Tipping etiquette

Legend has it, the word «tip» itself came years ago from a pub owner who used the acronym on a box «To Insure Promptness.» In that spirit, tipping should be thought of first and foremost as a reward for prompt and attentive service. In reality, tipping etiquette has evolved into a secret subculture with hidden expectations that aren’t always well understood by travellers. Break the secret code behind tipping etiquette.

Time Your Tipping

Depending on the timing, tipping can be a reward for good service rendered, or a subtle bribe. If you are using the service of one person repeatedly throughout your trip feel free to tip all at once at the end of your stay. If, however, you would like to ensure special service throughout vour stay , a larger tip up front is a good idea.

Tipping etiquette says either is acceptable.

Keep Bills Handy For Tipping

Keep several one dollar bills handy in an accessible pocket. You don’t want to be digging for them when you’re juggling luggage. Keep the bills neatly folded in groups of one or two bills.

Don’t Ask For Change

According to tipping etiquette, it creates a very awkward situation to ask for change from the person you are tipping. If for some reason you don’t have a tip ready, just skip it. You can get change from somewhere else, and return with your tip at some point in the future.

Know Your Tipping Tendencies

Be aware of your own unconscious tipping tendencies. Studies show women tend to tip men more generously . Tipping goes up universally when the weather is good, lower when it is not.

Attractive women earn higher tips, as do attentive men, so don’t make mistakes.

Know the Tipping Policy

Increasingly, higher-end hotels are instituting «no tipping policies» that include gratuities in the price of the room. Some, particularly resorts, are charging a daily fee that covers all gratuities. Ask when you book.

Bed and Breakfast Tipping Etiquette

In general, tipping etiquette dictates that business owners are not given tips. Most B&;;;Bs fall under that category, and indeed, most have «no tipping» policies in place. Ifvouare in doubt, ask about their tipping policy when you book your room.

Tipping Is Never Required

It may be expected in many situations, but tipping is never required. Tipping hotel staff and drivers should be at your discretion, and should be thought of as a reward for excellent service. Don’t feel obligated to give a tip if the service given was not very good. On the other hand, consider giving a larger tip for those who go out of their way to provide personalized or stand-out service.

Although it is not required, tipping etiquette says that unless service was severely lacking in some way, do give a tip of some sort .

Tipping Etiquette Varies Worldwide

These tipping guidelines are for the United States only. Expectations can be quite a bit different in other countries. Check a travel guide for the particular country you will be visiting for the proper tipping etiquette.

Answer the questions.

Where does the word «tip» come from? Why are tips given? Who are tips given to?

When and where are tips required? When is better to tip: up front, daily throughout your stay or at the end of your stay? How much tips should you leave to whom? What is inappropriate when tipping?

What are the most common unconscious tipping tendencies? What different tipping policies hotels can have? What is peculiar about tipping at Bed &;;; Breakfasts? What special services can you tip for?

When can you do without tipping?

Maintenance — a person who opens the front door for you Doorman — a person whose job is to deal with people when they first arrive, to answer the phone and to arrange reservations or appointments Porter — a person who cuts and dyes your hair, or just does your hair and helps you to choose the haircut to match you perfectly Bell boy — a person who does you nails Concierge — a person or people who keep the building and the building’s facilities in good working conditions, they also do minor repairing Ront desk receptionist — a person who parks your car when you arrive at a party or at a hotel Manicurist — a person whose job is to carry things Hair stylist — a person whose job is to serve people in a place Massage therapist — a person whose job is to clean the rooms of the hotel Swimming pool attendant — a person who does you the massage Parking attendant — a person who keeps the keys from the rooms, takes and gives messages, deals with incoming and outgoing post

Vocabulary

Advertisement = ad — рекламное объявление circa — приблизительно, примерно unique — уникальный mansion — особняк, большой дом, дворец grandeur — грандиозность, великолепие, роскошь, шедевр bygone — прошлый chandelier — канделябр fireplace — камин molding — лепнина, барельеф down — пух craftsmanship — искусство, мастерство, умение throughout — повсюду, через весь… neighborhood — окрестности, район whisk — быстрое движение, быстро увозить vibrant — живой, энергичный proximity — близость, соседство, сходство venue — место встречи charm — очарование eclectic — эклектический access — доступ