Best Of

But do you figure out the tip you will give a waiter in a restaurant before he/she serves you. I give extra if the service was extraordinary (and less if it was bad). If Tauck added to the overall tour cost, I lose that option.

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. 😂