Honestly, this is the post I needed about five years ago! Tipping (with the exception of what to tip at a restaurant) is something nobody teaches you. Everyone is so busy trying to “leave it up to your discretion” that they provide no guidelines or suggestions. It’s hard to know how to tip when you have nothing to go on.
My confusion about tipping hit a high point when I first started traveling domestically for work. Now I had to figure out who to tip — the rental car shuttle driver, the housekeeping staff, the hotel staff bringing bags, room service — and how much. I asked friends for advice and received vague answers like “it depends” or “it’s up to you” … so helpful, friends, so helpful.
After years of researching, watching other people, and some trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned about tipping while traveling in the U.S.:
· Carry Cash: If you’re like me and you don’t naturally carry much cash in your wallet, make it a point to pick up some extra money before you travel. Instead of going to the ATM, go into the bank and ask for your cash all in ones. If it’s a short trip, I generally get $20 in ones knowing that I won’t use it all and there will be some leftover for the next trip.
Tip: Traveling just with bigger bills? I’ll often buy myself a small treat (like tea or a cookie) in the airport and ask for the change back in ones. If you’re staying at a hotel, it’s possible the person at the front desk may be able to give you change as well.
· Transportation: If you’re riding in an Uber or taxi, consider tipping 10-20% at the end of your ride. Note that this may not translate to much on shorter rides; in those cases, consider rounding up to $1-2.
Tip: One place people often forget to tip is on the hotel and/or rental car shuttle. Be sure to tip the driver a few dollars, or more if they help you with your luggage.
· Hotel: Depending on where you stay and what services you use, there are many people you may need to tip. I’ll just cover a few: You’ll want to tip the door attendant and/or bell boy if they assist you with your bags, generally $1-2 per bag. Need extra towels and a staff member brings them up to your room? Consider tipping that person $1-2 as well. The rule for housekeeping staff is $1-2 per person in your room, per night left on the pillow (or leave a note saying that this money is for housekeeping). Leave this tip every day (rather than just on the last day of your stay) since the staff will likely be different every day. Making a green choice by not having housekeeping come in every day? Be sure to tip extra on the last day of your stay since your room will be less clean.
Tip: Staying at an all-inclusive? Check to see if gratuity is already included. If so, no extra tip is needed, but tips may still be appreciated by the staff. Ask if the staff can accept tips and plan to tip those that go “above and beyond.” If no gratuity is included, you’ll want to follow the guidelines above and bring some extra cash along. Staying at an Airbnb? No tip is needed.
· Food: Hopefully this goes without saying, but if you’re eating at a restaurant it’s customary to tip 15-20%. While you don’t “have to” tip when you’re ordering takeout, I usually try to tip at least a few dollars when they are boxing up food for me and including utensils. If your hotel has a concierge lounge or free breakfast buffet, a tip of about $1/per person is always appreciated.
Tip: Ordering room service? Look at the fine print on the room service menu to see if gratuity is already included. If not, add it on.
NOTE: The suggestions above apply to domestic travel throughout the U.S. – if you’re traveling abroad, set aside time to research the tipping culture before you travel. Every country approaches tipping differently and in some countries offering a tip may be offensive.
What other tipping opportunities have you encountered while traveling domestically? Let me know below!
Wondering how all of these tips add up? This Thursday, Mar. 5, I’ll be going Live on Facebook at 8pm Central to share how much cash I think you should bring when you travel. Only have Instagram? Don’t worry — I’ll be posting the recording to IGTV later.