Tips For Traveling

He orders up a town car at the airport to avoid the long lines for a cab.  It's more expensive, but the drivers will handle your bags and be attentive if you're a regular customer.

George tends to be a big tipper because, "It's the safest thing to do in New York, and the smartest thing."

On that note, let's talk about tipping the people who make your travel a comfortable, memorable and enjoyable experience.

Taxi or limousine driver: 15-20% of the total fare.

Wait staff: 15-20% of the bill, excluding tax. 

For many years, I didn't realize until it was pointed out to me that you calculate the tip based on the figure on the check before the tax was added.  My friend and I, veteran travelers, simply take the total bill and multiple it by 20 percent.  In all my times dining out, either at home or away, I'm never experienced such poor or rude service that I gave anything less.  Those guys and gals work hard for their money.

Porter/Doorman: $1 to $2 per bag they help you with, and more if it is very heavy.  Tip the same if the doorman hails you a cab when you're coming and going.

Room Service: Most hotels include a gratuity of 12-15% in the price of your order (check the menu). 

Tipping extra is OK, though, if the person delivering the order sets up the meal and gives extraordinary service.  Room service tips are generally "pooled," that is, shared between everyone.  If you tip your delivery person extra, he or she can keep it for him or herself.

Maids/Housekeeping Staff: $1-$5 per night.

It takes five minutes to get this right.  I suggest bringing a supply of envelopes equal to the number of nights you're staying at the hotel, in case the reception area doesn't provide hotel envelopes.  Mark your tip clearly, such as "Chambermaid," and leave it where it will be seen, on the television, a pillow or on the bathroom counter.

One thing I did not know: tip every morning, not at the end of your stay, as you might not get the same maid every time.  A caveat: it's recommended not to tip for poor service; however, this has to be one of the worst jobs in the world (cleaning up after people in hotels), so consider leaving a tip but reducing it if you're not satisfied with the service the maid is providing.

Suggestions: Leave a tip in cash, don't give spare change.  If you don't have an envelope, use the hotel stationery or a blank piece of paper, wrap the money in it, and label it appropriately.  Leaving cash out in the open won't do the trick, as the hotel maid has to be very careful about taking anything from your room.

At all times, remember the purpose of the acronym TIP: To Insure Promptness.

Lastly, some practical considerations before I'll send you on your merry way:

Buy batteries and disposable cameras at home, because at tourist traps such necessities have a high markup.  I remember wanting to photograph the flamingos-beautiful flamingos-at the San Diego Zoo last year.  A strategic camera stand right next to the flamingos sold disposables.  The catch?  Each one cost twenty bucks.  Better yet, bring a digital camera if you have one.