfaces

Take only photographs, leave only footprints.

4. Minimize campfire impacts by using extreme caution.  Responsible fire management prevents wildfires and preserves the natural landscape.

• Use established fire rings or camp stoves
• Keep fires small and burn all wood to ash
• Put out fires completely and scatter cool ashes  
• In some areas, fires may be prohibited - always check local regulations

5. Observing wildlife is a privilege and must be done respectfully and responsibly.

• Observe wildlife from a distance; don't follow or approach them
• Never feed animals - it damages their health and alters natural behaviors
• Store food and trash securely
• Control pets or leave them at home

Remember, we are visitors in their home.

6. Be considerate of and courteous to other visitors. 

• Yield to other users on the trail
• Camp away from trails and other visitors if possible
• Let nature's sounds prevail - avoid loud voices and noises
• Respect the quality of other visitors' experiences

Etiquette-fulness goes a long way in ensuring everyone enjoys their park visit.

7. Follow park rules and regulations, which may vary depending on the park you are visiting.   These rules exist to protect both visitors and the environment.

• Adhere to entrance fee requirements
• Observe speed limits and parking regulations
• Stay on designated trails, especially in fragile ecosystems
• Follow guidelines for activities like fishing, boating, or rock climbing

8. Practice photography etiquette. Capturing memories is important, but safely doing so ensures you can enjoy them for years to come.

• Don't use drones where prohibited
• Avoid disturbing wildlife for the perfect picture
• Be mindful of other visitors when setting up equipment
• Don't venture off-trail for a photo opportunity that could easily lead to a dangerous situation

Foster an Appreciation for our National Parks

Aside from enjoying time in nature, our national parks offer educational opportunities that help strengthen our appreciation for these amazing places.  You can become a steward of our national parks.

• Learn about the area's natural and cultural history, including indigenous peoples' connections to the land
• Share your knowledge with others, especially children
• Lead by example in following park etiquette
• Check out the National Park Service website to learn more and follow them on Instagram (@nationalparkservice) for fun posts

By following the etiquette guidelines above, we can all play a part in preserving our national parks for future generations. As you explore these magnificent landscapes, take pride in knowing that your responsible behavior is helping to protect these natural wonders.  So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and set out to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of our national parks - all while treading lightly and respectfully on the earth.

Contributor, Candace Smith is a retired, national award-winning secondary school educator, Candace Smith teaches university students and professionals the soft skills of etiquette and protocol. She found these skills necessary in her own life after her husband received international recognition in 2002. Plunged into a new “normal” of travel and formal social gatherings with global leaders, she discovered how uncomfortable she was in many important social situations. After extensive training in etiquette and protocol, Candace realized a markedly increased confidence level in meeting and greeting and dining skills and was inspired to share these skills that will help others gain comfort and confidence in dining and networking situations. Learn more at http://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Introducing Our Travel Etiquette Guru

Our Resident “Travel Etiquette Guru”

Elizabeth Soós

Elizabeth Soós of Auersmont Etiquette is our resident “Travel Etiquette Guru”. Over the past several years, Elizabeth has been writing some extremely popular articles on the etiquette for visiting numerous countries around the globe, along with the etiquette needed to get to and from your destination in a polite and well-mannered pace. 

Wherever you’re headed… whether you’re flying commercial or private jet… if you’re on a yacht or a train, Elizabeth has you covered on global travel! Her articles are routinely found in our Top 20 daily posts. The following are links to her long list of ever growing articles on travel and travel etiquette. Elizabeth is traveling at the moment, but as more articles are published, they will be added to this list. These are in alphabetical order:

