tipping on coach tour..

aliasojo

flea72 wrote: »

but as its normality in the US, then perhaps people should allow for this in their budgeting.

On that point we will have to agree to disagree.

CCFC_80

aliasojo wrote: »

I agree with you here, the US do treat tips differently to us. However if someone simply can't afford the suggested rate (and how many of us could happily shell our $280 and not have it affect our holiday budget) then that's just tough on the employee I'm afraid.

Maybe it's time the US peeps started campaigning for better wages and then the tip system wouldn't be so prevalent. Mind you, employers are not going to go for that if they can get away with the rest of us making up their employee's wage, are they? :rolleyes:

I think Cosmos need to get there act together as they are saying for a 14 day coach tour with 40 people(sometimes more) the driver and guide should if everyone abides with the tipping suggestion get $3360 dollars each !! (Wish I could get that for 2 weeks work !)
They should not expect the holiday maker who has probably worked his A** off all year to pay for this holiday to fork out an extra extortionate tipping fee. So Cosmos-Pay your staff more money or at least recommend a sensible fee amount for tipping.

consumermonkey

Hiya all, I went on a 16 day tour of the West Coast back in 2003.

Fair play, the tour guide and driver were excellent. (Titan Tours) Would recommend them every time.

I was lucky enough to have an extended stay at the end so I was dropped off at the hotel rather than the airport. As the tour guide left me I gave what I thought was a reasonable amount for a tip. She went on to tell me how little others had given (WITHOUT naming names).

I had worked very hard to earn what was for me a once in a lifetime holiday. It had taken over two years to get the money together. I did not begrudge giving my guide and driver a tip NEITHER did I feel the need to hide what I had given.

I had a Wonderful holiday and I gave according to how I saw fit, not what someone had told me to. I did not give the $5 one had apparently given, nor had I given the $150+ i was advised to give, I did give what I thought was a reasonable amount. In the States, a tip of less than 15% is frowned upon in a restaurant (and apparently will get you questions asked about why so low).

So give what you see as reasonable and don't be shy.

mich_city

MrsE wrote: »

Sounds great, how much & how long do you have to spend in tesco to pay for a holiday like that??

Not as long as I spent reading PTS (paidtoshop)

It is our dream holiday and would never have been able to do it without Tesco Deals..

I dont begrudge tipping at all if I feel its deserved, just thought their recommendation sounded pretty steep! - Thanks all, we will give what we feel is a fair amount..

Think I better start reading up on tipping etiquette in general

Beenie

Tipping is an absolute nightmare. We were on a coach tour and the recommended tip was close on £9 per day for the two of us. We thought it ridiculous but the tour leader was adamant that it would end up with a nasty situation if we didn't pay up. Our bags would be left behind and all that sort of nonsense. Everyone grumbled but was bullied into paying the recommended sum. It left a nasty taste in the mouth.

mum2one

violetta wrote: »

Our guide was efficient but curt the whole of the holiday, keeping us all at arms length, until the last day or two, when he became suddenly more approachable and friendly - I wonder why?? :rolleyes:

Had to laugh, when we were in Tunisia in April, dd + me did a 2 day coach trip, day 1 our guide chatted and chattered, all seemed ok, on day 2, he comes on the coach wearing a neck brace, saying his neck hurt from all the talking he had done!

DD piped up, he should of shut up a bit then, (luckly he never heard)! x

mum2one

Beenie wrote: »

Tipping is an absolute nightmare. We were on a coach tour and the recommended tip was close on £9 per day for the two of us. We thought it ridiculous but the tour leader was adamant that it would end up with a nasty situation if we didn't pay up. Our bags would be left behind and all that sort of nonsense. Everyone grumbled but was bullied into paying the recommended sum. It left a nasty taste in the mouth.

That is absolutely disguisting, its unbelievable how people get away with it. x

mich_city

Beenie wrote: »

Tipping is an absolute nightmare. We were on a coach tour and the recommended tip was close on £9 per day for the two of us. We thought it ridiculous but the tour leader was adamant that it would end up with a nasty situation if we didn't pay up. Our bags would be left behind and all that sort of nonsense. Everyone grumbled but was bullied into paying the recommended sum. It left a nasty taste in the mouth.

flippin' heck, thats awful.. and exactly why I was a bit concerned!

nasty taste in your mouth and a big hole in the wallet huh?! :rolleyes:

purple12

I have a friend who works as a tour guide on coach tours in Europe and she doesn't get paid and relies on tips solely. It may be different for the drivers. I know most of her clientele are American but it's something to bear in mind.

CCFC_80

violetta wrote: »

Our guide was efficient but curt the whole of the holiday, keeping us all at arms length, until the last day or two, when he became suddenly more approachable and friendly - I wonder why?? :rolleyes:

Yes, they tend to drop hints don't they ?
e.g on the penultimate day the tour guide will say something like
"It's Dougs the drivers' last day today as I thought some of you may want to show your appreciation"