Let's Talk about Tipping
“How much should I tip?”
It’s time to talk about tipping standards.
This blog might not be the most common topic since for some, money can be an uncomfortable topic. But, I have a feeling it’s going to be a valuable topic, because advice on tipping is one of the most commonly asked questions I get from my clients prior to a trip.
Based on the popularity of the question, I’m sure you also have been on a vacation and wondered how much you should tip (you know you’ve googled it!). I hope you can take this information with you on your next trip and it helps clarify better than a google search.
First, let me start by saying, tipping really is entirely up to you and your discretion and is certainly based on how you felt about the service provided, but my goal here is to provide you with a guideline.
I have put together common traveling adequate for tipping. Please also note that countries vary from place to place on tipping standards and this is just a suggested guide to make it easy. This is also suggested for Luxury travel.
Hotel/ Resort:
Bellman - If they just drop off your bag in the room about $3 - $5 per bag. If they go into explaining the room, put your bags away and preform extra duties, tip on the higher end of this.
Doorman - (the ones that call you a taxi like in NYC) $2-$3
Valet - $3-$5 unless they saved your car upfront - in that case, more like $20-$50
Housekeeping - I personally tip $5 a day for the housekeeping staff and write a thank you note with it in an easy to view location before I depart the hotel. They work so hard and really appreciate this- you will see in the back of the house at some hotels the thank you notes they have received from guests hanging! Not expected but a nice touch!
Butler - High end luxury suites/ villas with your personal butler (for an example St. Regis Butler service or a butler in the Maldives). For a family, a minimum of $50 a day is a good tip… if you have 2
people, about $20-40 a day.
Concierge- Simple dinner reservations and show tickets / arrangements about $5-$10 but if it’s a sold out show/ moved something around for you… please include more!
Spa Therapists - 15-18% is pretty standard
Spa Lounge Attendants – Depends how much they help but about $5 to the attendant that helped you.
Pool Staff - The person getting your towels, serving you drinks and is just there for you while you’re soaking up the sun. $15-18 of your check… if you don’t order anything about $5-$10
Additional Tipping situations while traveling:
Yacht skipper- - 10-20% of the total cost of the trip
Restaurant servers – This really depends on the country you’re in but 15-20% is standard in most places.
Bartenders - $2-$3 per drink (if you’re tipping off a total tab it’s calculated like your food bill 15-20%)
Private Driver- 10%- 15% of the fare
Private English Speaking tour Guide – $25- $50 or 10-15% of the total tour cost. (every country has it’s own standards though)
Safari guide - $20 a day
Skycap at the Airport - $2-$5 per bag
Cruise Steward- $20- $50 when you arrive to cabin (every cruise has set guidelines and some cruises include tips already)