Tipping your tour leader or local guide is a topic our travelers often ask us about. Should I tip my tour leader? How much should I tip? When should I leave a tip? Long story short; while tipping your tour leader is never mandatory, we do recommend it.
Should I tip my tour guide?
Our stance on tipping your tour leader or guide is always noted in the pre-departure notes. We send them before your trip and it says:
“You are welcome to tip your tour leader at the end of the trip if you are satisfied with the service. If you feel he/she helped make your trip extra special, you can tip more than suggested.”
Globe Drifters does not include tips in the cost of our tours. We believe each traveler can decide how much to tip the guide and others who offer their services. We also believe that automatically including tips does not encourage those in the service industry to offer exemplary service.
Our tour leaders are compensated fairly and above the local standard of living. However, tips are a meaningful way to recognize their exceptional service and enhance their overall earnings, especially in developing countries.
We like to think about it this way… Most of us don’t hesitate to leave a $5+ USD tip for a meal at a restaurant. You’re usually at a restaurant for no more than 2 hours. On our trips, your tour leader is with you all day, every day. He/She always goes above and beyond to make each day of your trip special. You’re typically with your trip leader for 8+ hours a day, so this is why we suggest considering this when tipping your tour leader at the end of the trip.
We may be biased but our tour leaders are the best. They are always very enthusiastic to share the local culture, society, and history of their country with you. You can also think of them as your local friend! Many of our past travelers have said that the guide was a highlight of their trip.
How much should I tip?
How much you tip your tour leader is always at your discretion, but a general rule of thumb is $10 – $15 USD or the equivalent in the local currency per day. Again, tipping is not mandatory. If you feel your tour leader did not perform his or her duties appropriately, then you are not required to tip. Likewise, if you feel he/she went above and beyond the call of duty to make your trip extra special, then you can tip more.
We always encourage all of our travelers to share feedback, positive and negative, about their tour leaders after the trip. This helps us know what we’re doing well and what we can improve upon.
When should I leave a tip?
We recommend tipping your tour leader in a lump sum at the end of the trip. Many of our past travelers found it useful to bring an envelope or 2 to put a tip in along with a little note.
Why should I tip?
First and foremost, tipping expresses gratitude to your tour leader. It is a way to say thank you for helping you find that must-have souvenir, making that last-minute restaurant reservation for you, and finding you a pain reliever for that sudden headache. Tipping shows that you acknowledge and appreciate all the little extras that the guide did to make your trip one to remember.
Is tipping mandatory?
No, you are not required to tip your tour leader, especially if you are unsatisfied with his/her service. If you feel your tour leader did not properly inform you about tour logistics, explain cultural or historical information, or help you gain insight into his/her country, then you are not required to tip. If your tour leader only did the basic duties of his/her job and you would still like to tip, then $5 per day is acceptable.
However, if your tour leader added special touches and gave you extra attention, then $10 – 15 USD per day is suggested.
The general rule for tipping your tour leader is that it should always be based on the quality of service you received during your tour. It is not mandatory, but it is a great way to express gratitude to your guide if he/she helped you have the trip of a lifetime. Happy travels!
Is one of your habits to live or travel overseas for an extended period of time and then return to your home country? If so, then you can probably relate to these habits. And, of course, these are all true stories from my past 5 years of extensive traveling around the world. I can’t really say where I’ve called home lately, as I’ve been on the move all over for so long. And trust me, I’ve got plenty of stories to tell…
Unusual Toilet Habits
Your mom/roommate/friends keep wondering why the trash bin in the bathroom is always filled with toilet paper.
Yes… you know you’ve been traveling a while when you instinctively toss toilet paper into the bin instead of flushing it—even after returning home. Old habits die hard when half the world’s plumbing can’t handle TP.
I once forgot and kept apologizing to my friend for “clogging the pipes” even though she lived in New Jersey and her house could survive a hurricane.
When Your Passport Looks Like a Book
Your passport is filled to the point that you had to get extra pages added for all those visa runs you did.
Nothing screams “I live out of a backpack” like a passport thicker than a paperback novel. I once got grilled by an immigration officer who flipped through my passport like it was a deck of cards, asking, “So… why were you in Cambodia… three times?”
Food Cravings Gone Wild
When you come back from your travel overseas, you hoard food like it’s nobody’s business and your family/friends think there must be a food shortage overseas since you ordered three main dishes and a dessert at Chili’s and downed it within 10 minutes. Sadly, Chili’s tastes pretty good after not having American-manufactured food and processed cheese in such a long time.
No shame. I once inhaled an entire large pizza and a dozen mozzarella sticks after a year in Southeast Asia. It’s not that the food abroad isn’t delicious—it’s that after a while your tastebuds scream for comfort grease.
