Bravado Living

With the holiday season upon us and with fears of ash clouds, strikes and bad weather haunting the average traveller, I have written this guide to airplane etiquette with advice on making flying as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Flying was once a glamorous and stylish affair: passengers wore their best outfits, families would come to the airport to wave them goodbye, and pilots and air hostesses were revered for having the best jobs in the world. To be able to fly also meant that you had arrived; you were one of the chosen few who could afford the privilege.

Today, flying is considered a fundamental right to be enjoyed by the masses, and, somewhere along the turbulent line, what was demure and gracious has become raging and ragged.

The fundamental rule for air travel, much like life in general, is that politeness and consideration will go a long way in ensuring a smooth, relaxed journey.

At the Airport

From the long line at check-in to the long wait at security, the experience can be rather fraught, but getting annoyed and raising an angry voice will only make the situation worse. In most cases, airport staff are friendly and helpful: security staff are there for that very function, our security, and it’s not the check-in desk’s fault that an airplane has been delayed or cancelled, however upsetting or disruptive it is to our plans.

Going through security can be extremely tiresome, but the process could be far less traumatic if we prepare ourselves whilst in the queue – remove all keys, coins, watches, belts and laptops in advance, ready to place in to the tray, and please abide by the rules for liquids and sharp objects as they’re there for our safety.

Boarding

On arrival at the gate, please stay seated until your boarding group has been called, especially if you have an allocated seat. You won’t be allowed on the plane any quicker and you’ll merely be making the whole process more tedious and time consuming for all. If you’re fortunate enough to turn left into first class when embarking, please refrain from any smug glances at those in cattle class and the ‘do you know who I am?’ line is also best avoided!

Once onboard, the scrimmage begins to find enough space for carry-on luggage. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have the right to the space above our allocated seat, therefore if it is full, the flight attendant will have to find a space elsewhere in the plane. This is, of course, a slight annoyance, but as long as you remove anything essential, you shouldn’t need to have access to your luggage during the flight.

Photo Courtesy of The Telegraph

A common issue before take-off is with other passengers asking to switch seats. If you are travelling alone and don’t mind moving, then it’s a very kind gesture, but do not feel that you must acquiesce through guilt or embarrassment, unless, of course, a child is involved, as you are entitled to the seat that you have pre selected or have been allocated. Window and aisle seats are highly coveted prizes on a flight, but please choose your seat wisely – if you are someone who tends to get up from your seat frequently, try not to select a window seat as, not only will it cause disruption for those seated next to you, but it’s also a pain for you.

Take a Seat

You should, by now, be comfortable in your seat and about to press the recline button. It’s advisable to keep your chair upright unless you really have to lower it, as space is already limited. However, it’s safe to assume that most people will want to recline, especially on long haul journeys, but remember to inform the person behind you that you’re about to recline – there are few things worse than an extortionately expensive gin and tonic ending up on your lap.

It should also be noted that there’s no law or magic formula for your armrest – your neighbour is just as entitled to it as you are, so my only advice is to be respectful and share it equally – keep your elbows tucked in and any bags or magazine on your side of the seat. In a recent TripAdvisor survey of 3,200 US travellers, 25% reported that leg room was their biggest issue with air travel, with 30% wanting more leg room and 38% wanting bigger seats.

If you need to get up from your seat, try to find the most appropriate and least disruptive time to do it, which is usually not when the cabin crew are serving food. When leaving your seat, try not to hold on to the headrest of the passenger in front of you, as they may be one of the lucky ones who manage to sleep for the whole journey.

Eating Onboard

We are all acutely aware that airplane food is far from haute cuisine, but we are all in the same boat, so to speak, and complaining about it excessively won’t help. It might be worth buying food that is easy to transport at the airport, which you can then enjoy during the flight, but please refrain from strong odours and flavours.

Small Talk

If you are travelling alone, it can be quite a lonely experience and it might seem natural to engage your neighbour in conversation. Sporadic small talk is fine, but don’t regale countless stories, especially if your neighbour does not reciprocate, as most people prefer to travel in silence with a good book or movie. 73% of travellers said that a little small talk is fine, but that they prefer to keep to themselves for most of the flight.

Funny Business

We seem to forget that we are in public when flying, but it’s important to remember that, even when flying during the night, we’re not in our own homes and, as such, we should behave appropriately. A fumble under the covers might be a regular treat at home and it may seem a great idea with the free champagne fuelling the adrenaline of being at 35,000 feet, but on a plane, and later in the courts, it is considered public indecency. Just ask the couple from Dallas who were charged with outraging public decency and subsequently fined after getting amorous in their seats on a flight to Manchester in 1999.

Get Connected

With wifi becoming a real possibility on future flights, it introduces the awkward issue of controlling what people access, with one person’s idea of inappropriate being different from the next. 45% of respondents said that they would not complain if their neighbour visited inappropriate websites, but I’m sure this may change if the type of website contributed to increasing occurrences of the aforementioned amorous activities.

Child-friendly Zone?

One of the most contentious issues most of us face when flying concerns children. Nobody wants to endure a crying baby for the whole flight, least of all the parents, therefore a certain amount of leeway should be given, but parents should always enforce enough discipline to ensure that children don’t run wildly around the plane or kick the seat of the passengers in front of them. Children are easily distracted at the best of times, therefore make sure you bring ample sources of amusement such as colouring books or DVDs. 77% of those questioned in TripAdvisor’s 2009 travel trends survey thought that families should have their own section in a plane, while 46% would pay extra to be seated in a specific quiet section.

In-flight Fragrance

Personal hygiene is a big issue when in such a confined space, therefore always make sure that you are considerate to those around you. A good tip is to shower before travelling to the airport, visit the bathroom to freshen up during the flight and please keep your shoes and socks on! 68% of the survey respondents were concerned by germs and viruses when travelling, with 26% now carrying antibacterial hand creams.

Air Rage

One of the most troubling issues about being on a plane is that, not only are we in such a confined space, but we must remain in it until the end of the journey, where we have little control over the behaviour of others. In the year to March 2009, the Department of Transport reported that there were almost 3,500 incidents of disruptive behaviour on UK flights, 44 of which were deemed to be serious, with alcohol being cited as the main cause in 37% of these cases. Director Kevin Smith was recently left with a case of air rage after being asked to leave a plane for being too fat. He won’t be too happy to learn that 74% of US plane passengers think that large passengers should have to buy two seats to accommodate their size.

Alighting

Having landed safely, the allure of the beach or the sunset cocktails can be too much for some and the disembarking process can become a big tussle, with the aisles becoming blocked with a mass of people and luggage. There’s no need to jump up as soon as the plane lands as the mere minutes that could possibly be saved does not justify the inconvenience and lack of consideration for others.

It’s true that flying can often be a trying experience, but it can also be a great opportunity to relax, watch a movie, catch up on the week’s news and enjoy a drink, all in the safe knowledge that you are being transported to an idyllic beach setting or to visit a much loved friend or relative.

Everyone onboard needs to play their part to try to ensure a pleasant flying experience, and with a little bit of care, consideration and politeness we can make flying more enjoyable for us all, and maybe throw a splash of glamour in as well.

Bon Vivant

Bon Vivant is the bespoke, highly personalised concierge service that advises on and arranges every travel, lifestyle and leisure need. Members have access to exclusive treatment, complimentary benefits and discounts at top hotels, restaurants, members’ clubs, exclusive nightclubs and a range of lifestyle services as well as access to VIP and sold out events.

For affordable luxury with the personal touch for £100 per month, visit our website at http://www.bonvivant.co.uk or our blog at http://bonvivantliving.wordpress.com

Popularity: 10% [?]

We remember when Coral Gables used to have a great Art Walk- free wine and appetizers every ten steps, live music, meet and greets, etc. With the passing of time, it saw a dying down. Fortunately for us, First Fridays in the Gables have continued to take advantage of the publicity and host a variety of events. It looks like a very Gables weekend– here’s what we have lined up:

TASTE OF THE GABLES — sample food tastings from 15 Coral Gables restaurants as the unofficial kick-off party to Coral Gables Restaurant Week. Tickets are $15 at the door tonight but, you can go here http://coralgablesrestaurantweek.com/ and grab the last of the $10 tickets. 6-8PM 6/4/10 @ 65 Miracle Mile.

