How to Conquer the Art of Tipping on Vacation

Whether you are beginning a two-week vacation or creating a budget for your next trip, there’s one cost that’s commonly forgotten and that is the cost of allocating funds for tips into your budget. As you enjoy the destination and your vacation, do not forget to show appreciation to the people and the staff who are working hard to make sure your vacation is memorable.

Here are some tips on how to practice good tipping etiquette on your next trip.

Tipping Etiquette in the U.S.

Figuring out how much to tip depends on the type of service you are receiving and how well the service was performed. In the U.S., the general rule of thumb is to tip 15% to 20% of the bill or service cost. If you feel the service you received was exceptional, you may choose to tip higher than 20%.

When it comes to the question of who to tip, an easy way to decipher this is based on whether the staff receives an hourly wage. According to etiquette experts, you’re not expected to provide gratuity to employees who receive a salary, although it is up to you to offer a tip if the person gives you exceptional service. 

One thing to keep in mind: tipping etiquette experts advise that you should never forego tipping because of poor service. Instead, if the service was unacceptable, consider tipping on the low end (e.g. 10%). If the service was truly egregious, I suggest you speak to the manager about your experience.

How Much to Tip When on Vacation

While you’re on vacation, you will meet people along the way that are going to go out of their way to make your vacation memorable. This can be anyone from the guy who drives you from the airport to your hotel, to your housekeeper to your tour guide.  

Listed below is a breakdown from the etiquette experts on how much you should tip those that service you during your vacation. 

Hotels

Valet: $2-5 on delivery of your vehicle

Bellhop: $1-2 per bag

Concierge: $5-10 per request; $10-20 for special service; no tip necessary for simple suggestions, like a nearby coffee shop or directions

Doorman: $1-2 per bag

Housekeeping: $3-5 daily, feel free to tip more if you left the room in a total mess.

Room service: $1-3, plus 15% to 20% of the bill

Transportation

Curbside baggage check: $1-2 per bag

Airport shuttles: $1-2 per person

Taxi or rideshare drivers: 10% to 20% of the fare

Dining

Waiter: 15% to 20% of the bill

Bartender: $1 per drink or 10% to 20% of the bar tab

Maitre d’: $5-10

Sommelier: 10% to 20% of the wine bill

Coatroom attendant: $1-2 per coat

Bathroom attendant: $1 per visit

Activities

Tour guide: 10% to 20% of the tour price

Tour bus driver: $1-3 daily

Spa services: 15% to 20% of the bill

Caddies: $15-25 per person

If you keep track of the money that you spend on tips you will be surprised how much of your travel budget will go on tips. However, you must remember that tipping is a big part of travel and you must express gratitude for the service you receive. Therefore, when you are putting together your travel budget make sure you allocate funds for tipping in your budget.   

Tipping Etiquette When Traveling Abroad

Tipping etiquette in the U.S. may vary from state to state but tipping customs can be different when you travel out of the country.

North, Central and South America

It is customary to leave gratuities in North, Central and South America since tips can be a substantial part of a service worker’s income.

European Union

Leaving larger tips of 15-20% is unnecessary and sometimes considered ignorant since many countries within the European Union already have laws in place to accommodate gratuity. On many occasions, the tip is already included in the cost and will be shown on the bill. 

East Asia and the South Pacific

Tipping is not part of the Asian culture and in most Asian countries you should not tip. A gratuity is not expected and may even be turned down or considered rude. Service may be added to a restaurant or hotel bill in a few Asian countries, but this practice is the exception, not the rule.

Thailand

In Thailand you tip like you tip in the United States. Leave 15% to 20% in restaurants and give 10% to 15% to taxi drivers.

Middle East and Parts of Africa

Tipping in the Middle East and parts of Africa is similar to the Americas. Tipping is customary and expected by service workers in Africa and the Middle East. The amount varies by restaurant and economic state of the country.

Practice Thoughtful Tipping

At the end of the day, the figures above are simply a guide of what is commonly suggested in the service industry. Hopefully when you plan your travel budget, you will allocate funds in your budget to properly express gratitude for those who have contributed to the success of your vacation. However, if you don’t have the funds to adhere to these suggestions, don’t feel pressured to give when you do not have the means. Any token of appreciation, whether monetary or a thoughtful thank you note, can help make service staff feel appreciated.

When in Doubt… 

Tipping customs can change as tourism shapes cultural norms and wage laws change. If you find yourself unsure whether to tip, ask your server if tipping is customary.

If it doesn’t feel appropriate to ask about tipping, simply round up the bill. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little of your culture to the table by leaving something behind to show your gratitude. That little extra money may have made someone’s day! 

Finally, it’s always best to tip in the local currency. This will ensure that the person providing the service gets the full amount and does not have to worry about currency exchange fees.

How do you feel about tipping? When you plan your travel budget, do you allocate funds for tipping? 

Like this blog? Why not share it with your friends or colleagues? It would be very much appreciated.

Cynthia Amin-Hall

Colesville Travel

P.O. Box 4844

Silver Spring, MD 20914

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.colesvilletravel.com

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