I am always amazed at people who will think nothing of tipping the valet $5 but think it’s appropriate to give just a buck to tour guides or bus drivers. Unlike valets, the service provided by tour guides and drivers requires special skills and in many cases licensing. More importantly, they spend anywhere from four hours to several days making sure that the passengers are safe and enjoy the trip.
Sure, you know that you are supposed to tip your tour guide something – but how much? And when is the appropriate time to give the tip? Here are a few tips for giving the right gratuity every time.
Day-tour – Tip your tour guide 10-20% based on the cost of the tour. You should not tip tour guides if they are employees of National Parks or other government sites. Tip your driver $1-$2/person for a half-day tour and $3-$5 for a full-day tour. Hand the tip to the driver and guide when departing at the end of their service.
Driver-guides – If your driver is also delivering commentary, tip 10-20% of the tour price. I like to add a personal thank you to the driver-guide when I hand them their gratuity.
Multi-day tours – During a multi-day tour program, the guide has many more responsibilities than just delivering commentary and the driver is loading and unloading luggage daily.
Tour Guide: $7-$10/person per day
Driver: $5/person per day
Shuttle Driver – Drivers shuttling you to parking lots or car rentals should receive $1/bag. If you don’t have luggage, then $1/person is sufficient. You can increase that amount if it is a long or complicated drive.
Independent Guides – If you use fishing or hunting guides, plan on tipping 15%-20% of the trip fee. If the guide makes an exceptional effort, tipping well makes good sense, but don’t consider buying the guide dinner part of a tip!
Sailing excursions – Whether you are fishing or sightseeing, you should tip the Captain as well as the mates taking care of you. If you are fishing, plan on tipping at least $10/person for the Captain and $5/person for each crew member. You can tip half that amount if just sightseeing.
Airlines – Basic guidelines: Skycaps $2/bag; electric cart drivers $2/person; wheel-chair pushers from gate to carousel $5.
Trains – Dining steward 15% of the bill; porters $1/bag; and sleeping car attendant $5/person per day.
Taxi/Limo Drivers – Tips should be 15% of the total fare; but be sure that the rate quoted for limos doesn’t already include gratuity. Keep in mind that door men calling a limo for you is already getting a kick back from the limo driver.
The worst mistake is not to tip. Be excessive if the spirit of the occasion warrants it, but if you are unhappy with the service you’ve received… it is never okay not to tip. It is far better to express your dissatisfaction with management.
Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880
888-750-0825
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
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