My husband and I recently went on a vacation through Idaho, Montana and Yellowstone. We couldn’t help but notice the astounding number of kind, considerate tourists that made our trip so enjoyable. We compiled a list of our fellow travelers’ best behaviors so others can be just as gracious on their own journeys away from home.
When taking photos
Have no remorse about stopping in the middle of the road if it means capturing an amazing shot. The drivers who can’t get around you will understand what you’re doing and wait patiently. They’ll understand that your photo is more important than anything else.
Stand in the best spot for a photo for as long as you like. Everyone else can wait.
Keep your camera in the most inconvenient place possible. That way, when you want to take a photo, everyone else has to slow down around you.
While driving
Slow down and gawk when you see a group of cars parked along the side of the road so you can see what’s going on. You might be missing something important. The drivers behind you won’t mind the delay because you’re helping them discover whatever it is that captured the interest of these other people.
Drive twenty MPH below the speed limit. The people in the convoy of cars that will build up behind you will end up thanking you for helping them enjoy the leisurely, scenic drive.
If traffic signs direct you not to slow down or stop, you show slow down and stop. No means yes.
Be indecisive. Stop and start as often as possible. Pull into other lanes and feign passing often. Don’t check blind spots. Hit your brakes for no reason. Swerve in and out whenever you see a pull-out or another road. Indecision shows other drivers that you are thinking.
Remember the rule of the road: Stop anywhere, at any time, for any reason.
When in an area with wild animals
Ignore all those signs about leaving the animals alone — those are just for decoration and they don’t mean anything. The animals are quite friendly, actually, and they love humans. They enjoy your company and appreciate it when you pet them, just like your puppy or kitty at home.
Leave the safety of your vehicle and run rabidly toward them with your camera in hand. Imagine how cool your friends will think you are if you have a photo of a bison/elk/deer/bear in your collection!
If the animals run away from you, run after them. They like playing hard-to-get.
Make eye contact. This will ensure a perfectly focused portrait.
Never pass up a chance at taking a photo of a baby animal, especially if it’s a bear and especially if mama isn’t there to interfere. She’s busy with other things and won’t mind your interaction with her little one whatsoever. She might even thank you for babysitting!
When around other tourists
Walk with the “1,000-yard stare.” Bumping into people, standing in their way, staring at nothing — these are all acceptable in a crowd of people. This is best accomplished while holding a camera or binoculars, preferably while the item is hanging from your neck. Lack of focus and care for others shows your appreciation for nature and wildlife.
Be awkward. You are encouraged to do all of the following (but feel free to add your own): play tag on backcountry hiking trails, cut in front of others as they take photos, shout (which, just like stopping while driving, is acceptable at any time, at any place, for any reason), walk slowly side-by-side as to take up as much room on walking trails as possible, give children loud toys in public places (the louder the toy the better, especially in confined spaces).
Point at everything. It lets people know what you’re looking at.
Speak loudly so everyone within a 20-foot radius can hear you.
