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Tips for drivers who pick up at airport

MCD

I know that Tauck publishes guidelines for tipping the tour directors and motorcoach drivers, but I would like some advice about tipping the drivers who transport us to and from the airport or train station and the hotel. I have no idea what the cost of the trips would be, so can't tip based on a percentage. Does anyone have guidelines -- maybe based on how long the trip lasts? Thanks in advance for any input.

Comments

Kathy18

It is my understanding that the tip for the transport driver is also included. On one of my tours, we did inquire and was told that everything was already taken care of. I choose sometimes to add something extra, particularly if the driver gives us a "mini tour" from the airport.

British

Yes, if your read your documentation from Tauck carefully, they state that all tips are pre-paid. On a few tours the bus driver tips are sometimes included. And very occasionally the tour director tip is included.

MCD

I have seen that the tips are included, but I feel cheap not tipping the drivers. I've done that in the past on Tauck tours, but I'm always uncomfortable because I don't know how much to give. (Note that no driver has ever refused a tip!) Is there anyone else who tips the drivers? If not, then maybe I'll change my practice.

AlanS

MCD wrote:

I have seen that the tips are included, but I feel cheap not tipping the drivers. I've done that in the past on Tauck tours, but I'm always uncomfortable because I don't know how much to give. (Note that no driver has ever refused a tip!) Is there anyone else who tips the drivers? If not, then maybe I'll change my practice.

You ARE tipping the driver (and bellmen, waiters, etc.)- you paid for their tips when you sent your money to Tauck- it is all part of their contracts with the various vendors and you can be assured Tauck has passed the cost along to you. No need to feel guilty, you are not the first person and won't be the last who is being provided services by the various Tauck-contracted drivers, etc. I suppose if one of these "already compensated" people does something really extra special, you might want to tip them (twice.)

British

Wow MCD you must have plenty of money. Coming from a part of the US where it is normal to tip 20% and that is what I do, the British part of me just thinks that all the worry people seem to carry about tipping in the US is incredible nonsense! If people were paid a living wage, tips would not be necessary because waiters and drivers would earn enough. But that is another subject. Your Tauck driver will have been given a good tip by Tauck, that is why everyone clambers to work locally for Tauck and why everyone we encounter who works for Tauck is exceptional. Keep your extra money in your pocket, the driver is doing his job. When I worked. I did my job, over and above and well, I wish I had gotten tips too.

MCD

I respect your opinions and your advice, AlanS and British. I'll take your advice and save my money for the next Tauck tour.

MCD

...and you, too, Kathy18 I didn't mean to slight you!

Claudia Sails

The only time it has felt weird to tip or not is when it's just us and the driver or bellboy. Both of our Tauck trips we were the only couple being picked up at the airport so the interaction with the driver was on a more personal level than when there is a bus load. I'm pretty sure we tipped the bellboy at the hotel in Paris a couple of Euro's when he brought our bags up to the room. We were still novices then and weren't sure if the hotel staff was included in Tauck's tipping. Of well, live and learn.

aggiemd

I did have my husband tip the driver this past year in Italy...we were the only ones he was driving, he managed our bags and gave a little mini tour on the way to the hotel. I'm sure it was not more than 5 or 10 Euro...and while I don't have $$ to burn he could have been a surly, silent guy who let us struggle with the bags. Instead, we were able to relax and learn a little more about Rome (and arrive safely). Although I knew he'd already been tipped it didn't hurt me to show my appreciation with a token gratuity.