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British - I submitted something via the Contact Tauck interface. I’ll let people know if I hear anything from Tauck.

I don't think it is fair to compare a first time traveller to Namibia with TD's. I am assuming this is not their first trip and they are aware of where ATM's are located and safe to use. This will be our fourth trip to South Africa so we are more comfortable, however, even in a large supermarket in Victoria Falls they don't like to accept large bills even twenties as they don't have any change and will offer candy to you instead. This happened on our last trip there. The tipping amounts have increased enough to get our attention and while I agree the TD's and drivers do a great job it would be a lot easier and more comfortable if you could pay it in advance or just add it to the trip amount.

We typically get the local currency towards the end of a trip at an ATM to give to the TD. The TD can most likely use the local funds as he/she will do another trip in the same country/region (e.g. in France, we give euro's). This avoids having to bring a large amount of USD and have to worry about it during the travels,

Concur Sam. Tauck should just pay them, include it in the tour price and if someone does get more (like bringing an extra bag) then they can add a tip. My understanding of what the coach driver, TD and CD do is way higher now than on our first tour. I'm sure yours is too but people on the forum who are fairly new might not know. All Good.

Would be nice if Tauck created an interface in your account associated with your tour. Then, just like you enter your airline arrival information, etc. after the tour you could enter a tip amount for the TD, driver (whoever is recommended for each tour) and Tauck could charge our credit cards just like they do when we make payments and Tauck could pay the people. WiFi is usually available at the final tour stop.

I know that implies credit card fees and such, but it moves the burden of cash management from the customer - Us, to the provider - Tauck.

After all, isn't the customer always right? I know such an interface would be way easier for me. I'm sure there are probably lots of reasons why this isn't a good idea. But it's getting to the point where some solution needs to be found other than bringing a suitcase full of cash with you (ATMS are not always available on all tours).

Noreen - I suggest you provide those tips you describe in quarters. You should call Tauck and see if they will increase your luggage allowance to allow you to transport 4600 quarters throughout the tour for tipping. 😂

Maybe Tauck will initiate bringing a Brinks truck along on tours to carry tip money, kind of like they bring along a porta-potty on the Northern India/Nepal tour. 😂

We are on the same page, Folsomdoc. Only once have I given the "suggested" amount to a tour director. I have always exceeded that—to both the director and coach driver because I believe the amounts are too low given the extraordinary work they do, especially behind the scenes.

No they are not merely a suggestion. Yes the amounts are suggested but they clearly state that this is a majority of the TD’s compensation. My take is that they are poorly paid by Tauck and dependent on tips. From Tauck: Helpful Tips and InformationTauck Director and Driver GratuitiesYour Tauck Director is looking forward to meeting you!One of the highlights of your Tauck journey will be your professional Tauck Director. Our TauckDirectors are passionate about sharing their knowledge of local customs, cultural traditions andcontemporary topics with our guests. They choreograph and facilitate each day's activities,working tirelessly to ensure that you get the utmost enjoyment from your journey. We have chosen not to include Tauck Director gratuities in the price of your tour because wetruly believe that gratuities are an important way for you to express your appreciation and toacknowledge your Tauck Director's genuine, personal interaction and superior customer service. Unlike most other tour guides, Tauck Directors receive no commissions on your shoppingpurchases, nor do they earn additional income by selling options to you on tour. They take greatpride in their work and are committed to making sure that you have the best possible experienceduring your travels. We ask that you extend gratuities on an individual basis rather than as a group, and we offer thefollowing guidelines to assist you in determining an appropriate amount:USD $12 per traveler, per day for the Tauck Director, or the equivalent amount in localcurrency.USD $8 per traveler, per day for the driver, or the equivalent amount in local currency.Please note: Although gratuities represent the majority of your Tauck Director's compensation, ourpolicy prohibits Tauck Directors from directly soliciting gratuities.