How to gain sympathy when traveling with the right tip
When traveling in groups by bus, it is customary to tip both the driver and the tour guide or the women working in such professions. There is often someone in a travel group who agrees with the others on the amount of the individual amounts (it depends on the
duration of the trip and the satisfaction of the guests), collects them and hands over the entire sum on behalf of the group. This solution is recommended and practical. So, if necessary, take the initiative.
Unlike their colleagues in the air, train attendants are allowed to accept tips. If you buy a ticket there or have one of the train staff help you get on and off with your suitcase, tipping is not customary.
In the case of a gastronomic service with drinks or food brought to your seat, however, you should adhere to the restaurant tipping rules. Also
Sleeper conductors and their colleagues who do more for you than stamp your ticket deserve a tip.
Airline stewardesses and stewards are considered hosts and therefore do not receive tips. Many airlines even prohibit crew members from tipping. At Lufthansa, for example, the rule applies: If a passenger insists on giving a tip, it is accepted instead of getting involved in a lengthy dispute. The money is then donated to a charitable organization.
Here, too, the service staff are called stewardess and steward. But in the floating hotel they get tips – and a higher rate than usual on land. Calculate at least 10 to 15 percent of the travel price for tips on a ship trip.
It is very common to leave tips at the end of a vacation. There is nothing wrong with that either. However, travel professionals handle it differently: They divide the amount and give it either in two parts – in the middle and at the end – or even in thirds – beginning, middle, end. Which type you choose is of course up to you. Don’t forget to point out that this is just the beginning and that another tip will follow later.
Before traveling abroad, always find out about the customs in your host country. The differences to German customs are sometimes significant. In travel guides you will usually find information about the amount of the tip.