1. Aboriginal Dining Etiquette in Australia
2. Airport Etiquette
3. Basic Flight Etiquette and Courtesy
4. Cambodian Etiquette, Culture and Customs
5. Commuting Etiquette in Mumbai
6. Egypt’s Rich Culture and Etiquette
7. Etiquette Expectations in New Zealand
8. Etiquette for Private Yachts
9. Etiquette for the Maldives
10. Etiquette in Tanzania and Zanzibar
11. Etiquette in Vietnam
12. Etiquette and Culture in Kenya
13. Etiquette and Culture in Oman
14. Etiquette and Culture in Uganda
15. Etiquette and Culture of Myanmar
16. Etiquette and Customs in Samoa
17. Etiquette and Customs of Ethiopia
18. Etiquette and Customs of Fiji
19. Etiquette and Customs of Réunion
20. Etiquette and Indigenous Australians
21. Etiquette and the People of Peru
22. Etiquette of Mauritius or Mini India
23. Etiquette When Visting Australia
24. Fascination and Manners in Hong Kong
25. Greeting Etiquette in India
26. History, Food, and Etiquette of Macau
27. Hungarian Social and Dining Etiquette
28. Indian Dining and Table Etiquette
29. Indian Food Culture
30. Pakistani Culture and Etiquette
31. Polite Train Travel Etiquette
32. Private Jet Etiquette
33. Thailand’s Manners and Customs 

1888 Bombay Boot and Shoe Etiquette

“When the governor of Bombay held a levee at Ahmedabad, a number of Hindoo officials clubbed together to buy a pair of English boots, so as to avoid the indignity of appearing before his excellency with bare feet…”

The boot and shoe etiquette sorely perplexes native officials on ceremonial occasions. In the mofussil it is customary for all native government officials to take off their native shoes before entering the presence of their superior, but if they wear English boots no such change is required. When the governor of Bombay held a levee at Ahmedabad, a number of Hindoo officials clubbed together to buy a pair of English boots, so as to avoid the indignity of appearing before his excellency with bare feet. Each took it in turn so wear the boots as he was presented to the governor, and no small amusement was created outside the levee room by the officials rushing backward and forward to exchange the solitary pair of boots with the next comer.-London Globe, 1888

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Etiquette When Visiting Australia

Australian actor, Paul Hogan… “I'll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you” together with the ad’s byline “Come and Say G’day”. Both of these phrases were made famous not only worldwide, but also in Australia. — Pictures from www.nfsa.gov.au https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/item/shrimp-barbie-paul-hogan

One of the most famous advertisements encouraging people to travel to the ‘Land Down Under’ featured an Australian actor, Paul Hogan, made famous by the movie ‘Crocodile Dundee’. The Australian Tourism Commission, during the 80’s, coined a phrase which went viral, “I'll slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you” together with the ad’s byline “Come and Say G’day”. Not only had both of these phrases been made famous worldwide, but also in Australia. We all said it at one time; it was really catchy.

Something I need you to know before you come to Australia….we actually don’t say shrimp! We say prawns. As this ad was targeting those Americans, the word prawn was exchanged. Australia is a unique country. When traveling, you will find each state is different and has its own history, attitudes, vibe and weather.

History of Australia

The Indigenous people of Australia, known as Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, were the original custodians of the land, making their way from Southeast Asia. From the 17thcentury, Dutch navigators discovered land by sailing around the western and southern coasts, naming it New Holland. Lieutenant James Cook, in 1770, explored the east coast and declared it for Great Britain. Australia’s name came from the Portuguese term noted in 1606 by explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, referring to the island of New Guinea and beyond as ‘La Austrialia del Espiritu Santo’. This term changed to ‘Terra Australis Incognita’ from the Latin for ‘Unknown South Land,’ and then in 1814 changed to Australia.

Due to mass overcrowding in prisons in Great Britain in 1788, Australia was used as a penal colony. As a result, those from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland settled and dispossessed Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders and treated them as they previously treated those who lived in South America, India, and the Caribbean. Eventually, by 1901, Australia became the Commonwealth of Australia and became a federation of six self-governing states, after a resolution was passed in the British Parliament.

Today, Australia is a very multicultural country. Throughout history, Australia has needed the influx of migrants to help grow and expand the Australian economy and rugged land. Global conflicts, including both World Wars and the Vietnam War, caused major waves of immigration from Europe and Asia, and other international territories.

