Guide For Proper Tipping

You have decided to take a much needed vacation and in consequence have found yourself half way across the world feeling the thrill and excitement of a new adventure. But mixed with that range of emotions is also the tinge of uncertainty you might feel when it comes to the local customs and traditions. One of those uncertainties might even be the confusion you feel not knowing when it is proper, or improper, to leave a tip or gratuity for those who serve you. Even the most sophisticated traveler will experience some embarrassment if they are not sure of the proper etiquette of tipping.

First of all, always tip in the local currency of wherever you are visiting. It is an arrogant assumption to expect your server to exchange your currency for theirs. Different parts of the world have different customs when it comes to tipping in general.

Preparation is the second key to avoid embarrassment when it comes to tipping. The customs regarding tipping vary depending on where you are. For example, in Europe most restaurants already include a service charge to the total bill, so tipping is not necessary. In Japan tipping is not customary at all, while at a U. S. restaurant tipping is considered proper. Contact a foreign government tourist office before you leave for your destination to research what is expected of you in the area of the world you are planning on visiting.

Restaurants- Tipping in a restaurant can be confusing. Some parts of the world see tipping as some strange American custom that makes them feel totally uncomfortable. In most parts of the world you probably are safe just paying the advertised amount on the menu for your food, but in the U. S. and Canada things are not that way. It is customary to add at least a 15% gratuity to your bill to leave as a tip for your servers. If you are in a bar the rate is about $1 per drink too. The waitress or waiter usually makes a small wage, certainly not enough to live on, and counts on the added income that tipping provides.

At some U.S. restaurants there is a gratuity already added to your bill.  This usually occurs when you have a large party.  Most of the time you are informed of this mandatory tip before you are seated, however, sometimes you are not.  Make sure you check your bill to see if the tip has been automatically calculated in to price of the meal before you leave a tip, otherwise you may be tipping the service staff twice.  When it comes to mandatory tipping, if your waiter or waitress was exceptionally good, you are always welcome to add more onto the bill for an additional tip amount.

Hotels- Tip the maid who cleans your room about $5.00 a day, and tip the doorman $1-$2 for hailing a cab. Give bellhops about $2 per bag. If you use a concierge to make reservations for you at a local restaurant figure on about a $5.00 tip. If you ask them for a larger request, like a sold out show, or reservations at a new hip spot consider about a $20.00 tip or more for their effort. If the service is particularly good from any one of these service personnel, show your appreciation by the tip you give them.

Cruises- In the past it was a lot more complicated to know how to tip during a cruise. It was customary to tip your room steward, dining room waiter, the waiter’s assistance, and the dining room host, or Maitre d', in cash on the last night of the cruise. Most major cruise lines today have simplified the process by adding a daily gratuity to your shipboard account. Typically the tipping amount for a cruise is $10-$15 per passenger per day. All the crew members share the amount gathered. This amount can usually be adjusted either up or down. Most cruise lines also include a 15% gratuity to bar tabs also.

Just like with a hotel however, if you feel one of the personnel has gone the extra mile to make you feel comfortable most of the time it is acceptable to let them know and leave an additional tip for them personally. Be aware that some cruise lines may discourage this, so it is always good to check in advance of your trip.

Tours- One of the most grueling jobs on a vacation trip can be that of a tour guide. Tour directors lead the tours making sure all the participants and their bags are accounted for each day, sharing their knowledge of the destination, and solving little problems along the way. Although rates may vary depending on the price level of the tour, it is customary to give a $4-$8 per person, per day, tip to your tour director. It is also customary to give about half of that amount to the driver too. A good tour director can make all the difference in your experience on your adventure.

From Hair Stylists, manicurists, massage therapists, to those who dry your car off at the car wash, tipping is a way to say "thank you" for the service they have given you. If you remember those who give you good service, they will remember you too, believe me. You are safe if you count on 15% of the cost of the services as a baseline amount of tipping, but great service can influence greater generosity when it comes to tipping too.

Also try to remember these special people during the Holiday gift giving season.  The following video gives some guidelines about what appropriate Holiday gifts might be.

Whenever you travel make sure you learn what is expected of you before you go, and feel free to ask questions when you get there if you are still uncertain. You will enjoy yourself much more if you are not worried about making a tipping blunder and embarrassing you and your travel companions, as well as your server.

I hope these few tips on tips have helped… now have a great trip!