Tis the season for giving… So how do your tipping skills measure up?
With the holiday travel season in full swing I’ve noticed the subject of tipping has become a hot topic in several Internet travel forums. Some people headed out of town for the holidays are overwhelmed by the prospect of doling out extra dollars to everyone from taxi drivers to hotel valets, skycaps to concierges.
So what is the rule when it comes to tipping?
According to experts, the rule is there is no rule. Tipping is voluntary (unless so stated in a company’s policy; for example some restaurants tack on a mandatory gratuity for large parties). However, tipping is also a staple of American culture, so in most cases not leaving a tip is frowned upon.
With that said the standard tip at a restaurant is 15-20% of the bill. Most of us know that. But, what about that “To Go” order that you are planning to eat back in your hotel room? You don’t really need to leave a tip if you’re picking it up, right? Wrong! Experts say, “To Go” orders generally yield a tip of up to 10%.
As for hotel bellman… it pays to treat them with care. You’ll find in most cases bellman are not only handy with transporting bags, but they are also a wealth knowledge when it comes acclimating you to your new surroundings. Most hotel bellmen are more than happy to provide directions, suggestions for restaurants, or recommendations for family friendly attractions. When it comes to tipping them experts say give at least $1 to $2 a bag, and never leave less than $5 total. The same rule applies to airport skycaps. You may even consider tipping more if your bags are unusually heavy.
There was a consensus in one of the forums I visited that stated that tips generally reflect the quality of service rendered. However, experts at tipping.org say it’s a nice gesture to tip a little extra during the holiday season–roughly one to two times more than what you would normally tip.
After all, do you really want to be known as the tipping Scrooge this holiday season?
For more information on tipping and to view a basic guide to tipping those in the travel industry check out these articles: