However, sometimes travelers do not know how much to tip a tour guide or whether to include taxes and the cost of expensive wine in figuring out a tip for dinner. Also there is the question of whether it is acceptable to withhold a tip for poor service.

Lizzie Post is an author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, an organization that promotes etiquette in the U.S. and around the world. The following are her suggestions when it comes to tipping:

• The worst tipping mistake is not to tip at all. When you receive poor service you should still leave the customary 15 percent. If your service was terrible, you might leave as little as 10 percent. Regardless, before you leave you should ask to speak to the manager to express your unhappiness. By expressing how dissatisfied you were with how you were treated and that you are reluctant to return after such an experience, your message will have the intended effect.

• If you receive good service, in addition to leaving a good tip, you should personally thank your server. Truly outstanding service should result in you asking for and complementing the manager regarding your service.

• Never tip a doctor, dentist, or therapists. The reason waiters are tipped is because they do not make a livable wage without tips.

• Different tipping rules often apply when visiting foreign counties. Visit country specific websites to determine local customs.

• Tipping too much will not offend the receiver though your action may be viewed as stupid.

• Typically tipping a maitre d’ to be given a better table is ineffectual. The point is not to bribe someone in advance for good service. You tip afterwards to reward good service.

• When visiting a foreign country do your best to leave tips in the currency of that country.

• Tips should not be calculated on the tax portion of your bill, but should include the total cost of the meal and any alcohol. If you sit at a bar prior to eating dinner, make certain to leave a tip at the bar before going to your table.

• If staying in a hotel or bed and breakfast, leave a tip at the side of the bed.

• On a bus tour of no more than three hours tip your guide 10 to 20 percent of the cost of the tour. When charter bus drivers double as guides tip $1 per person per day.

• Tip drivers of airport car rental shuttles especially if the person helps with your bags. Tip between $1 to $2 per bag.

• Don’t tip a bellman when he takes your bag away. Tip $1 to $2 when your bag is returned.

• Keep one and five dollar bills on hand, or the foreign local equivalent, so that you have the proper change for tipping.

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