Tipping is an essential part of the travel experience, and there are 17 places and services to remember to tip when traveling. From restaurants to rideshare drivers, showing appreciation for good service can enhance interactions and reflect respect for those in the hospitality industry. Knowing when and how much to tip can vary significantly by location, making it crucial for travelers to be informed about local customs.
These tipping practices extend to various services, including hotel staff, tour guides, and even taxi drivers. Understanding the expectations surrounding gratuities can help avoid awkward situations and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Explore these key places and services where tipping is appreciated, and make the most of your travels by connecting with the people who help make your journey memorable. Being mindful of tipping can lead to better service and more positive interactions during your adventures!
Sit-Down Restaurants
Servers at sit-down restaurants do much more than take orders and deliver food. They juggle multiple tables, manage special requests, and handle any issues that arise. In many places, their base pay is low, with tips making up a significant portion of their income. A good tip reflects the effort they put into making sure everything runs smoothly. Skipping it can feel rude, especially when the service has been attentive. Even when the meal is expensive, a proper tip is expected. Leaving little to nothing behind can send a negative message, making the experience awkward for both parties.
Bars
Bartenders work quickly in a high-energy setting, often preparing multiple drinks at once while keeping track of different tabs. They interact with customers, remember drink preferences, and sometimes act as unofficial therapists. Tipping shows appreciation for their effort, especially when they serve custom cocktails or go out of their way to make recommendations. A good tip can also mean faster service the next time you return. In many places, leaving change or a single dollar per drink is standard, while a larger tip for complex orders or friendly service is expected. Not tipping at a bar can feel out of place.
Coffee Shops
Baristas start their day early, handling long lines and a constant stream of complex drink orders. Crafting espresso drinks takes skill, and they often work under pressure to keep things moving quickly. While not everyone tips for a basic drip coffee, those who order lattes, cappuccinos, or anything requiring extra effort are expected to leave something. Many coffee shops also have tip jars for those paying with cash, while digital tipping prompts have become common at checkout. A small tip acknowledges their effort, especially when drinks are customized or require extra time. Skipping it entirely can feel inconsiderate.
Hair Salons and Barbershops
A great haircut is about more than just trimming hair—stylists take the time to listen to requests, offer advice, and shape a look that suits each client. They often work long hours on their feet, and in many cases, a portion of what customers pay goes to the salon itself, rather than directly to them. Tipping is a key part of their income and a sign of appreciation for their attention to detail. Whether it’s a basic trim or a complicated cut, leaving a tip reflects the time and effort put into making sure customers walk out looking their best.
Nail Salons
Nail technicians spend time shaping, buffing, and polishing nails while ensuring every detail is perfect. They work with strong-smelling chemicals, sit in awkward positions for long periods, and often handle multiple appointments back-to-back. The base price of a manicure or pedicure doesn’t always go entirely to the technician, making tips an expected part of their income. Custom nail designs, intricate artwork, and extra care for hands and feet all take time, and a tip acknowledges their effort. Even for a simple polish change, tipping is standard, and skipping it can feel inconsiderate given the effort involved.
Food Delivery Services
Food delivery workers navigate traffic, bad weather, and complicated apartment buildings to bring meals straight to customers. Many rely on tips to make the job worthwhile since base pay from delivery apps can be inconsistent. They often wait at restaurants for orders to be prepared, sometimes losing time they could spend on other deliveries. A good tip acknowledges the effort required, especially when delivering to hard-to-reach locations or during peak hours. Skipping a tip can make it feel like their work isn’t valued, and in some cases, it may result in slower service if future orders are deprioritized.
Rideshare Services (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
Rideshare drivers use their own vehicles, covering the cost of gas, maintenance, and wear and tear while navigating unpredictable traffic. They ensure passengers get to their destination safely and comfortably, often going the extra mile by adjusting music, temperature, or providing phone chargers. Unlike traditional taxis, where tipping has long been expected, app-based rides often leave gratuity up to the rider. A good tip acknowledges a smooth, professional ride, especially when drivers handle heavy luggage or deal with difficult pick-up spots. Not tipping can feel inconsiderate, particularly on longer trips where drivers spend more time on the road.
Hotel Housekeeping
Housekeeping staff work behind the scenes to keep hotel rooms fresh and clean, often with little recognition. They change linens, scrub bathrooms, restock toiletries, and tidy up after guests, all within a short time frame. The job is physically demanding, and in many cases, housekeepers are among the lowest-paid staff in a hotel. Leaving a few dollars per night is a way to acknowledge their effort, especially when staying multiple days. Some travelers don’t realize tipping is expected, but skipping it can feel unfair given the labor involved in ensuring rooms are comfortable and ready for the next guest.
Hotel Concierge Services
Hotel concierges assist guests with everything from securing dinner reservations to arranging transportation and recommending local attractions. Their knowledge of the area helps travelers find the best spots, often making a stay more enjoyable. While they technically work for the hotel, tipping is expected when they go above and beyond—whether by booking hard-to-get reservations, securing event tickets, or solving unexpected travel issues. A small tip shows appreciation for their expertise and connections. While some guests overlook this courtesy, not tipping after receiving personalized assistance can feel like taking advantage of their effort without acknowledging their time and skill.
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Valet Parking
Valet attendants handle cars with care, often parking them in tight or crowded spaces and retrieving them quickly when guests are ready to leave. The service saves time and hassle, especially in busy areas where parking is limited. A tip is expected when picking up the car, reflecting appreciation for their speed and attentiveness. In some cases, valets also help with luggage or provide directions, adding to the experience. While some locations charge a valet fee, that money typically doesn’t go to the attendants, making tipping an important way to acknowledge their work. Not tipping can feel inconsiderate.
Bellhops and Luggage Handlers
Bellhops assist travelers by carrying heavy luggage, loading bags into cars, and ensuring guests have everything they need upon arrival. They often work in fast-paced environments, juggling multiple requests at once. A tip acknowledges their effort, especially when they transport large or multiple bags across long hotel hallways or up several floors. Some travelers may assume the service is included in the hotel stay, but tipping is expected as a way to recognize their work. Skipping it can feel dismissive, particularly when they go out of their way to be helpful or provide guidance about the hotel or city.
Casino Dealers
Casino dealers manage games with precision, keeping track of bets, enforcing rules, and maintaining a lively atmosphere. Their job requires intense concentration and quick calculations while handling high-pressure situations. While casinos pay them a base salary, much of their earnings come from tips. Regular players and winners are expected to tip, as it’s seen as a courtesy for keeping the game running smoothly. Dealers often rely on tips to supplement lower wages, and failing to tip—especially after a big win—can come across as ungrateful. A small portion of winnings or periodic tips throughout the night are customary.
Tour Guides
Tour guides put effort into creating engaging and informative experiences, whether leading city walks, historical tours, or outdoor excursions. They research details, answer questions, and often inject humor or personal stories to make the experience memorable. Many guides rely on tips, as their base pay may be modest or even nonexistent in some cases. A tip recognizes their enthusiasm and expertise, especially when they go above and beyond to tailor the experience to the group’s interests. While not everyone tips, it’s generally expected, and skipping it can feel like disregarding the time and effort they put into the tour.
Cruise Ships
Cruise ship employees work long hours, often away from home for months at a time, ensuring guests have a comfortable experience. From dining room servers to housekeeping staff, many crew members depend on gratuities to supplement their wages. Some cruise lines automatically include gratuities, while others leave tipping up to the guests. Regardless of the system, extra tips for exceptional service are always appreciated. Crew members often remember repeat passengers who tip well, leading to better service throughout the trip. Not tipping or removing automatic gratuities can feel inconsiderate, given the effort put into making a cruise enjoyable.
Tattoo Shops
Tattoo artists spend hours creating detailed artwork that lasts a lifetime. Their work requires precision, patience, and creativity, and they often consult with clients to design custom pieces. While the base price covers materials and studio costs, tips show appreciation for their skill and effort. A good tip is particularly expected for large, time-consuming tattoos or when an artist goes out of their way to accommodate special requests. Many artists rely on tips as part of their income, and failing to leave one can feel disrespectful. A generous tip also helps build a strong relationship for future sessions.
Movers
Moving heavy furniture, packing delicate items, and transporting belongings safely is physically demanding work. Movers often spend hours lifting, maneuvering through tight spaces, and ensuring that everything arrives intact. While moving companies charge for their services, workers themselves typically receive only a portion of that fee. Tipping acknowledges their hard work, particularly when they handle stairs, large items, or long-distance moves. A good tip can also encourage extra care with fragile items. Skipping a tip after a long day of heavy lifting can feel dismissive of the physical effort involved, especially when movers go the extra mile.
Show Appreciation While Traveling
The 17 places and services highlighted emphasize the importance of tipping as a way to show appreciation for good service while traveling. Understanding local customs regarding gratuities can significantly enhance the travel experience and foster positive interactions with service providers. From restaurants and hotels to tour guides and rideshare drivers, being mindful of tipping practices helps create a respectful and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved.
As travel plans are made, consider these tipping norms to ensure a smooth and pleasant journey. By acknowledging the hard work of those who contribute to the travel experience, travelers can connect more deeply with the communities they visit and leave a positive impact. Remember, a small gesture of gratitude can go a long way in making every trip memorable!
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