Sushi Maki – Check out free bites and cheap sake 8-11:30PM @ 2334 Ponce de Leon Blvd

Morton’s – Dogfish Head Beer and Cheese Tasting! Sounds like a dream, I know! But, it’s really happening. If that’s not enough- Morton’s is also treating you to tuna tartar canapés, salmon wedges, lamb chops with brie, petite filet mignon sandwiches, and different types of cheese. $45 gets you a seat to the tasting.6-7:30PM 6/4/10 @ 2333 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Books & Books – If Stephanie Meyer is your favorite author and you are willing to share that information in public, you should probably be ashamed of yourself. In other news, we have a great event for you- Books & Books is hosting a Midnight Launch Party of the newest book in the Twilight-esque series-“The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner”. Live music, Twilight series trivia contests, costume contests, and prizes are all included in the lure of the fiesta. 9:30- midnight 6/4/10 @ 265 Aragon Avenue

Coral Gables Restaurant Week starts! I still have a gripe as to why they refer to it as “week”. It lasts for 13 days! Anywho, 30 Gables restaurants are giving their run at three course prix fix lunch and dinner menus. We’ll be stopping by Ortanique on the Mile, Angelique Euro Café, and Graziano’s to check out their menu specials this “week”. 6/7/10 – 6/20/10

A couple tidbits: a) This isn’t the time to hit up the “cheaper” venues because you can cash in on a better deal at restaurant.com. Search the list and when you figure where you want to go type in promo code “eat”.  You just paid $3 for a $25 gift certificate.  b) sign up for Chef’s Table at Benihana. This month’s perk: the whole shebang (shrimp, mushrooms, soup/salad, rice, etc) as well as hibachi chicken AND filet mignon at 2 for $39.

Outside the Gables—

LASER SHOW— 7:00pm Legends of the Night Sky Family Laser Show, [ 7:30 free star show in the Planetarium followed by free telescopic observing in the Weintraub Observatory from 8 until 10 p.m. Additionally we have a new series of free lectures called FYI at 8 p.m. ] , 9:00pm The Doors, 10:00pm Best of Pink Floyd, 11:00pm Led Zeppelin, Midnight Pink Floyd: A Saucerful of Secrets. Tickets for each laser show are $8. The shows are AWESOME but, beware: the later it gets, the more the air smells like Mary Jane, and the higher your chances of seeing a kid pass out in line are (I swear this happened last time I went). Miami Museum of Science, 3280 South Miami Avenue

Burlesque/Absinthe Club— promoting itself as an invite only club, email info@clublafeeverte.com for your invite. Opening weekend is always the best time to head out anywhere since they are begging to impress you. Give it a try @ 912 71st St.

Dirty South – Four years ago, I would have been camped outside waiting for 11:00PM to roll around so I could see Dirty South. If you are able to deal with the crowd, head over to Mansion on 6/5/10 @ 1235 WASHINGTON AVENUE

Afrobeta – check them out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o6XjxBExes performing at Grand Central 697 N. Miami Ave

Movies at the Icon- 2 for 1 admission (all throughout June) playing Remember the Titans on 6/5/10 7:30pm Icon Brickell Spa @ 465 Brickell Ave

Paragon 13-The new Paragon 13 movie theatre in Coconut Grove is finally ready to open its doors to the public. In case you haven’t heard, the concession stand is selling beer and liquor. They are also allowing you to reserve your seat so that you don’t have to get to the theatre a half hour before your movie. In a nice twist, for a short time: stop by the Grove and spend $30 in any store or $50 in any restaurant and receive two complimentary tickets to check out the theatre

Popularity: 8% [?]

Photo: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Emyr Thomas, founder of Bon Vivant, a concierge and lifestyle management company in London, shares his thoughts on London’s grande dame – Mayfair.

Mayfair has always been synonymous with style, glamour and decadence, and today it can also be proud of a new ‘cool’ status as Londoners embrace their British heritage, with the contemporary seamlessly sitting alongside old school grandeur.

Mayfair has its share of fabulous dining experiences, with a plethora of Michelin starred restaurants, including the legendary Le Gavroche and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, which was recently awarded its third Michelin star, making it only the second restaurant to currently hold that accolade in London.

The Wolseley has maintained its place as London’s most chic destination for breakfast, with businessmen and fashionistas flocking there for the grand dining room and people watching, while Automat has firmly established itself as the place for weekend brunch and a Bloody Mary.

Serving fine Italian food from first thing in the morning until the early hours, Cecconi’s is an excellent lunch spot to break up a day’s shopping on nearby Bond Street. Cecconi’s is fun and glamorous, with a real buzz about the place – and Prosecco on tap is never a bad thing.

Scott’s, on Mount street, has been a Mayfair institution for years, and in its current guise, it is the epitome of the new Mayfair vibe. From the moment the doorman wearing a bowler hat greets and escorts you into the dining room and you see the fabulously ornate oyster bar, you know you’re in for a treat, and the food, service and ambience deliver just that. Scott’s is glamorous, exciting and a place ‘to see and be seen’.

