Here is the Nineteenth installment of Ten Top Lists of What Not to Do by Marie Ann Bailey of 1WriteWay at http://1writeway.com and John W. Howell of Fiction Favorites at http://johnwhowell.com. These lists are simu-published on our blogs each Monday. We hope you enjoy. This list is in recognition of those who are planning to travel during the Thanksgiving holiday.

10. If you decide to drive your car when traveling, do not pack the trunk and backseat so that all the passengers need supplemental oxygen to stay alive.
9. While traveling in the car, do not think your favorite onion and limburger cheese sandwiches will go unnoticed when you go for a snack. If you do, you may find yourself on the roof with grandmother.
8. If you are the designated driver for a portion of the trip, do not think you can rest your eyes for even a moment. If you do, you may find permanent rest as well as a handsome marker on the side of the highway with your name on it.
7. If you should experience a flat tire while driving on a trip, do not attempt to instruct your spouse or traveling companion on the intricacies of changing a tire while you stand off to the side observing. If you do, you may be wearing the spare for the rest of the journey.
6. If you decide to take an airplane when traveling, do not try to tell security why your religion forbids taking off your shoes. If you do, you may find a full body search applied as the viable alternative.
5. When on an airplane while traveling, do not call a flight attendant by repeatedly pressing the flight attendant call button. If you do, your reward may just be a visit from Mr. Coffee in your lap.
4. When on an airplane while traveling, do not complain loudly and frequently about the lack of food or water. If you do, the flight crew might insure that you may get the same experience as you would on the ground at Guantanamo.
3. When on an airplane while traveling, do not attempt to recline your seat without asking the person behind you if it is OK. If you don’t ask, the passenger behind you may choose to see you later in the terminal where no air marshals are present.
2. When getting off the airplane and you are seated in the back row, do not try to push your way forward while other people are trying to retrieve their carry-on bags . If you do, you chance being kidnapped by Somali pirates and held for ransom. (Oh, if it only worked that way.)
1. When walking as a group through the air terminal while traveling, do not walk five abreast while counting the steps to baggage claim to see who wins the bet. If you do, here’s hoping a baggage cart slides sideways trying to stop, but connects with your group like you are ten pins in a bowling alley.
12 responses to “Top Ten Things Not to Do When Traveling”
I’m flying to Stockholm at the weekend. I’m already mentally preparing myself for how everyone else turns into a total idiot as soon as they hit the airport… :)
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Good luck with your travels then. I imagine plane passengers are total idiots the world over ;)
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I love these top 10 lists, Marie! I love number 3. I hate when people recline…so rude!
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Thanks, Jill! Reclining is particularly rude these days when everyone knows that we have less space than we used to. There was an article in the New York Times a couple of Sundays ago about flying etiquette. Reclining without asking permission is a big no-no, but can you imagine anyone actually asking permission?
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No one has ever asked me for permission to recline. :(
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Me neither. I think it’s just one of those considerations that nobody thinks applies to them.
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I used to take a flight every week and was always amazed at the lack of manners of fellow travelers. Glad I not longer am forced to do that. Nice job.
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Oh, goodness. I fly maybe once a year now. Always dread it. Thanks, John :)
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This was all the more delightful because I read it from an airport :)
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Ha ha! So you must have experienced quite a few of these things not to do ;)
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hahahha…I was rolling over laughing hard while reading this list as it’s not only useful but very amusing Marie..loved the way you have put it together…awesome work :)
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Thank you, Kavita! Hope you are well and having fun with your travels :)
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