Australian Etiquette – Do’s and Don’ts

Informal greetings are appropriate in an Australian social setting, always use a person’s first name unless you are told otherwise. The most common verbal introduction is Hey, Hello or Hi. In-country and remote areas, some Australians will use slang such as G’day or G’day mate. In the city areas, you will hear introductions such as Hey, how are you? Your response should be, I’m good, thanks. How are you? This will help you break the ice. Commonly used greetings are handshakes, and a head nod is a standard greeting amongst men and some women. Australians do have an accent that is recognisable worldwide. The accent can change depending on the state they are from.

Making sure that your handshake is firm hand and eye contact is made. Australians love good eye contact. As Australia is multicultural, different physical greetings may be given, such as air kisses or hugs. Watch for cues from your group or individual. As a lead-in after the introductions, the state of the weather will be mentioned. Australians love traveling and new experiences, so a way of connecting is talking about the country you are working in or from.

Australians can speak in two ways, with diplomacy – “beat around the bush” or bluntly. “ They didn’t “beat around the bush”. As you have read, Australians do have their own language or ‘lingo’. Here are a few terms you need to know:

• ‘Cheers’ or ‘Ta’ – Thank you.
• ‘Good on ya’ – Well done or the opposite.
• ‘Yeah, nah’ – No thank you.
• ‘Yah reckon’ – Do you think so?
• ‘It’s my shout’ – I will pay for both of us.

Find more terms in this article: A Guide To Basic Australian Slang

Australians love those who are open to talk, good listeners, and take the initiative. Those who are unfamiliar with a group take the opportunity to introduce themselves. It is also assumed at an event that you will make the effort to speak to people and mingle. Australians love humour and love to laugh. The Australian humour can be described as witty, quick, dry, and sarcastic. Those who love to do this are often called a ‘larrikin’. Many Australians swear, and don’t be surprised if a word or three comes out while speaking.

Australian Dining Etiquette

Australia's food once heavily reflected the British style, which was meat and vegetables, until the 1950s. With the arrival of immigrants to Australia, notably after the Second World War, they brought their cuisines and beverage traditions, such as coffee-making, with them. See article: Millions have taken advantage and happily embrace multi-cultural and indigenous cuisines. Australians have adopted the British way of setting the table and using cutlery; however, over time, Australians have learnt to use chopsticks and to use the fork and spoon for Asian-type foods.

The Australian food that it's famous for is its BBQ. We love a barbecue, the taste that emanates from the cooking on an iron grill is like no other. For more information on the etiquette of being invited to a traditional Australian BBQ, read: Australian BBQ Etiquette.

I remember when I was travelling in Turin, Italy, and needing a caffeine fix, I found a café that was attached to Palazzo Reale di Torino. I spoke in English, the barista picked up that I was from Australia, and without me having to say anything, he asked, “Do you want a cappuccino, your style?” I was in awe…he knew what an Australian cappuccino was! I couldn’t stop smiling. Australians love coffee with extra milk. If you want to know more about café etiquette in Australia, please see this article: Australian Café Etiquette Tips.

So, does Australia do ‘tip’ at restaurants and cafes? The answer is no, generally. This is because Australian labour laws have made sure that hospitality workers are fully remunerated. Tipping is an optional extra. If you have had outstanding service and feel you want to reward the work of the individual(s), you can tip 5-10% of the total bill at a restaurant or café, drop a note or coins in the ‘tip jar’.

Australian Unique Food Etiquette

Australia also has a reputation for unusual and unique foods. Aussies love these sweet and savory dishes, which can be bought everywhere and freshly made in many restaurants and cafes.

The history of Tim Tams started in 1964, based on a British product called Penguin and named after a horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 1958. Today, it’s an Australian staple that you will find in most kitchen cupboards. You bite two opposite ends of the rectangular chocolate biscuit to suck up coffee through it, making it gooey and warm.

Vegemite was developed to re-create a local alternative to British Marmite using leftover brewer's yeast when imports were disrupted following World War I. Vegemite is used sparingly with lots of melted butter (not margarine) on hot, crispy toast bread for breakfast.

