Travel Tips
While I can't say I share Anthony Bourdain's disdain for Rachel Ray, I wince every time I see her leave a pittance of a tip in one of her $40 a Day shows.
Why?
Because if you are trying to get the most for your hard earned cash when traveling, the last thing your need is to become known as a miserly tipper!
Waiters, waitresses, bartenders, bellman... People in the service industry of all sorts are some of the hardest working folk out there. That said, they are also nothing if not human.
How does that come into it?
Let's start with those in the food service industry. Generally speaking, these individuals are allowed a certain amount of leeway in the distribution of complimentary drinks, desserts, appetizers and the like. Who do you think gets those?
The 10%ers?
Or that guy that can always be counted on to show his appreciation both verbally and monetarily each and every time he visits?
The tipper wins every time...
Now let's consider hotel staffers.
If you travel as much as I do, or even close to as much as you would like to, then you know that you regularly need favors from housekeeping, room service, concierge services, bellman and even sometimes management.
I can honestly say that I have more than recouped every dollar of gratuity in dry cleaning, tickets, complimentary taxi services and a hundred other last minute or emergency situations where these people absolutely could not wait to be of service.
The plain truth of the matter is that when you show people that you value and respect them and the services that they provide you with, it is a win-win-win situation.
Your trip is enhanced by improved service as well as more pleasant interpersonal interaction.
Your wallet is happy when you get complimentary food, drinks and a host of other services.
Tips show that you appreciate a job well done.
Tips back up your words of appreciation.
Tips allow you to develop relationships that will fix problems that you simply cannot predict.
Tips are your best travel value.
Floyd Bogart - SemiLiterate Traveler - The frequency of travel made necessary by business as well as pleasure, has given me a wealth of information useful to any that wish to travel reasonably yet enjoyably.
