When traveling with MelysaGô!, certain tips and gratuities are included in your trip package. However, there are a few instances where individual tipping is appreciated:
Hotel Services
It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to your bill.
Trip Leader and Driver
At the end of your trip, you may wish to express appreciation for your trip leader and driver for their excellent service.
Eating and Drinking
Tips and gratuities are taken care of by your trip leader for all meals included in your itinerary, where noted. When you’re exploring on your own, it’s helpful to be aware of regional tipping norms.
Regional Tipping Guidelines
North America
- Restaurants: It’s customary to tip between 15-20% of the total bill before tax.
- Bars and Pubs: Bartenders and cocktail servers usually earn $1-$2 per drink, depending on the price.
- Other Services: Taxis, hairdressers, and other service providers typically receive 10%.
Europe
Tipping is not obligatory, but it’s common to leave between 5-10% in most European restaurants. Always check if a service charge has already been added, as this is becoming more common. Tipping is only expected at table-service restaurants, not at fast food outlets or pubs where you order from a counter.
Asia
Tipping customs in Asia vary widely by country.
- China: Tipping is not customary, though it is appreciated in more touristy areas or upscale hotels and restaurants.
- Japan: Tipping is not part of the culture and may be seen as disrespectful.
- Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia: Tipping is appreciated but not expected, with a small tip (10-15%) being customary in higher-end establishments or for hotel staff.
- India: Tipping around 10% is common in restaurants, and a small amount is appreciated for hotel staff and drivers.
For further details, you can refer to your Trip Details documentation, which includes suggested tipping amounts specific to your destination. Your trip leader is also happy to answer any questions about when and how much to tip during your trip.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion and is a way to show appreciation for good service.