Travel Tip - Who To Tip On Vacation
Travel
Audio By Carbonatix
Folks! I’ve said it a million times, please be sure to save enough money for your next desired vacation because this is where the details matter. A few key folks will have their hand out for a little something extra (figuratively speaking) and it is essential you do your part to take care of these hard-working individuals. Obviously, this is a general guideline to help with your awareness, the individual tipping situation will be specific to your itinerary.
Professional Driver To/From The Airport
Are you planning on taking an Uber or a taxi to the airport from your house? Boom! Leave a review a few bucks along the way; if they are deserving, of course.
Airline Gate Agents
This is not customary and might be a little awkward. A kind smile and pleasant attitude will go a long way.
Curbside Check-In Luggage Handlers / Skycaps / Cruise Luggage Handlers
If I have to check luggage, I tend to like to check it in myself and inspect the baggage tags before I kiss it goodbye. Some people prefer to let the curbside folks take care of this the moment they arrive at the terminal. If that is the case, then yes, whoever helped you check your bags in, will need a couple of dollars per bag.
Flight Attendants
It is typical to NOT give a flight attendant a cash gratuity. Some people do and if that is your thing then they will be very appreciative. I would suggest only tipping the cabin person who looked after YOU and offered individual attention to you or your party. What I like to do is hand them a bag of individually wrapped candy (think Hershey’s miniatures) from the airport Newsstand or candy shop. I hand it to the first flight attendant that greets me the moment I step on board. Believe me, they appreciate it.
Cruise Cabin Stewards
It is customary to tip the cabin steward that took care of your room during your cruise. These gratuities may be included in the cost of your ticket so be sure to ask when you book your cruise fare.
Doormen
Yes, a couple of dollars in the palm of someone who opened the door for you is a nice touch. I don't find it necessary EVERY TIME I walk in or out of the hotel but every other instance, I tip the doorman.
Bellhops / Food Delivery
If someone brings something to your room such as your luggage, room service, extra towels, or a forgotten toothbrush, then it is customary to tip.
Housekeepers
If the housekeeper is exceptional, then a little more is also appropriate but a general rule is between $1-5 per day (per person) is completely acceptable. Although anything is always appreciated! There's no need to perform a Google search, but there is plenty of sufficient data that supports this figure. A similar figure is suggested by the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Yes, that’s a real thing. They meet weekly in hotel boardrooms to discuss the ins and out of getting in and out of hotels all across this great land of ours. Okay, that last part wasn’t true, but it DOES exist, I swear!
Tour Guides
Again, a modest figured gratuity is much appreciated.
Servers / Bartenders
In North America, it is typical to leave a gratuity based on the quality of service you receive from the people serving you. 20 to 25% of the bill is appropriate. However, in some cultures this is taboo. Check with your trusted travel advisor for guidance before you arrive.
So there you have it. Get that stack of singles and fives ready to hand out all over your vacation destination. Remember not to go overboard and have a marvelous trip!
I’ll see you in line at security.