Rediscovering the Joy of a Good Shower
A clean shower with water pressure never felt so good and you will NEVER not appreciate your shower. (might be specific to Southeast Asian countries)
I remember the first time back home standing under a steady, hot shower and thinking: This is luxury. After months of dribbly bucket showers, a real shower feels like a five-star spa treatment.
Fun fact: in parts of rural Asia and Latin America, showers might just be a cold bucket of water and a plastic scoop. You learn fast how to be efficient.
When Stories Don’t Translate
You tell your friends/family about all the things you saw and experienced, and they stare at you blankly. Then you realize they’ll never get it.
You can try to explain watching thousands of lanterns float into the sky during the lantern festival in Thailand, nearly getting stuck in a tuk-tuk strike in Sri Lanka, or discovering secret noodle joints down Hanoi alleys… and your friends’ eyes glaze over. Once, I tried telling my cousin about a monkey stealing my mango lassi in India. She replied, “Oh… cool.” End of story.
But that’s the thing—you’re not crazy, there are just some things you have to experience to understand.
Rethinking the 9-to-5 Life
6) You realize very quickly that you do not want to work for the “man,” and rent, car payments, and medical insurance are much cheaper overseas, so you get the hell out of dodge.
You’ve sat on beaches in Bali with digital nomads earning a living while sipping coconuts—and suddenly a cubicle sounds like medieval torture. Many of us become travel junkies because we realize a simpler, freer life is possible.
I once met a guy teaching English in Vietnam who saved more money in a year than he ever did working corporate back home. And he never wore a tie.
(Check out Nomadic Matt’s guide if you’re thinking of ditching the office life, too!)
So if you’ve experienced any of the above or have any other funny examples to share with us, please feel free to comment below! Always looking forward to hearing our fellow travelers’ stories. And remember: “We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.” Happy Travels!
These days, it seems like more and more people are traveling further and further. Different corners of the globe are now open to exploration. The wonders to be seen are countless, and the high you get from seeing, eating, and experiencing new things is second to none. However, there is one aspect of traveling that may put a damper on the excitement and adventure: jet lag. It is real and it can lay the smack down.
There are a few things you can do to deter or at least minimize the effects of jet lag. Different things work for different people, and what works for some may not work for others. It may take some trial and error to see what methods or advice work for you.
First and most importantly: water, water, and more water!
Get one over-priced, larger bottle of water at the airport and keep it on you when you board the plane. You can always ask the attendant for more water. Instead of those cups for hobbits that they usually give you, ask them to put some fresh water right into your bottle. That way you don’t have to buzz them over every 5 minutes. It’s also convenient because you can keep it on you and you don’t have to worry about a collection of water cups. Drinking water before, during, and after your flight can help with jet lag.
Also, you can bring in your own water bottle and bring it through security empty. Refill it at the water fountain. Nowadays, at many airports they have water filling stations, making it convenient to fill as well as saving you from buying the overpriced water at the airport.
On the consumption tip: food!
You’re about to go on a long trip, and you don’t want to waste all that perfectly good food in your refrigerator. Bring it with you! Ok, so leave the pot roast at home, but as for that handful of baby carrots left? Throw ’em in a zip bag and take them with you in your carry-on. Have an apple that you don’t want to leave rotting away in your crisper drawer? Slice it up and have it as a snack during your flight!
This will give you an excuse to finish off that food sitting in your fridge and to eat healthy. You may even find yourself eating it out of boredom during your flight. You’re going to be eating healthily without even being conscious of it! Score! These healthy snacks beat the go-to airport diet of Dr. Pepper and Combos any day!
In the words of Janelle Monae: Let your booty do that yoga!
Forget looking fly upon your arrival. Go for comfort. Ladies, time to bust out your yoga pants. Guys, go for it, or just some comfortable sweatpants. When you’re on a 10+ hour flight, the last thing you want to wear is those super skinny jeans that cut off your circulation. Loose-fitting, stretchy pants are a must when you’re on a long flight to another country.
You can always change your clothes in the airport bathroom once you’ve collected your luggage at your final destination!
Bring those mini toiletries!
They’re usually around a buck a piece at a Target or Wal-Mart and will come in handy during your travels. A toothbrush and tube of toothpaste will save you from stanky breath during and after the flight. Hand lotion is a necessity. Your hands and skin in general will get very dry in an airplane, so any kind of body cream will quench your skin’s thirst.
This is where the 1st tip (water) is also important. Also on the subject of dehydration—eye drops are sometimes good. I know my eyes get really dry, red, and irritated, especially if I’m awake during the flight. Face wash is also nice to have because you might start to feel pretty grimy. It’s really useful when you’ve got a layover and you want to freshen up.
You won’t step out of the plane looking like America’s Next Top Model, but at least you won’t feel like a total dirtball.
Captain Underpants to the Rescue!
