Left-handed people don’t have an easy lot in life, living in a world where almost everything is “vice versa”.
This can get especially frustrating while traveling. Well, we have a small something for the left-handers of the world, seeing as Saturday is International Left-Hander’s Day.
Personally, we think every Saturday should be Left-Hander’s day, seeing as about one in seven people are left-handed. But what do we know.
Introducing Dohop‘s four tips for left-handers to make travel more enjoyable.
1. Own the Armrest.
When a left-handed person boards a plane, there is always that sigh of frustration; they know that the armrest-hassle is about to begin with whatever right-handed person they will be sitting next to.
However, there is a solution to this as there are two stand-outs for the left-handed traveller.
Make sure to select the aisle seat in the left row (from the front) or the window seat in the right row. This is actually, for once, worth the extra euro or two the airlines charge for selected seating.
2. Keep it Right (Sometimes).
When traveling, the left-hander can accidentally make some cultural no-nos. Let’s avoid that.
Always offer your right hand when greeting someone (you probably do this anyway). If you try to shake hands by extending your left hand in some Asian countries in might be considered impolite.
In Africa, Asia and in some Muslim countries it is frowned upon to eat with the left hand, as this can be seen as unclean.
Or just be a rebel: eat and drink with your left, local custom be damned!
Important business tip: In Asian countries, the business card should not be handed over or received with the left hand.
3. Bring Your Own Utensils.
Accommodation is not made for leftys, to put it mildly.
Most right-handed people don’t realize it, but appliances and utensils work differently for left-handers.
Parachute cords are almost always on the right side, for instance (this just means that skydiving is even more extreme for left-handed people).
There are a few common items we suggest left-handers pack and bring with them when they travel, just in case.
It starts with the corkscrew, but also a pair of scissors, a pocket knife and a can opener (what’s the deal with right-handed can openers anyway?).
Medieval torture-device for lefties. Scissors to most people.
Just remember not to put them in your check-in bags, as we doubt that security will accept “but I’m left-handed” as an explanation for having a knife in your hand luggage.
4. Use Your Superpowers.
Sometimes, being left-handed can actually seem like a superpower.
You see, most countries have right-hand traffic so the cars are designed for right-handed drivers. This means that all operating elements, including gear change, are on the right side.
However, there they are a few wonderful countries with left-sided traffic where you sit on the right side of the car. So the controls – for once – are on the left.
Here, being left-handed is actually like a superpower.
“I’ll handle this,” you can say and drive like the left-handed god you are.
To make the most of this superpower, book trips to England, Australia, Thailand, South-Africa or Mauritius.
P.s. You can find rental cars in these countries here: http://www.dohop.com/cars/
Share this with your left-handed friends. Then give them a left-handed high-five.
The post 4 Tips to Make Left-handed Travel the Best appeared first on The Dohop Travel Blog .