The Salty Details: Guide to Vacation Tipping

One of the most awkward parts of traveling isn't finding a hotel or choosing a restaurant.

It's standing there wondering: "Am I supposed to tip here?"

The answer depends on the service, the location, and sometimes even the type of vacation you're taking.

Here's a simple guide to use when you travel.

🍽️ Restaurants

Sit-Down Restaurants:

• Standard Tip: 18–20%

• Good service: 20%

• Exceptional service: 25%+

• Poor service: 10–15% (unless the issue was clearly outside the server's control)

Buffet Restaurants:

Even though you're serving yourself, staff members are still clearing plates, refilling drinks, and keeping everything running.

• Standard Tip: 10–15%

Counter Service / Fast Casual:

Usually optional.

• No tip required

• $1–$2 or rounding up is a nice gesture

🏨 Hotels

Housekeeping:

Many travelers forget this one.

If housekeeping keeps your room stocked, clean, and comfortable, a small daily tip is appreciated.

• $2–$5 per night

Bellhop:

• $1–$2 per bag

Valet:

• $2–$5 when retrieving your vehicle 

🚤 Excursions and Tours

Including: Boat Tours, Dolphin Cruises, Fishing Charters, Guided Excursions

• 10–20% of the tour cost

If your guide works hard, keeps everyone safe, and creates a memorable experience, a tip is generally expected.

🚗 Transportation

Uber / Lyft:

• 10–20%

Shuttle Drivers:

• $1–$2 per bag OR
• $3–$5 per party

💇 Spa Services

Including: Massage Therapists, Spa Treatments, Hairdressers

• 15–20%

Unless gratuity has already been included. Always check the receipt first.

☕ Coffee Shops

Completely optional.

A dollar in the jar is always appreciated, but nobody should feel pressured.

🌴 Beach Chair Rentals, Umbrella Setups & Resort Staff

Not always required, but appreciated.

If someone is setting up chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, or delivering food and drinks to the beach:

• $5–$20 depending on the level of service.

🌊 The Salty Takeaway 

Tipping shouldn't create stress during a vacation.

A simple rule of thumb:

• Restaurant servers: 18–20%

• Housekeeping: $2–$5 per night

• Tour guides: 10–20%

• Drivers: 10–20%

• Optional services: Tip according to effort and experience

The goal isn't perfection.

It's simply showing appreciation to the people helping make your trip enjoyable.

And if you're building your vacation budget, don't forget to include gratuities. They can easily add up over the course of a week-long trip. 

Before You Go

One thing we've learned over the years:

The people who often make the biggest difference in a trip are rarely the ones featured in the brochures.

It's the waitress who recommends the perfect seafood dish.
The housekeeper who keeps your room spotless.
The boat captain who helps your family spot dolphins.
The shuttle driver who shares local tips along the way.

A little gratitude goes a long way.

🌴 Safe travels, and Go Be Salty™!

🏖️ Beach Essentials:

If you're budgeting for your next getaway, don't forget the little things—tips, souvenirs, and unexpected expenses can add up quickly. These travel essentials can help you stay organized and keep your vacation spending on track.

• Travel wallet for cash and tips

• Travel budget planner

• Packing cubes

• Waterproof phone pouch

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✝️ Daily encouragement

If you enjoy reading The Salty Details, be sure to also check out I Want to Walk on the Water for faith-filled encouragement, personal reflections, and lessons learned along the journey.

And don't forget to visit our YouTube channel, Go Be Salty™, for travel adventures, beach life, and Sermon-by-the-Minute™ videos.

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