Bringing a fresh pair of underwear and socks is also nice, especially when you have some time to kill during your layover. I know some airports in Asia have places to shower, so a fresh change of undergarments might help you feel cleaner. Regarding clothing, a light jacket or sweater is a good idea. You’ll be up pretty high in the sky, so naturally, it’ll be colder.
You never know when this might happen!
Stand, stretch, repeat!
Sitting for hours on end is uncomfortable and bad for circulation. Every hour or two, get up, take a walk, and do some stretches at the exit row near the bathroom where there is some extra space. This will add some variety to a long, monotonous flight and make you feel more limber and less stiff when you get off the plane.
Asking to be seated in an exit row, if possible, will also give you some more leg room and stretching space.
Follow your dreams…take a nap!
Some people struggle with sleeping on flights, while others are almost asleep before the plane takes off. If you fall into the latter category, then you won’t have a jet lag problem. For those who have a hard time sleeping during flights, prescribed sleeping pills can help you get some shut-eye.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning abuse of sleep aids, but I’m one of those people who cannot sleep on planes. Since I tried it, I’m a much better-rested traveler. You definitely won’t need any kind of medication for a short flight, but let me tell you—a flight from Detroit to Tokyo can be hell if you can’t get a wink of sleep.
For example, if you have a 15-hour flight, a sleeping pill could generally knock you out for a solid 8 hours. Then you can just enjoy the in-flight entertainment for the rest of the time. Try to coordinate your medication with your arrival time so you’re not up all night once you get to your destination.
Also, once you get to your destination, you might be tired, but resist the urge to sleep until it is a normal time to go to bed there. You might wake up in the middle of the night, but if you’re crazy tired, chances are, you’ll get a decent amount of sleep to function like a somewhat normal human being the next day.
Also, red-eye flights are sometimes easier to sleep on because the lights will be turned down and windows will be shut, making it easier to sleep.
You can do it! Psychologically, once you get over the distance, it really is not that bad. Also, on flights to Asia, plane seats typically recline a little bit further, so you’ve got a little added comfort. If flying is really torturous for you, just focus on all the super awesome things you’re going to experience once you’re actually there!
Seven years ago, I visited Koh Phi Phi, probably the most popular island in Thailand. I went during peak season, and the beaches were packed with tourists. It totally killed the vibe. When I got into the water, I actually wondered, “Is it warm because it’s hot out, or because everyone around me is… well, you know?” That’s just one of the downsides of mass tourism. And trust me, there are plenty more. Let me share what I saw and some tips on how to avoid crowds and travel more responsibly.
Imagine trekking straight into the depths of the world’s largest cave! Be prepared… This trek is not for the weak!
There is currently only one tour operator that is permitted to take you into this cave : Oxalis Tours.A 5 day/4 night trek will cost you $3,000 USD. They operate from February to August with 10 travelers maximum per group.
2) El Nido, Palawan Island, Philippines
Until recently, the Philippines was often skipped over by travelers to South East Asia. However, in the last 5-8 years, this country, especially Palawan Island, has seen a huge surge in tourism, so it’s not really as ‘off the beaten path’ as it used to be. Nonetheless, the Philippines is still not a typical ‘vacation’ spot for many. Most prefer the more popular islands in Thailand and Indonesia, but by overlooking these islands, they are missing out!
El Nido is at the tip of Palawan Island and has a large archipelago surrounding it. While topographically similar to the islands in Thailand, the reefs and islands around El Nido are in much better condition in comparison.
The main beach drag in El Nido
One of the most popular excursions while in El Nido is going beach camping on one of the deserted islands in the surrounding archipelago.
I went in 2007, but have heard there has been an influx in recent years. I really like the Philippines and think it is sadly underrated, but maybe that is what has kept it in its pristine condition?!
View from my room!
3) Koh Rong Samloem Island, Cambodia
Koh Rong Samloem is a deserted island paradise; so deserted that the show ‘Survivor’ filmed 2 seasons here and has a permanent base camp on the island for the production team to stay in.
Village in Koh Rong: Photo credit – Joe Achacaso
If you had gone to this island 10 years ago, you would have only had one choice in accommodation and very limited amenities. With each passing year, more and more bungalows are popping up, making the most of what is essentially a ‘deserted island paradise.’
Unfortunately, the future of Koh Rong Salmoem is not looking too bright. The island has been leased out for 99 years to the Royal Group, who plans to push out the bungalows on the island and build Asia’s first environmentally-planned resort. I am guessing that to stay at this soon-to-be resort will cost quite a pretty penny. Now is the time to go before the development starts!
Village in Koh Rong: Photo credit – Joe Achacaso
The island is not hooked into an electrical grid with most bungalows only offering electricity for 4-5 hours a day, usually between 6-11 pm. However, there are a few bungalows now that offer electricity 24 hours a day. Hot water is in only at one or two ‘hotels’ on the island and there are no ATMs, no vehicles, no medical clinics and very limited Wifi. Who needs wifi when you’re in paradise!
