Tipping Guide for International Travel

Tipping customs vary across the world, and as a traveler, it’s always good to know when and how to show your appreciation for excellent service. If you're traveling to Europe, read detailed our guide to Tipping Across European Countries. Below is a helpful guide to tipping while traveling with GET on our guided tours and cruises.

Tipping on Guided Tours

When traveling with GET, many service charges and tips are already taken care of for you. However, there are a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.

Local Specialists

Your Local Specialists provide valuable insights, stories, and cultural knowledge throughout your trip. It is customary to tip them as a gesture of appreciation:

• Suggested gratuity: $1-2 per person, per half day (in local currency)

Your Coach Driver and Travel Director

The cost of your trip does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Coach Driver. At the end of your journey, you may wish to express gratitude for their excellent service and personal attention.

• Suggested gratuity per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.

• For convenience, gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver can be pre-paid at the time of booking.

Hotel Services

• Baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) are covered by GET.

• If you receive room service, tipping hotel staff is customary if a charge needs to be added to the bill.

Tipping on River Cruises in Europe

Onboard Personnel

• Gratuities for all onboard staff, crew, and the Cruise Manager are included in your cruise package.

Local Specialists & Coach Drivers

• Similar to guided tours, we recommend tipping Local Specialists €1-2 per person per half day for their expert guidance and knowledge.

Tipping on Cruises in Asia, Egypt, and Peru

Onboard and Onshore Personnel

• Gratuities for all ship staff, crew, the Cruise Manager or Egyptologist, local experts, and drivers are included during your cruise.

• This also extends to any pre- or post-cruise land extensions.

Additional Tips for Tipping While Traveling

• Always carry small denominations of local currency for tipping convenience.

• Check your travel documents for the most up-to-date tipping recommendations specific to your trip.

• If exceptional service is provided, you may choose to tip beyond the suggested amount at your discretion.

• In some regions, tipping may not be expected but is always appreciated for excellent service.

The History of Tipping

Tipping has historical roots dating back to the medieval period when service workers received extra compensation for their efforts. The practice became widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in North America and Europe, as a way to supplement low wages.

Why Some Places Don’t Expect a Tip

In some cultures, tipping is not customary or is even discouraged. This is often due to fair wages already being included in service pricing or cultural beliefs that hospitality should not be tied to additional payments.

Where It’s Rude to Tip

Some countries, such as Japan and South Korea, consider tipping unnecessary or even rude. In these places, excellent service is an expectation, and attempting to tip may be seen as undermining the professional integrity of service workers.

Why People Tip

Tipping is a way for travelers to show gratitude for outstanding service. In countries where wages are supplemented by gratuities, tipping ensures fair compensation for service workers. Additionally, tipping can encourage continued excellence in service.

We hope this guide helps make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Happy travels!