Pavlova was invented by Herbert Sachse in 1935. Working in the kitchen at the Esplanade Hotel in Perth created this delicious masterpiece after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. The base is sugar and egg whites baked and cooled for cream to sit on top with fruits such as strawberries and sliced kiwifruit. The cake needs to be served lying flat on the plate, as you will not be able to eat it standing up.

ANZAC Biscuits were invented by Australian wives and women's groups around 1914 to 1915, to send to soldiers fighting abroad as they wouldn't spoil on long overseas voyages. Primarily made of rolled oats, flour, sugar, butter and golden syrup. Aussies love to eat this for morning tea with a cappuccino or tea.

Traveling Etiquette in Australia

What can you expect when traveling to Australia? What many forget is that, like Europe or the United States, Australia is so large that you need to take time to travel from state to state. You will be using airlines to get to places, as well as trains and buses. Australia’s love their ‘space’ and are used to wide and open areas and listening to nature. Understanding this, you should know that pushing and jostling to get on and off transport is discouraged, and speaking with the loudspeaker on is a huge no-no. Please also note that if you push into a queue or take yourself to the front of the queue, you will be promptly and firmly told to go back to your original place… very quickly. Another thing that is abhorrent is spitting in public or throwing rubbish. It is seen as rude and shocking. You can even get fined for throwing rubbish out of the car’s window.

Australian Flora and Fauna Etiquette

Flora and fauna are extremely important to Australians. Many, when describing home, will tell you about the beautiful trees, green lawns, nature walks in forests, and pristine beaches, however keenly aware of the dangers of the land. We have all learnt through school, family, and friends, to respect Australia’s biodiversity and ecosystems.

All of us grow up knowing that you cannot touch spiders, snakes, koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, quokkas, Tasmanian devils, swim with jellyfish, or pick up octopuses while casually strolling the beach, jump in lakes, or swim at beaches, especially in the north of Australia's Top End, due to the crocodiles. Yes, we are cautious and yet immune. If you find an injured, sick or orphaned native animal, such as kangaroos, wombats or koalas, as soon as possible, deliver them to an authorised wildlife shelter in the area.

Australian Beach Etiquette

All Australians have been to a beach and many take holidays to relax next to one of the 11,000+ beaches around the island. Here is what you need to know when claiming your spot on the sands with your friends and family.

• Be very cautious as to where you swim if you are not a strong swimmer. Not all beaches have the red and yellow flags set up on the beach to tell you that this is a ‘safe zone’ and patrolled by lifeguards. Australians grow up having swimming lessons in primary school year after year, foreigners who have not grown up with this culture need to be alert.

• There are designated areas for surfing, jet skiing, and boating. There have been many accidents, some fatal, when both are using the same area. Those who are catching fish, day or night, are allowed as “per council rules”. They are permitted to do so only away from swimming zones. 

• When you arrive at the beach, claim the sandy area that puts space between you and others. Australians hate being ‘jammed’ or close together. Playing ball or frisbee sports on a busy and packed beach is definitely not advised and you may be yelled at or spoken to by the lifeguards. If there are those in bikinis and thongs, it's rude to ‘gawk’ or stare. And be aware, it's illegal to take photos when permission is not sought. You must ask for permission to photograph anyone without their knowledge.

• Setting up a BBQ in the middle of the beach is awkward and annoying. You are cutting off the scenery and sun for many people and making it ‘hotter than hell’ so to speak. Councils will supply clean and fully gassed BBQs in grassed areas for people to use. If you are bringing your own cooker, set up and cook in those areas.

• Before bringing your favorite canine, always check if the beach is a zone for dogs, as they are not permitted on certain beaches. Avoid taking a dog off its leash, as there may be beach-goers who fear dogs. Yes, there are dog-friendly beaches where you can allow your dogs to roam about off the leash. Just check to make certain the beach you’re on is one of them.

• It is a ‘hard no’ to camping on any beach due to health and safety regulations. There are designated beachside campgrounds that are set up behind dunes or on the foreshore. Always check with local council, the national park or state forest for the laws and codes you need to abide by.