Mount Street has transformed itself in recent years, with high-end shopping boutiques such as Christian Louboutin and Marc Jacobs effortlessly neighbouring Purdey, the prestigious gun makers and Allens, London’s oldest butcher.

The newly refurbished Connaught hotel has re-established itself at the heart of Mayfair and has elevated the hotel bar scene to new heights with two of the best bars in London. The Coburg bar is a wonderful place to relax after a day at the office or shopping, while the design and the cocktails at the Connaught bar are perfect for an upbeat glamorous evening with friends.

On the fringes of Mayfair, at the top of the former Dickens & Jones department store on Regents Street, Aqua opened towards the end of 2009 with 250 seats spread over two restaurants, both of which have a large and impressive roof terrace, which is certain to be a popular destination in the summer.

Mayfair’s nightlife continues to thrive, with re-openings and reinventions at Molton House and Morton’s competing with a new breed of cool pubs at The Punchbowl and The Only Running Footman, all in the shadow of the iconic institutions of Annabel’s and Mark’s Club.

A place to relax, pamper and rejuvenate is essential, and Mayfair does not disappoint. The recently refurbished Dorchester Spa at The Dorchester hotel is the epitome of Art Deco glamour with a contemporary twist; after indulging in the vast array of treatments, guests can enjoy champagne and cake at the adjoining Spatisserie. The Connaught Hotel has also just opened its Aman Spa, the first stand-alone Aman spa in the world.  Gentlemen are also catered for with outposts of The Refinery and Gentlemen’s Tonic and the recently launched Dunhill at Bourdon House.

With such a fine selection of venues to drink, dine and frolic, you may well need somewhere suitable to rest your weary head, and fortunately, Mayfair is home to some of the best hotels in the world. Claridge’s exudes style and luxury, the service is impeccable and the public areas are delightful. For a more hip and trendy vibe, there’s the Mayfair Hotel, the new home for any young celebrity passing through London.

The future of London’s most stylish grande dame is set to sparkle, with the re-opening of the Four Seasons Hotel and The Dorchester Collection’s new 45 Park Lane scheduled for 2010, both of which will further ignite Mayfair’s bar and restaurant scene. The chic and fabulous will surely follow; I, for one, will be joining them.

For more information about Bon Vivant, please visit our website at www.bonvivant.co.uk

Popularity: 9% [?]

Photo courtesy of photos8.com

Emyr Thomas, founder of Bon Vivant, a concierge and lifestyle management company in London, shares his thoughts on navigating the minefield of tipping in some of the world’s hottest countries.

Tipping can be socially awkward, cause endless embarrassment and be highly inconsistent and irrational, especially since it is based on the amount of a transaction instead of the quality of service.

It is imperative to remember that tipping is a gesture of appreciation for services rendered – if the service is impressive, then it deserves to be acknowledged and rewarded. More important, perhaps, is to remember to tip generously if you are a regular, as this will go a long way to ensure consistently good service and additional perks.

Deciding whether or not to tip is the easy part; the real problem lies in deciding how much to tip. Tipping is inherently linked to social custom and, as such, can vary between different cultures and countries. An inadequate tip could be considered an infringement on etiquette or an insult to a lifetime’s work.

In a country where a tip is considered a supplement to an income and not a constituent part of a wage, do not be afraid to not leave a tip if the service was not up to scratch – an important lesson for obliging Brits, perhaps.

UK

In restaurants, particularly the high-end establishments, 12.5% is usually already included on the bill, with anything between 10% and 15% being customary. In bars, it is normally at your discretion, although no tip is expected in a pub, but cocktail bars will normally add 12.5% for table service.

For hairstylists, anything between 5% and 10%, given in cash, is acceptable. In London taxis, political and economical musings come at a price, with rounding up to the nearest whole pound or up to 10% of the fare being standard. For hotel staff, a couple of pound is acceptable for maid service and for assistance with luggage.

USA

In the United States, many service sector employers pay their workers on the assumption that tips will contribute to an acceptable wage, therefore the custom of tipping is of paramount importance. Tipping is a big issue in the US in general, especially during the holiday season, with almost everyone receiving a monetary tip, including personal trainers, dry cleaners and teachers!

In restaurants, between 15% and 20% is expected, which is higher than most places, but this is more likely to go directly to the staff. Continuing with this trend, around 15% is considered standard in bars and pubs, with at least $1 per transaction. If using a taxi in New York, be prepared to add between 10% and 15% to the final bill, but don’t be afraid to dispute ill-judged journeys, as you shouldn’t have to pay for a driver’s error.

