What is the right amount to tip while traveling?

Tipping can be perplexing and daunting, even for the most experienced travelers.

We all want to show appreciation to those who provide excellent service, yet we also aim to avoid undercutting employees who rely on tips. At the same time, we don't want to pay service fees that are already included in our bills or unintentionally offend someone abroad.

So, who should you tip, and when and where is it appropriate to do so? Additionally, what is the ideal tip amount?

Tipping practices differ depending on your destination and the nature of your travel. For hotels, tipping may vary based on the room price, quality of service, and specifics of your stay. (Did you decline housekeeping during your visit? Or did you host a raucous all-night gathering in your room?)

The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected tipping practices. For instance, housekeepers may now follow more rigorous cleaning protocols even if they don't enter your room during your stay. Additionally, hotels with reduced staff might assign extra duties to already burdened employees.

To assist you in determining how much to tip in various travel scenarios, from tours to hotels to all-inclusive resorts, here’s what you need to consider.

Tipping your tour guides

Let’s discuss how much to tip your tour guides. Similar to dining at a restaurant, there is a common agreement on tipping tour guides based on the quality of service provided.

For tour guides, it's recommended to tip between 10% and 20% of the total tour cost. Naturally, you're always welcome (and encouraged) to give more for outstanding service if you wish.

Who should you tip at hotels?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many hotels suspended housekeeping services, I stopped bringing cash specifically for tipping housekeeping.

However, if there’s anyone in hotels who truly deserves a tip, it’s the housekeeping staff. Experts generally recommend tipping housekeeping between $3 and $5 per day, based on the duration of your stay, your room rate, and the quality of service received.

"These individuals are the hardest workers in the hotel industry and often go unrecognized," stated Tom Waithe, general manager of the Alexis Hotel Seattle, in an earlier conversation with TPG.

Be aware of potential hidden housekeeping fees that some hotels have begun adding to room charges, which can be as much as $40 per day. In such instances, tipping isn't expected, though it’s possible these hotels aren’t distributing these fees to their staff.

A good guideline is to tip luggage attendants who assist you with bags at hotels (and airports) between $1 and $5 per bag. Consider rounding up for larger groups of bags or if the attendant makes several trips or handles delicate items.

For car valets, tipping a couple of dollars is usually sufficient; you might want to give more if the valet responds to a rush request. If you’ll be at the hotel for a while and need frequent access to your car, start with a larger tip of around $10 and explain your needs. This often results in your car being parked closer and returned more quickly each time.

Butlers and concierges, particularly at high-end hotels, should be tipped based on the services they provide. Additionally, tipping the head door person at a hotel can lead to better service during a longer stay.

So, who doesn’t need a tip at a hotel? Room service staff generally don’t require a tip if a significant service charge has already been added to your bill, though you are welcome to tip if you wish. In rare instances where gratuity isn’t included, or if you’ve requested special services, those situations would justify a tip.

Tipping customs around the globe

If you've traveled beyond the U.S., you may have encountered mixed signals regarding tipping or puzzled reactions from non-Americans when discussing the tipping culture here.

In several countries, like Australia, Japan, and China, tipping is not a widespread practice, and in Japan, it's actually discouraged.

"Tipping in foreign countries involves more than just currency conversion. Each nation and culture has its own subtle approach to this often-sensitive issue," stated Tom Marchant, co-founder of the luxury travel agency Black Tomato, in an interview with TPG. In Australia, where tipping is "not a common practice," it can even create discomfort for those receiving it.

In general, you should tip as you would in the U.S. when visiting most of Europe, tourist hotspots in Mexico, the Caribbean (excluding all-inclusive resorts), and Canada. Tipping is also a common expectation in India and the Middle East.

In Central and South America, leaving small coins in the local currency is highly valued. If you're traveling to Africa, be prepared for more complexities, especially based on whether you're on a safari or staying in a city hotel.

If you're uncertain about the tipping customs in a particular location, don’t hesitate to ask locals or err on the side of generosity.

When to tip during an all-inclusive vacation

Regarding all-inclusive resorts, keep in mind that daily service charges are usually included in your bill if you're on a cruise or at such a resort. However, make sure to thoroughly check your bill or ask at the front desk upon arrival. Additionally, verify what is covered by a property's resort fees, even at non-inclusive locations.

Lindsey Epperly Sulek, founder of Jetset World Travel and a Caribbean travel expert, states that most conventional all-inclusive resorts, such as Sandals in the Caribbean, include gratuities in their pricing.

If tips aren't included, you can adhere to the previously mentioned hotel guidelines: $1 to $5 per bag for the bellhop, $5 per day for housekeeping (given daily), no extra for room service (if already on the bill), and a variable scale for concierges based on the complexity of their tasks.

If you’re participating in a tour from an all-inclusive resort — like a safari — make sure to tip your guides and the driver.

Tipping employees during a cruise

Whether termed service charges or gratuities, the automatic fees imposed by cruise lines on passengers' onboard accounts — sometimes reaching $25.50 per person, per day — are intended to replace cash tips. This policy was established so that cruisers wouldn't feel compelled to tip or worry about when and where to give gratuities.

Beyond the crew members directly interacting with passengers, such as waitstaff and cabin stewards, many others also benefit from service fees. This includes those responsible for washing dishes and working in the laundry on cruise ships. You can prepay these fees or have them added to your onboard account. If needed, you can modify the gratuity amount by visiting the guest services desk during your trip.

If you want to acknowledge a crew member who has truly exceeded expectations, mention them in your post-cruise survey for enhanced recognition. This could provide long-term advantages beyond just a tip.

If you’re on a cruise that doesn’t impose daily gratuities or if you wish to reward exceptional service with a little extra, be sure to carry cash. There might also be a tip box near the reception area.

Do you have a favorite bartender or server on your cruise? Offering an additional gratuity early in your trip can greatly enhance the quality of service you receive throughout your vacation. Remember that most bar purchases and spa services automatically include gratuities of about 15% to 18%, so additional tipping is only necessary if you wish.

Tipping flight attendants and airport staff

Typically, airline staff such as flight attendants are prohibited from accepting tips during their duties. In contrast, airport personnel are allowed to receive gratuities.

A notable exception to this rule is Frontier Airlines, which offers an inflight tipping program.

Unions representing airline employees have actively opposed allowing flight attendants to accept tips, which might seem surprising. Nonetheless, labor laws permit employers to pay below minimum wage if it's assumed that these employees receive tips regularly. If flight attendants decline your gratuity, don’t take it personally—they're doing this to safeguard their pay.

Many airlines offer passengers alternative ways to show appreciation for the services of flight attendants and other staff. For instance, Southwest Airlines features its Commend an Employee program, enabling you to leave positive feedback online. This might have a more meaningful effect than the cash tip you provided for your drink.

If you wish to express gratitude to a particularly amiable or helpful flight attendant, feel free to give gifts like snacks or coffee shop gift cards.

In summary

Tipping is generally a common practice while traveling, influenced by your destination, the type of service received, and the quality of service.

Save this guide for your upcoming international travels.