Travel Etiquette :: Tipping

This month we're featuring a topic that's become more and more relaxed since the golden age of travel has disappeared: etiquette. During a time where the Juicy tracksuit is considered appropriate travel wear and loud-talking cell phone users are commonplace, to borrow a line from Anchorman's Ron Burgundy, let's "stay classy" and bring some Pucci-inspired yesteryear back into travel. The first travel etiquette subject we'll tackle is North American tipping.

Like it or not, tipping everyone from the housekeeper to the concierge is a highly suggested travel practice in North America and other select destinations worldwide. Although tipping is not required, and should be based on excellence, it's generally uncouth if you don't. In fact, it has become such a significant part of traveling, it's worth adding a line-item in your travel budget so you don't wonder where all your USD $1s or Canadian Twoonies went at the end of your trip!

Not including restaurant or cab tipping, one could easily spend $20+/day tipping at their hotel alone. With this in mind, it's important that you load up on small bills pre-trip, or exchange money during your trip, so you have appropriate amounts to give those who help you on-demand.

Whether traveling for business or pleasure, here are some estimates of whom you should tip and by how much. The below amounts are based on 4- to 5-star travel experiences.

Hotels Valets - each time you call your vehicle - $2-10 {ie - if you drive a lambo, don't tip $2} Bellhops - when they help with luggage - $3-10 Door Men/Ladies - $1-2 for calling a cab Housekeeper - $2-5/day Concierge - $5-20 depending on how much advice you ask Pool/Beach Attendants - $2-5/day Restaurants - 15-20% of your bill pre-tax When you ask for something to be brought to your room that's extra - $2-5

Transportation Taxi or Limo Driver - fare + 15-20% Airport transfer - fare + 15% {for an all-inclusive shuttle, $2-5/person depending on length} Courtesy Shuttles - $1-2 per person, or $4-5 per small group

Tours Tour Guides - 10-15% of total price Tour Driver - $1/hour

{Trip Styler Tip: Pay close attention to the tipping practices in the countries you visit outside of North America. It's a faux pas to assume everyone has the same systems in place. For example, you don't tip much in Australia and you only round-up the restaurant bill in Italy. Do your research before leaving!}

Upcoming Tuesday, March 8th - Travel Etiquette App Friday, March 11th - Hotel Guest Etiquette Friday, March 18th - Plane Etiquette Monday, March 21st - The importance of USD $1s & Canadian Twoonies

[photo credit]

Travel Resolution #9 :: Twoonies for Travel

Earlier this year I wrote about some 2010 travel resolutions. My 8th entry was to carry a petite stack of US one dollar bills when traveling in the US, Caribbean, etc... My motivation? Never get stuck in a situation where I'd run out of cash to tip. It's happened and it's embarrassing.  Recently I was reminded of this travel resolution when I stayed at a Canadian resort hotel.  Being born and raised in Canada, it was easier to tip staff with twoonies (a Canadian two dollar coin) versus USD bills.

The Twoonie & Incidentals Generosity is good, and I always want to be conscientious a traveller who gives to staff who help me at hotels and resorts.  Although constant tipping can seem ridiculous at times like check-in, check-out or with regular valet use, I think it's always better to err on the side of regularity.  Here's an overnight account of my twoonie use at the Chateau Whistler (see my Trip Advisor review of the Chateau here) a few weekends ago: - Pull up to the valet, one of the attendants helps unload bags = twoonie #1 - Bags are brought up to room by bell hop = twoonie #2 - Use car, when I return to valet = twoonie #3 - Next day, leave room, provide tip for housekeeping = twoonie #4 - Call for bell hop to assist with bags = twoonie #5 - Retrieve car from Valet and bags are placed in car = twoonies #6 & 7 --------------------------------------------------- 7 Twoonies (and that's just overnight...) *This does not include tipping at restaurants, which is usually 15-20%.

To Twoonie or To Loonie? I don't have anything against the lonely loonie (Canadian one dollar coin), but usually tipping with a twoonie is more acceptable in Canada. A loonie just doesn't cut it. Although it does feel weird to tip with coins, I just go with it knowing Canada doesn't have an equivalent amount in the form of a bill, although we used to.

My twoonie input and output doesn't stop here, this summer I'll need them when I go across Canada to Visit Ottawa, Montreal, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI!