Travel Tipping Guide
In this day and age of Venmo, Cash App, and Apple Pay, cash is becoming more and more obsolete. This can make tipping while traveling difficult. I have embarrassingly been caught in situations where I had no cash and no other option for tipping.
So, my first and most important advice is add “get cash” to your pre-trip “to do list.” And not just cash - make sure you have plenty of smaller bills. I recently spent way too much time trying to find a place to break a $20, so I could tip our valet.
The second key to tipping is to know how much to give and when. Here is our helpful guide to make this super easy!
Airport Shuttle Drivers - Our family typically parks at an offsite location and shuttle to the airport. When we do this, the shuttle drive helps to load and unload our bags. Tipping is not required for this service, but we typically tip a dollar or two per bag.
Taxi or Rideshare Drivers - When using taxis or rideshare services during your trip, most experts agree a good rule of thumb is to tip between 15-20% of the total fare. If the driver provides exceptional service, you may choose to tip more.
Bellhops and Room Service - Traveling as a family can mean lots of baggage. The bellhop can be a huge help in getting you to your room with everything. Room Service will often have gratuity added, as well as a delivery or packaging fee. While additional gratuity is always appreciated, it isn't required.
Doorman and Valet - Some hotels, especially in larger cities, have a doorman to help to welcome guests as well as to assist with hailing taxis, unloading luggage, and providing directions. Many hotels in larger cities also offer valet for parking. It is customary to tip the valet staff when they retrieve your car to leave the hotel, not when you are returning to the hotel to have your car parked although you are welcome to tip each time.
Hotel Housekeeper - We have noticed that housekeeping duties have changed in the last few years. Some hotels no longer offer daily housekeeping unless it is requested. If your room is cleaned daily consider tipping each day since a different person may clean your room from one day to the next. Tip your housekeepers and leave a note so the housekeepers know it’s for them. Tip more for suites and messy kids (and adults).
Front Desk and Concierge - Concierge can be tipped for tickets or restaurant reservations (especially for hard to get tickets or reservations). In some hotels, the front desk staff serves as the concierge. Also, if the front desk staff upgrades you, it is nice to tip them.
Tour Guides - There are many types of tours to choose from and many types of guides. A good tour guide can transform your trip! As a general rule, tip 10% to 20% of your tour price. If your tour has a separate driver, it is also appropriate to tip him/her a few bucks. For a full day tour tip $5 to $10 tip per person.
Food and Drink Servers - Anyone who has ever worked as a server knows the importance of getting good tips! And these days, there are lots of food and drink servers to tip. Hopefully, our guide can help you to know how much to tip each one!
Bottom line - If someone makes your travel life easier or more enjoyable, show your gratuity with a tip!