If you are looking for places to stay, I suggest Saracen Bay Resort.
Saracen Bay Resort does have 24 hour electricity, but no hot water and only has fans. The restaurant on the premises is probably the best on the island and the rooms are really well-equipped compared to most other bungalows with basic amenities and are geared more toward backpackers.
If you’re interested, we run a trip to Vietnam/Cambodia and we spend 3 days on this island at the Saracen Bay Resort. Click HERE for more information.
4) Phu Chi Fa, Thailand
Phu Chi Fa is located in the Northeast of Thailand and is rarely visited by foreign tourists, but is a popular vacation spot for local Thai people. Many of the local Thai’s have never experienced cold weather nor have they seen a large mountain range, so many of them come here to get their first dose of both. They usually camp inside the national park. Their excitement is clearly visible while they wrap scarves around their necks and put on mittens for the first time!
The main attraction here is to hike to the peak of the mountain to watch the sunrise. It may seem like a treacherous hike, but it is relatively low in physical exertion. In the morning there are minivans that will take you into the national park and to the base; from there it is only a 30 minute hike. The hike has a moderate incline on a wide dirt path with plenty of places to sit to the side and take a rest if you’re feeling tired.
Although it is an early start, it is well worth the early wake up call as you look out over the sea of clouds and mist enveloping the mountains.
Both locals and foreigners alike embark to Phu Chi Fa from the northern city of Chiang Rai, but if you are up for more of an adventure, you can take a scooter or motorcycle here.
Actually, you will see a lot of motorcycle tours go through this town as this is almost always a stop on their tour. If you’re interested in scooter/motorbike trips, we do a 10-day scooter tour in the North of Thailand and we stop here as well. The below picture is what the roads look like. Click HERE if you want to check out the details.
5) Loikaw (Kayah State), Myanmar
The Kayah state is the smallest in Myanmar and is one of the least visited regions making for a truly unique visit. It takes about 8 hours by car to get here from Inle Lake.
Samkar Liquor House in Loikaw
Loikaw is hill tribe central. In Loikaw, foreigners are few and far between and the hill tribes are not inundated with tourists swooping in and flashing cameras in their faces, which makes this is an ideal spot to see and interact with the people of the hill tribes.
Loikaw itself is a small town and the main attraction is the Taung Kwe Pagoda. This pagoda is well worth a visit. The region is also known for its liquor production.
If you want to visit the hill tribes, you’ll need to head out to the country side. You will also need to hire a guide who will provide you with the necessary permits to visit them.
The Kayah state was one of the states that was involved in a recent bloody civil war with the Burmese military. There was a recent ceasefire, but tensions still run high.
Many people visit the ‘long neck villages’ while in Thailand, but this tribe is originally from this state as well as the surrounding areas. If you want to read more about the Padaung people and the long neck villages in Thailand, click HERE. There is a lot of controversy surrounding visits to these ‘human zoos’, so you can click on the link to learn more.
We recommend that if you go, you try to be respectful of the people there and avoid taking a million photos. These are people and they are not just there for your amusement.
6) Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
Khao Sok is not really ‘off the beaten path’ per se, but it is skipped over quite a bit during tours to Thailand. Khao Sok is in close proximity to both the islands in the south and in the east and is approximately a 2 hour drive.
View from our bunglow
It is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world and is said to be over 160 million years old, which would make it the second oldest jungle in the world.
One of the highlights of the area is to stay inside the national park on a floating lake house.
Lake house
Although the lake houses lack a bit in comfort, the views make up for it. You might even consider it akin to camping, but in a floating “tent”.
view from your room at the lakehouse
My favorite accommodation in Khao Sok is at ‘Our Jungle House’. It is one of the very first eco-hotels in the area. We stay here on our tour and many have said it is one of their favorite stops on the trip!
Khao Sok is one of my favorite places ever and the rainforest is absolutely amazing! Other activities you can do are tubing, canoeing, bathing hot springs, night trekking through the jungle and so much more. If you want to get more info about trips there, you can click HERE.
7) Cenderawasih Bay National Park, Indonesia
When most people think of secluded exotic diving and snorkeling in Indonesia, Raja Ampat comes to mind. However, Cenderwasih, which is to the east of Raja Ampat, is slowly growing in popularity and it is due to mainly one aspect : whalesharks.
Getting here is no easy task, but those who embark on the journey will be rewarded with a truly secluded part of the world that few ever see.
When diving and snorkeling here, you are almost guaranteed to see the majestic and giant whale sharks who stick around because of the fishermen throw the leftover bait fish into the water. It also is said to have the most pristine hard coral gardens in Indonesia.
It is always fun to get off the beaten path so go ahead and give one a try!
