Rethinking Tipping Culture: A Traveler's Perspective
Rethinking Tipping Culture: A Traveler's Perspective
As travellers, let's question the (assumed) tip and reevaluate our personal tipping policies, challenge the status quo and make informed decisions about when to tip and when not to.
Have you noticed that almost everywhere you pay for something, there's an expectation for a tip? From coffee shops to now even retail stores, the prompt for a tip shows up at almost every point of sale. But should it be? As travelers, navigating the complexities of tipping can be even more challenging, as what’s considered “normal” can vary greatly from one country to another. So, where do you draw the line? When should you tip, and when is it okay “skip the tip”?
A Traveler's Perspective
In my opinion, tipping should never be expected or automatic. Any tip should be in response to exceptional service, never an obligation. Takeout orders, for example, often leave me with a dilemma. When you pay upfront, in most cases it’ll be difficult to gauge the quality of food or service you’re about the enjoy. Should a tip be given regardless? I find myself struggling with this question frequently.
Even though I’m Dutch, and allegedly culturally “cheap” (according to the stereotypes), I tend to tip above average for above average service, usually ranging from 15-20%.
My point is not to “skip the tip” every time, but be more mindful about if, when, and how much.
Part of that thought process is how much the staff relies on tip as part of their income. Luckily, more and more places provide at least a “living wage”, but there’s still some states and countries where wait staff, for example, makes below minimum wage and relies on tips to make ends meet.
Luxury Travel
Recently, the difference in tipping expectations between high-end luxury hotels and more budget-friendly accommodations took me by surprise. While the former often seem to have a built-in expectation for tipping, the latter typically do not. If a self-catering apartment provides not much service beyond checking in and out, there’s usually no expectation of a tip. But following that same logic, shouldn't the (much) higher nightly rate of luxury hotels include a level of service that eliminates the need for additional gratuity? Should you be expected to tip on top of already hefty nightly rate for every interaction with the hotel staff?
Consider all the services provided in a luxury hotel – from bellmen to housekeeping to breakfast attendants. Doesn't the elevated cost of staying at such establishments already account for these amenities? Shouldn't exceptional service be included in the rate you’re already paying?
Your Tipping Policy
It's time to question the (assumed) tip and reevaluate our personal tipping policies.
Tipping should be a personal choice, guided by the quality of service received, not prescribed by norms or expectations. You should feel empowered to withhold gratuity when service falls short, just as you should generously reward exceptional service.
As travellers, let's challenge the status quo and make informed decisions about when to tip and when not to. Don’t let the pressure of expectations dictate your actions. Instead, let's tip consciously, recognizing and rewarding exceptional service while questioning the need for gratuity in situations where it may not be warranted.
In the end, tipping should be a reflection of your appreciation for exceptional service, not an obligatory addition to every transaction. So, the next time you're faced with the question of whether to tip, pause, reflect, and make a choice that feels right to you in that moment.
Please text me and (briefly) share your thoughts and personal tipping policy with me - I look forward to hearing from you.
P.S. Should you decide to upgrade your Living by Experience subscription, I won’t ask for a tip. Promised.