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Etiquette for Summer Travel and TippingFrom finding the right mode of transportation to understanding taxis and tipping hotel help, use these tips to minimize hassle and maximize fun.
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Whether you're going to a big city or a beach resort, these tips will help you relax.
“ A commonly asked question is how many people do I have to tip? The simple answer is everyone who provides a service.”
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With summer approaching, you’ve decided to whisk your spouse away for a romantic trip to the big city. You’re in for a great adventure, with an array of sights, shopping, theaters, restaurants, museums and much more. But, once you arrive at your travel destination, are you prepared to navigate your way through a major metropolis? It pays to do a little homework to make sure you and your sweetie get to those amazing sights and attractions smoothly and efficiently.
Hotel Tipping Etiquette
Once you arrive at your hotel, it’s important to be familiar with who to tip and when the tip should be given. I recently heard of a hotel guest, staying in an upscale hotel in a large city, that was so unsure of who to tip that she only entered and exited the hotel from a side door to avoid offending anyone that should or should not be tipped.
Upon arrival at your hotel you will be greeted by the doorman who will assist you with your bags and direct you to the front desk. He or she will then hand you over to the bellman that will transport your luggage to your room. A commonly asked question is how many people do I have to tip? The simple answer is everyone who provides a service. This gesture excludes basic courtesies such as opening the door and greeting you with a friendly, "Hello."
Although it is nice to tip the doorman a little something for his service, the rule of thumb is the larger tip is reserved for the person that spends the most time assisting your needs. (i.e., doorman $2 upwards, bell staff $5 upwards depending on the amount of luggage and services provided).
Here are a few more hotel "tips:"
1. The bellman: $1-2 per bag.
2. Housekeeping: $2-5 per night, on a daily basis as different housekeepers may work each day.
3. Maintenance man who fixed you’re A/C: a tip is not necessary but a friendly "thank you" is encouraged.
4. Concierge: $5 for basic service such as simple dinner reservations, $25.00 upwards for more difficult tasks such as tickets to a sold out show or reservations to a hard to get into restaurant. No tip is required for basic information such as directions or restaurant suggestions.
5. Room service: Check the bill first because the gratuity may be included in your order. If not, 15% of the check.
Tipping is an important part of the entire traveling experience and it is important to be prepared with a supply of one-dollar bills, several five-dollar bills and a good attitude throughout your trip.
Getting from Point A to B
Your basic options for getting from one place to another in major cities, such as New York or Chicago, falls into a few major categories:
1. The subway. It’s affordable, efficient and moderately easy to navigate. The subway offers a quick way to get where you’re going fast.
2. Taxis. The bright yellow cabs are yours for the hailing and will take you directly to the doorstep of anywhere you want to go. Good luck finding one during peak hours or after the theatre lets out. Plan to walk a bit while attempting to catch a ride. New apps for smartphones can also help you hail a taxi.
3. Buses. They’re not as fast or direct as the previous two options, but they do offer good views of the city on the way to your destination.
4. A car service. If you have the funds and want to arrange transportation in advance, this is the way to go. Plan on draining a good portion of your vacation budget to have a professional driver meet you at the airport holding up a sign with your name on it.
Say you stood on the curb and waved like a local when you saw the yellow cab heading your way. So why did it just pass you by? Here are a few common taxi tips to be aware of:
1. If the middle and side lamps of the taxi are lit, the cabbie is off-duty.
2. If the middle light is on and you can see the cab’s number, the cab is available for passengers.
3. If there are no lights illuminated, the cab has a fair and en route to a specific location.
4. The standard tip for the taxi driver is 15 to 20 percent of the fare. Factor in additional services such as a clean car, a friendly and helpful driver and the fact that the driver loaded your nine suitcases in and out of the cab without even a scowl or complaint.
Enjoy your summer vacation!
Hitched Podcast: Get more tips from Diane Gottsman in Episode 164: The Etiquette of Tipping
Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized etiquette expert, is the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in etiquette training for corporations, universities and individuals, striving to polish their interpersonal skills. You can reach Diane at 877-490-1077 or www.protocolschooloftexas.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @: www.twitter.com/DianeGottsman.
Hotel Tipping Etiquette
Once you arrive at your hotel, it’s important to be familiar with who to tip and when the tip should be given. I recently heard of a hotel guest, staying in an upscale hotel in a large city, that was so unsure of who to tip that she only entered and exited the hotel from a side door to avoid offending anyone that should or should not be tipped.
Upon arrival at your hotel you will be greeted by the doorman who will assist you with your bags and direct you to the front desk. He or she will then hand you over to the bellman that will transport your luggage to your room. A commonly asked question is how many people do I have to tip? The simple answer is everyone who provides a service. This gesture excludes basic courtesies such as opening the door and greeting you with a friendly, "Hello."
Although it is nice to tip the doorman a little something for his service, the rule of thumb is the larger tip is reserved for the person that spends the most time assisting your needs. (i.e., doorman $2 upwards, bell staff $5 upwards depending on the amount of luggage and services provided).
Here are a few more hotel "tips:"
1. The bellman: $1-2 per bag.
2. Housekeeping: $2-5 per night, on a daily basis as different housekeepers may work each day.
3. Maintenance man who fixed you’re A/C: a tip is not necessary but a friendly "thank you" is encouraged.
4. Concierge: $5 for basic service such as simple dinner reservations, $25.00 upwards for more difficult tasks such as tickets to a sold out show or reservations to a hard to get into restaurant. No tip is required for basic information such as directions or restaurant suggestions.
5. Room service: Check the bill first because the gratuity may be included in your order. If not, 15% of the check.
Tipping is an important part of the entire traveling experience and it is important to be prepared with a supply of one-dollar bills, several five-dollar bills and a good attitude throughout your trip.
Getting from Point A to B
Your basic options for getting from one place to another in major cities, such as New York or Chicago, falls into a few major categories:
1. The subway. It’s affordable, efficient and moderately easy to navigate. The subway offers a quick way to get where you’re going fast.
2. Taxis. The bright yellow cabs are yours for the hailing and will take you directly to the doorstep of anywhere you want to go. Good luck finding one during peak hours or after the theatre lets out. Plan to walk a bit while attempting to catch a ride. New apps for smartphones can also help you hail a taxi.
3. Buses. They’re not as fast or direct as the previous two options, but they do offer good views of the city on the way to your destination.
4. A car service. If you have the funds and want to arrange transportation in advance, this is the way to go. Plan on draining a good portion of your vacation budget to have a professional driver meet you at the airport holding up a sign with your name on it.
Say you stood on the curb and waved like a local when you saw the yellow cab heading your way. So why did it just pass you by? Here are a few common taxi tips to be aware of:
1. If the middle and side lamps of the taxi are lit, the cabbie is off-duty.
2. If the middle light is on and you can see the cab’s number, the cab is available for passengers.
3. If there are no lights illuminated, the cab has a fair and en route to a specific location.
4. The standard tip for the taxi driver is 15 to 20 percent of the fare. Factor in additional services such as a clean car, a friendly and helpful driver and the fact that the driver loaded your nine suitcases in and out of the cab without even a scowl or complaint.
Enjoy your summer vacation!
Hitched Podcast: Get more tips from Diane Gottsman in Episode 164: The Etiquette of Tipping
Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized etiquette expert, is the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in etiquette training for corporations, universities and individuals, striving to polish their interpersonal skills. You can reach Diane at 877-490-1077 or www.protocolschooloftexas.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @: www.twitter.com/DianeGottsman.
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