Hi Bob and Sookie

I agree with both of you. Obviously there are some mean people out there! But as Sookie says, it also depends on people's financial situation. I always allow budget for tipping and will go without if I have to as long as I can leave a decent tip - again, this is my personal choice as I think people who provide a good service deserves a good tip.

Regards

Jaya

Hi all, I agree with Bob, there are some really mean people around but I doubt they will change any time soon! However, that aside, everyone's financial situation is different, some people may have saved for a long time to get just enough money together for their holiday, whereas others may be able to afford more than one holiday every year. So I feel it's quite difficult to put a figure on how much people should tip their tour manager. Hopefully, most people will be generous within their means if they are happy with the service they receive. I personally get a lot of pleasure out of seeing a happy waitress, driver etc. and, as I'll no doubt be getting to know my tour manager very well on my very first JY tour (coming up in April - can't wait!) I'd like to hope that she'll be feeling happy too at the end of the tour! Sue

Hi Jaya, hope you are doing well. Tipping is a personal choice all right - some people who don't do it are just plain mean! If someone has spent a couple of thousand on a holiday, it is only common courtesy to tip the driver who has taken us safely from place to place, the local guides who give us a great insight into everyday life in the countries we visit and most of all, the tour managers (who honestly do only get a very modest payment per trip) who have to put up with all of us asking daft questions and sometimes being very troublesome! All the tour managers I've experienced have been very helpful and have had to cope with a fair amount of grief on each tour, so I think they definitely earn a decent tip!

Cheers,

Bob

I have been on 10 JY holidays and I personally prefer to tip separately in my own envelopes, with the exception of when we have various drivers/guides/bus boys etc. when the group envelopes are more convenient. As the majority of tour managers are from the UK I also tend to tip in Sterling. I know the tour managers rely on tips and I think on the whole they do an excellent job.

Cheers,

Hils

Tipping is a personal thing - some people choose to and some don't. I suppose the send-an-envelope round the group too is a good idea as not everyone can afford to tip the same amount. On all 4 Just You holidays I have been envelopes have been passed around and there is an option for those who choose to tip separately.

Jaya

Personally I prefer the send-an-envelope-round-the-group method of tipping for the tour manager. On the holidays I have been on so far (4) only one person has declined because they were tipping separately. The envelope method disguises how much people give and, on one occasion, the fact that someone has declined to give anything at all! I have tipped the driver and guide, if there has been one, direct as the sums involved are smaller. However, I am going to Canada this summer and, as we shall no doubt have much more contact with our driver, I might prefer the group envelope approach for him/her.

Ann

I agree with Bob and Cindy. Like Cindy I like to tip the driver, tour managers, and guides myself instead of putting money in the envelope that is being passed around. Tipping is a personal choice and I know many people don't like tipping. Like Cindy I like to reward good service and being looked after. I have always tipped ever since I started going on holidays in 1979!!

Regards

Jaya

Bob:rolleyes:

I have to take a break from the intense heat:huh: and cool down so checking in will I cool off LOL:cool:

Cindy :angel:

Oi Cindy what are you doing on here, when you should be relaxing by the pool and sipping even more cocktails?!! Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday and don't worry about the rest of us - we are struggling along as best we can without you! Happy St Patrick's Day to you and the hubby!

Bob

BOB:D

I agree with all you say.....having got my 9th tour booked people do look to me for guidance...:exclamation:

I personally normally take a couple of blank thank you card so I can write a personal note of thanks and include my tip in that, I am on a similar amount to you. I have also been asked to go round on a few tours within envelope for people to put in their amounts as in a job lot, I am not a lover of this and always give mine over myself.

:thumbup:

I think they do a fantastic job, I have only been let down once on Nashville and Memphis music tour the rep had absolutely no interest in the music side so felt let down a bit there.

:huh:

On the USA tours you could have the same driver and the NZ tour he was the same one all the time so he got a very generous tip for keeping me safe and his knowledge that he gave.:D

Tipping for just a half day local guide can be minimal to me. :s

I tip for good service and for being looked and cared for while I am away as well as humour knowledge etc...and the reps sure need humour at times :exclamation:

Cindy ....I am away in Gran Caneria soaking up some sunshine :angel: