If you’re new to traveling, or even if you’re not, tipping etiquette can be confusing. Our two cents is to make sure and take plenty of small bills on every trip you go on. But we thought you deserved some more detailed answers than that, so we called up an expert.
Pernilla Turner is the President of Classy Etiquette Institute and released her first book in 2018, The Modern Mix: Etiquette Today. As a Nationally Certified Etiquette Consultant, Pernilla shares etiquette tips and information in her book for everything from dining to tea time to attire; and, of course, tipping. She was kind of enough to answer some specific questions about travel tipping. We hope this comes in handy for you guys.
1. Are we supposed to leave an additional tip at restaurants or for room service if gratuity has already been added to our bill?
This is totally optional and usually it is unexpected. However, feel free to leave an additional tip if you desire to give a little extra.
2. How much should we tip the drivers of shuttles, taxis, and private car service?
Limousine and Taxi drivers should be tipped 15-18%. Shuttle drivers should be tipped $2 per bag.
3. When valet parking, do we tip the person that takes the car for us at arrival and the person that goes and gets it for us when departing? Or just one or the other?
When you valet there is only a need to tip the driver who returns your vehicle to you. Valet drivers should be tipped at least $2 once your vehicle is brought back to you.
4. How much should we tip a bellman for handling our luggage?
A bellman should be tipped $2 per bag.
5. If escorted to our hotel room by a staff member that is not a bellman, do we tip that person? For example, we were shown to our room by a staff member in Mexico. She toured the entire suite with us to show us everything, but she was not a bell hop. There was also a bellman there with our bags. We tipped them both, but weren’t sure if we really needed to.
In this situation you would certainly tip the bellman because he brought your bags to your room (rendering a service). The lady who gave you a tour of your suite was not expecting a tip. More than likely she was being courteous and hospitable by showing you around your suite.
Order Pernilla’s book, The Modern Mix: Etiquette Today, HERE. Show Pernilla some love and follow Classy Etiquette Institute on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
