Tauck Director Gratuities
The book of Guest Documents suggests an amount for gratuities, which may be paid in local currency. I'm puzzled about whether this should be NZD, as the tour ends in NZ, or if Australian dollars would be preferred. Will the same Director conduct both parts of the tour? (We will be taking the April 1 tour.)
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When I did this tour in November, 2011, the Tauck Guide is w/u from beginning (in Australia) till the end (in NZ).
We tipped in American dollars, since we put it aside at the start of the trip. I believe we had a small amount of currency left over that we included in the tip for our Guide, as well. Some people also paid by check. Our guide happened to be going home to Arizona at the end of our trip so I'm sure he was happy w/the American money just as much as the Aus/NZ currency.
It's a great trip!!! Enjoy!!
I guess it's all about being sensitive to local customs and culture, really, and when you get down to it, that's exactly what travel is all about ... getting to know and understand who, and what, is different in this big wide world. It's not the same as at home. It's not about doing exactly the same thing as you do at home. How boring would that be! When I travel abroad and know I have to set money aside for a tip, as for Tauck land tours, I always make sure I have already purchased enough appropriate currency for just that purpose. I don't want to insult someone by giving them something that is worth less. If I'm in Canada I naturally give C$. In the States I give US$. I regard a tip as a genuine thanks for going above and beyond ... for me. I have had occasions (very rarely!) where I thought the TD had gone above and beyond to make me miserable. I wish I'd had some Monopoly Money on me then! I would have had great joy in being a fly on the wall when he opened the envelope to reveal a bundle of funny money.
Cheers,
Jan
Disclaimer: I am not implying US currency is funny money, okay? I am discussing the philosophy behind what, and why, you choose to give.
Judy - that's great advice, too, because you never know what is next for your guide.