Travel Tipping Etiquette

One of the most often over looked expense of a vacation is tipping etiquette. Who should you tip, how much, when should you tip....all important questions, because after all, TIPS means “To Insure Prompt Service”...and that is what we all expect when were on vacation.

It has been our practice for a long time when assisted at a hotel with our luggage that we tip the bellman a dollar a bag...the same for a sky cap at the airport. If you enjoin the services of the concierge for reservations at a restaurant or a show, about $5-$10 should be a fair tip. Usual tip for the maid who attends your room is around $2 a day.

Tipping the taxi or limo driver figure around 10-15% of your fare. If you are using valet parking service to park your car, $5 is fair compensation.

Nowadays, tipping on a cruise ship is fairly easy. They add the charge, usually around $14 a day per person to your room account and that is distributed to all those who have served you in the dining room and your room steward. They also add 15% gratuity to your soft drink or alcoholic drink when ordered on the ship.

Most restaurants, both in the United States and internationally, accept 15% as the standard tip for service. Pay attention to the bill when presented because some restaurants will include the tip with the bill, so you don't want to tip twice.

If you are on a guided tour, generally the guide is expecting at lest $2.50 a person for a half day tour, or for a full day, $5 would be appreciated. Of course, if you think they were exceptional or provided you some personal service during the tour, then you might want to consider additional consideration.

The bus driver for the tour, if not also the guide, can be appreciated at around $2 a person for half a day and $4 for a full day of driving.

I have one client who when he goes down to a particular resort in Mexico, will give the concierge in his section a $50 bill on the first day, and he tells me that the rest of the time he is there at that property, he is treated like a king......his requests are acted upon immediately.

Those folks who provide great service to us while we are on vacation deserve to be recognized with a note to their supervisor, as well as monetary recognition. So, when you are building your vacation budget, remember to set aside an amount for those who serve you.

This tip on tipping is brought to you today by the experienced counselors at The Travel Factory who enjoy guiding you to the trip of a lifetime, so call on us often at 4150 Southwest Drive, or by phone at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040, or visit our website at: www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.