TIPS ON TIPPING

When it comes to your vacation, it's the littlest details, such as tipping, that can become the most confusing. Whom should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all? Never fear! With this simple guide to tipping, we will take the guesswork out of tipping and help you focus on more important things - like enjoying your vacation. 

AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS
Upon arriving at or leaving from the airport or train station, tip the standard porter rate of US$1 per bag; more if your luggage is very heavy. Typically, a US$1 tip for hailing a taxi is appropriate for doormen. However, you may want to tip more for special services, such as carrying your bags.

AT THE HOTEL
When you arrive at your hotel after a long flight, first things first: Tip the taxi or limo driver. Ten to 15 percent of your total fare is usually expected. If you drive your own car, give the valet parking attendant US$1 to US$2. If you take a shuttle van or bus, tip the driver US$2 per person.

The bellman, who will be more than happy to assist you with your bags and the door, should receive US$1 to US$2 per bag. Tip when he shows you to your room and again if he assists you upon checkout. Tip more if he provides any additional service. The concierge, who can get you anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-come-by theatre tickets, deserves US$5 to US$10 for such feats. You may tip at the time of service or at the end of the trip. To ensure good service throughout your stay, add a US$20 tip to the bill.

Add 15 percent of the bill to a room service charge, unless a gratuity is already added, then add no additional tip or simply US$1. If you requested something delivered to your room such as a hairdryer or iron, tip US$1 per item received. Typically, the maid deserves a US$2 tip each day, as well.

TOURS
If you're taking a tour and a tip is not automatically included, tip a local guide US$1 per person for a half-day tour, US$2 for full-day tour. Tip a private guide more.

If you are on a multi-day tour with a tour manager – someone who travels with the group for several days and is essentially in charge – tour operators suggest anywhere from US$3-8 per person per day. Don't forget the bus driver either - US$2 per person per day.

CRUISES
Cruise lines like Silversea and Seabourn already include their gratuties in the cruise price.  Other cruise lines usually add the gratuities to your shipboard account (normally US$7 per person per day) which can be settled on check-out. 

RESTAURANTS
Although excellent service calls for 20 percent of the total bill, most U.S. restaurants accept 15 percent as the standard tip. In restaurants where you sit at the bar or the waiter is a small part of the meal (cafes or pubs), 10 percent is also acceptable. The bar tenders, themselves, generally receive between 15 and 20% when you sit at the bar. If the food or service is unsatisfactory, speak to the manager - don't walk out without tipping. And pay attention to lunch and dinner bills in Europe and Asia, as some restaurants tack on an additional 15 percent (usually listed on the menu or check as a "service charge") and do not expect tips.

At fancy restaurants, tip the maitre d' between US$5 and US$10 if he gets you a table - more when the restaurant is full and you have no reservations. Tip US$1 when you check your coat, and another US$.50 to US$1 for restroom attendants. For personal service from the wine steward, opt for 10 percent of the wine bill.

These Tips on Tipping will hopefully give you a general idea of the standard tipping rate for different stops along your journey. You are always welcome to tip more when the service is excellent, and when you do, you are sure to see the red carpet treatment all the way. Enjoy your vacation, and don't forget to tip!

Taken from www.travelsense.org