One of the biggest sources of confusion for many travelers is who to tip and how much. Tipping policies vary from region to region and from country to country. If you are traveling in the continental United States, we have some tipping etiquette for you to follow.
Why Must We Tip?
The word tipping comes from a phrase used in the past, “To insure Promptness” that a pub owner placed on a box. The acronym stuck, and today tipping is either a bribe for excellent service before you begin your transactions, or as a reward for a job well done. Most personnel who receive tips as part of their pay make low wages and depend on customers tipping to make their money.
At the Airport
Before you even begin your trip, you will have to tip the sky captains that handle your baggage. The usual tip expected is a minimum of $1 per bag, though of course you can always tip more. It is best to arrive at the airport with dollars in your pocket so there is no awkwardness when you hand over your baggage to the airport personnel.
When You Arrive at Your Hotel
Most of the hotel staff can be tipped when your stay is through, especially if you have the same people servicing you during your stay. It is common to tip the housekeeping staff $1 per person per day. If there is a doorman, you can tip him when you leave, as well as the rest of the staff that have helped you to enjoy your visit. If you would like to receive top-notch service, you can tip them when you arrive as well as when you leave.
Dining and Entertainment
Tipping your waiter or waitress when you dine is definitely expected at the time of service unless your meals are included in your hotel package. If you have the same person serving you daily, it is okay to leave a tip at the end of your stay. You can give your server whatever you think is fair as usually their tip is included in the price you have paid. If you are eating at a restaurant it is typical to leave 15% of the total bill for adequate service and for an outstanding job, 20% will be appreciated.
You can’t forget your bartender either. Tipping the bartender a modest amount after a few rounds will insure that you get a drink when you are ready. You can also tip at the end of your stay if again the same person has been serving you.
A Bit of Etiquette
It helps the awkwardness of the tipping process if you don’t ask for change. If you are planning on tipping the bartenders and servers on the last day of your stay, discreetly hand them the money and thank them profusely for making your stay more enjoyable.
Women are known to be more generous tippers than men, and men tip ladies more than they will tip another man. Keep in mind that these people are making your stay more enjoyable and should be rewarded with a nice tip to show your appreciation.
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As Joel Osteen once said: you just ate a great meal, surely you can afford to show appreciation by leaving a good to great tip….
Comment by mitzi booker — April 29, 2008 @ 8:25 am