Tipping Your Tour Guide
Tipping Your Tour Guide
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!