Australia is incredibly unique and beautiful, so travel to the “Land Down Under” and “Come and Say G’day”. We hope that you appreciate what our beautiful land has to offer, and that we see you soon. As Paul Hogan would say, “I’ll make sure to slip an extra shrimp on the barbie for you!”

Pictures from www.nfsa.gov.au https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/item/shrimp-barbie-paul-hogan

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette.

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Service Plate Etiquette

Image from the book, “Reaching for the Right Fork”

Removing Service Plate is Simpler and Quicker

 

ACCORDING to correct (formal) service, the service plate is removed with either fruit-cocktail glass, or soup plate, and exchanged for a clean plate known as an “exchange plate,” because this in turn should be exchanged for any plate with food on it. But since a kitchen-served meat and vegetables is not admitted at a formally-served dinner, an exchange plate would seem strangely out of place. Therefore, the answer is to do what is most expedient. This probably would be to remove service plates and whatever may be on them, (one double stack in each hand), and bring in the filled ones (one in each hand). 

Above, another look at silver service plates. — Photo of page from an early 1900 book on proper place settings, by Wallace Silvermiths.

This answer is to the question: “When the main course of a meal is served on plates in the kitchen and brought in by the maid (which is often done these days in this part of the country) should the service plate be removed at the time that the fruit cocktail or soup is removed, or should the place plates be left standing and only the first course removed, and the place plates be lifted as each hot plate with the main course is put down?”

As I already have said, it would seem simpler as well as quicker to remove service plate and whatever is on it and leave the place bare until the already filled, hot plates are put down. This is a “practical” service suggestion, in contrast to that which is “formally” correct." — Emily Post, 1941

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

A Tip Proves Politeness Pays

Taking pride in one’s position means that the goal is to always provide excellent service, not to merely gain tips. The tip is a bonus and should not be expected. Especially tips like the tip in this story… — A tip of $100.00 U.S. dollars in 1895 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $3,964.52 today. Almost $4000.00, reflecting an average annual inflation rate of 2.85%.

POLITENESS PAYS

Henry Cary, one of the very best of the many good servants employed by the Pennsylvania railroad, died about two years ago, lamented and respected by every officer of the road whom he came in contact with. Carey was one of those ideal servants who was never around except when he was wanted, and then he was sure to be in evidence. He had that happy faculty of knowing just what was the right thing to do at the right moment, and if he was not wanted you would think the earth had swallowed him up, and in the moment he was wanted he appeared to descend from the clouds. 

A little incident in his life is worth relating before he got into the employ of the railroad company. At that time he was porter of one of the Pullman cars, and one day just as they were leaving the station in Chicago he was going through the cars, when one of the passengers asked him for some slight information. He said be didn't know, but would find out and bring back the answer, which he did in a few minutes. The passenger then asked him to be good enough to hand him a drink of water. He said “certainly” in a most pelite way and brought him the glass of water. 

The passenger was quite taken with the kindly face of Carey, and said to him that he was not very well and might get worse on the journey and asked him if he wouldn’t be good enough to pay him some little attention on the way. Carey then told him that that was not his car, that his car was in front and that he could give him but very little attention there. He then asked if he might not be removed to the front car. Carey said that he would have to consult the conductor, which he did. The conductor agreed to the transfer and he was moved into Carey’s car. 

For the first eight or ten hours the man was rather under the weather, but Carey gave him every attention in his power, and from that on he rather improved, but Carey still kept on his kind attention, bringing him everything he thought he might like, and doing everything that he wanted. When he arrived in Philadelphia, Carey took his valise out to the platform. When the passenger, watching his opportunity, saw the porter of the other car that he had left come up to Carey, the passenger put his hand in his vest pocket, took out a hundred dollar note and banded it to Carey saying: “I want to thank you for your attention to me on the journey here, and I also want to reward you for your kindness to me. Good day, I hope you may have a prosperous time.” To say that the porter whose car the passenger had left dropped dead, is to modestly depict his feelings.- Philadelphia Times, 1895

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia