Tipping Etiquette While Traveling: Bigger Family, Bigger Tips?

I am always confused when it comes to tipping. It seems like everyone has tip jar and I never know the proper amount to give. Fast food counters even have a jar next to the register now. When traveling, it’s equally perplexing. Does the valet get monetary gratitude every time I pickup and drop off my car? Does the concierge and hotel cleaning staff get tipped?

The problem is that there aren’t really “rules” for tipping. It’s more an etiquette issue. So, I talked to some friends who work in the travel industry and did some research on general forums.

The golden guideline for tipping is – When in doubt, tip. The safest amount is usually 15%, but keep in mind that the heart of tipping is showing gratitude. If you are preparing for a trip, don’t be afraid to call and ask what is customary. For my recent Chicago trip, I spoke with the Concierge and my Travel Agent on the subject.

“Believe it or not, for some, tips could be offensive and demeaning. It is rarely the case because most enjoy the appreciation of a job well done. When I am unsure, I try to ask before I run into an awkward situation.”

My Travel Agent echoed the sentiment and added that, in some cases, you can try to tip, but it won’t be accepted.

“A growing trend in some businesses is to ban tipping. A restaurant saw many rewards including boosted service performance and revenue after extra gratuities were nixed. However, the offer of a tip is usually appreciated. If the people providing the service are not allowed to accept it, they will usually inform you of the business policy and thank you anyway. It this is the case, a good way to ‘tip’ those who cannot accept monetary gratuities is to speak to a manager. Most people only see the manager when there is a complaint. A compliment is refreshing and it gives the employee a better opportunity for a raise.“

So what about a larger family? When my 5 pack rolled up with luggage, strollers, must-have pillows and diaper bags I knew we’d need help. If you are staying at accommodations with full service, be prepared to have some “thank you cash” in your pocket. Our bellman quickly stacked our mountain of baggage with as smile. On the way to the elevator he talked to my kids about the hotel and shared the fun fact that a few parts of ‘Home Alone 2’ were filmed there! The kids also took turns hanging on the luggage cart at his insistence they take a ride. He took us to our room and then asked if we needed anything else to make our stay enjoyable before leaving. I shook his hand with a $5 bill. His help was worth every penny.

Conversely, the bellman who helped us pack up our luggage and get to our car wasn’t nearly as helpful, friendly or outgoing. He wasn’t rude, but he didn’t go the extra mile. So, he got $2 and a thank you. Service performance factors into tipping. Don’t be afraid to splurge when it is deserved and hold back when the staff do.

The Travel Moms Tipping Tip: When you first arrive at your hotel, it feels like a plethora of staff swoop in to help. One grabs your luggage, another escorts you to the front desk and a third takes you to your room. In can be confusing and you don’t need to tip them all. Save your tips for the porter who takes you from the front desk to your room.

Knock, knock! Housekeeping! This tip etiquette always baffled me. It can be tricky and sometimes arguable. The general guideline and suggestion is…drum roll…TIP! Some argue that most hotel guests do not tip because housekeeping isn’t a standard tip based position. A study done by Cornell University School of Hotel Administration found that only 30% of guests give their cleaning service a gratuity. However, fresh towels, a made bed, toiletries replenishment and a tidy room can make or break your stay.

The Travel Moms Tipping Tip: Leave at least $2 a night on your pillow. Leave more if you have a large family, make bigger messes or received exceptional service. You will typically see improvements in the way of extra toiletries or even a few origami towels if you tip daily versus once at the end of your stay. Don’t leave it on the desk or counter tops. Housekeeping will assume it is not for them and leave it untouched.

Concierge is one stop people often fail to make. They can pull strings for sold out shows, get you reservations for a booked restaurant or simply give great advice on local attractions like the best times to go, where to go and what you might need while there.

The Travel Moms Tipping Tip: Tipping is not necessary if they simply make a few recommendations, but if the concierge scores you sold out tickets or good seats for a show/game, $5-10 is the recommended gratuity.