If you have a haircut, you might have to forgo the blow dry, as you’ll need an extra 15% or 20% to pay for the tip. For hotel staff, a couple of dollars is acceptable for maid service and bellboys.

France

Parisians will tell you that there is no standard for tipping in Paris, and that the French will only tip if they deem a service to be worthy. Service is normally ‘compris’, or already included, in restaurants, but excellent service can be rewarded with a further 5% left in cash.

Tips are not normally given to taxi drivers, but generally used to make giving change easier. With hairstylists, a 5 Euro tip is standard, whether the haircut costs 20 or 80 Euros.

For hotel staff, it is completely at your discretion, with a few Euros being more than sufficient. When it comes to bars, it is not customary to tip in Paris, unless, as one friend put it, you are feeling particularly guilty.

Spain

Tipping is not generally mandatory in Spain, but tends to vary with the type of venue – an upscale establishment, for example, will be more likely to expect a tip. In restaurants, service is sometimes included in the prices, but this may not make its way to the waiters, so it is acceptable to leave a further 5% to 10% in cash. When looking at a menu, be careful to note whether tax at 7% is included in the prices, or this will also be added to your bill, by law. In a casual tapas bar, tipping is not normally expected, but leave a few Euros if the service was worth it.

Tipping taxi drivers is by no means obligatory, although between 5% and 10% is considered good etiquette. The same can be applied for hair stylists, especially if you visit the same one regularly. In hotels, a few Euros for staff is more than acceptable.

Hong Kong

Tipping is not generally a large part of Hong Kong’s culture, except in hotels, where tipping is considered mandatory. HK$10 to HK$20 should be given to bellboys and maids, and remember to tip your concierge if you make use of the service.

In restaurants and bars, 10% is usually automatically added to the bill, but you should still leave a further 5% to 10% in cash for the waiters. Hairstylists will usually expect between 5% and 10%, and although taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, it is widely accepted that you should round up to the nearest dollar, or leave an additional dollar, at least.

Italy

Unlike many European countries, tipping is not generally expected in Italy, but it is, of course, always appreciated. In restaurants, a cover charge is normally already included and they tend to charge extra for bread, both of which are considered to replace the usual ‘tip’ or service charge. However, if you think that the service was worthy of reward, a tip of between 5% and 10% is gratefully received.

It’s not obligatory to tip a taxi driver, but rounding up to the nearest Euro is considered good etiquette. For hotel staff, a couple of Euros is acceptable for maid service and for assistance with luggage.

Turkey

Tipping is not generally a large part of Turkey’s culture, with modest tips being perfectly acceptable.

In restaurants and bars, you should leave 5% to 10% in cash for the waiters, and although taxi drivers don’t expect a tip, it is widely accepted that you should round up to the nearest Lira. For services that are used on a regular basis, such as hair stylists, a tip of 10% is advisable as this usually helps to ensure consistently good service.

Portugal

In Portugal, tipping is usually considered as a supplement to an income at a restaurant, therefore a tip of 10% would be greatly appreciated, although a fine dining restaurant may include up to 15% on the bill.

Taxi drivers normally expect a 10% tip on top of the fare, in hotels a few Euros should be given to bellboys and maids, and remember to tip your concierge if you make use of the service.

For further information on Bon Vivant, visit their website at http://www.bonvivant.co.uk or their blog at http://bonvivantliving.wordpress.com/.

Popularity: 26% [?]

We know that when we mention Italy you immediately conjure images of a gondola ride in Venice, a tour of the Coliseum, or snapping that famous picture of you pretending to hold up The Leaning Tower of Pisa (you’re so clever).

You never thought of going wild boar hunting. Which is exactly why you should.

Noone wants to hear the boring story of how you sampled the finest wine on earth, or you saw the Ferrari museum. They want to hear how you went toe-to-toe with a wild boar (with 6 inch tusks, right? right?) and took it down in one of the most culture rich countries known to man, brought it back and cooked a giant feast for the entire village.

Rules are you must bring your own rifle (check the site on how to get your Red Ryder across the border). After that, there are no rules.

You follow a master boar tracker who will use the boar’s tree rubbings, hoof tracks, and his best John Locke impression to lead you to a clear shot of the wild beast. Sounds like a great male bonding experience if I ever heard of one.

Kind of puts to shame that “epic” trip the strip club you had last month, doesn’t it?

Timon and Pumba Sighting not Guaranteed

BOOK IT Authentic Boar Hunting in Tuscany 335EU

Popularity: 6% [?]