Family Travel: Tipping 101
Feel like you're shelling out cash left and right from the moment you arrive at the airport? Well, when you're on vacation, doling out a few "thank-you" bucks here and there is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, Stacie Krajchir, the author of The Itty Bitty Guide to Tipping, tells us that greasing the wheel a bit from the get-go can actually ease the stress.
The tippee: Airport skycap
- The tip: $2 per bag or large item (like a stroller or car seat)
- Our tip: It sounds like a lot, but Krajchir says it helps ensure that your bags get on the plane, your eye is on your kids—and your sanity is still intact when you get to your seat.
The tippee: Bell cap or doorman in charge at hotel
- The tip: $10 to $20 upon arrival if you'll be in and out a lot; $2 each time if you're only leaving occasionally
- Our tip: Consider how high maintenance your family is ... and tip accordingly.
The tippee: Concierge
- The tip: $0 to $20 depending on how often you'll need them
- Our tip: Answering routine questions and getting ordinary reservations are their job, so there's no need to tip on those. But if you want front-row seats for the hottest show in town, it doesn't hurt to show your appreciation.
The tippee: Cabana boy
- The tip: $2 a day or $5 on the first day and $5 on the last day.
- Our tip: Introduce yourself to the cabana boy on day one with $5 and tell him you'd love some help getting beach chairs and an umbrella every day. At the end of the trip, if they've made your life even one iota easier, tip them again.
The tippee: Babysitter
- The tip: 15 to 20 percent of the total cost
- Our tip: You're leaving your most valuable possessions with them. 'Nuff said.
The tippee: Housekeeping
- The tip: $3 to $5 per day
- Our tip: It all hinges on just how messy your kids (and you!) are. If your kids are like Pigpen, leave the tip in an envelope on the pillow each morning. On the neater side? You can just give one tip at the end of your trip.
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