I have no idea how much it costs to eat out now in the US and wonder if you could help me out. It would be good to get an idea of how much I need to take.

Thank you - Olive

For meals we would suggest budgeting as per UK prices.

For any extras, our product manager has suggested:

- A tip of 15 to 20 percent is the norm when food or drink is served.

- Taxi drivers/tour guides – taxi drivers usually receive $1 to $2; tour guides receive $1 to $2 per person.

- Maid – a $2 tip per day is customary.

And obviously a little extra for any souvenirs to remember your holiday by.

Kind regards,

Julia

Hi Olive,

For meals we would suggest budgeting as per UK prices.

For any extras, our product manager has suggested:

- A tip of 15 to 20 percent is the norm when food or drink is served.

- Taxi drivers/tour guides – taxi drivers usually receive $1 to $2; tour guides receive $1 to $2 per person.

- Maid – a $2 tip per day is customary.

And obviously a little extra for any souvenirs to remember your holiday by.

Kind regards,

Julia

Thanks Julia

Kind regards Olive

and remember Olive that Tax is added at check out so the price you see isn't always the price you pay in USA, still you'll have a wonderful time

Thanks AbbaDave

I'll bear that in mind. Really looking forward to this trip

Kind regards Olive

From my last 2 visits to America, AbbaDave is correct about ‘sales tax’ whether it be meals or gifts. Each state is different but 10% is a good guide to add to the price.

As for tips I don’t think you will require a taxi. As a guide the tour manager’s tip is $2 a day and the driver $1 a day. Get an envelope from the hotel if you want to put the money in. Never given a maid a tip! Drinks $1 or $2 per drink.

Breakfasts are about $10 to $15. Lunch will probably be a filled roll (and they are big) from Walmart etc. Say $15 with a soft drink or water. Evening meal, can be from $20 to $40. Try the diners, they are really go value for money. There’s a Denny’s Classic Diner next to the hotel in Cortez in Colorado.

If you want any more information (and anyone else about this trip) just ask.

Regards

Malcolm

Why do you not tip a maid, just curious seems a bit harsh if your tipping all the rest?

Cindy

Hi Olive

From my last 2 visits to America, AbbaDave is correct about ‘sales tax’ whether it be meals or gifts. Each state is different but 10% is a good guide to add to the price.

As for tips I don’t think you will require a taxi. As a guide the tour manager’s tip is $2 a day and the driver $1 a day. Get an envelope from the hotel if you want to put the money in. Never given a maid a tip! Drinks $1 or $2 per drink.

Breakfasts are about $10 to $15. Lunch will probably be a filled roll (and they are big) from Walmart etc. Say $15 with a soft drink or water. Evening meal, can be from $20 to $40. Try the diners, they are really go value for money. There’s a Denny’s Classic Diner next to the hotel in Cortez in Colorado.

If you want any more information (and anyone else about this trip) just ask.

Regards

Malcolm

Thanks Malcolm. Your info has been so helpful. You mentioned on a previous post that you had snow in Yellowstone. Just wondering how cold it was and what sort of jacket I should be taking. Will a good waterproof be OK? Kind regards Olive

Jaya

Re Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Ok the temperatures were down to the low 30F’s but after the mid 90F’s it was not that bad!!! However, I did take 2 very light pullovers for the evening walks to the local restaurants and they were ok (mind you it could be worse if it was windy). You don’t really want to take too much clothing (23kgs for the luggage remember).

If you google the US Weather Channel you will get some idea of the current temperatures etc. Today Yellowstone is 43F, Jackson Hole 53F and the Arches 75F. As you go south on the tour the temperatures will get higher.

Re tipping the maids I was always under the assumption that tips for the hotel staff were included in what we paid Just You / Travelsphere. Perhaps I am wrong.

Regards

Malcolm

Re tipping - I thought that was the case as well - but, as the brochure just mentions porterage included, perhaps tips for maids etc. are not included. Maybe I'll ask Julia to clarify this. Best wishes Olive

I agree with what the others say and would add prices can vary dramatically like this country depending whether you are in a big city or small town (eg last year on route 66 coffee and cake in Chicago $6 yet 100 mile up the road in Pontiac $3).

I also tip the maid, America is a very different culture to the UK and they get much less than our minimum wage and rely on tips.

Mick

Then again I could be wrong.

Julia can you clarify perhaps??:huh::idea::thumbup:

Cindy

It depends on the tour, sometimes we are able to offer Porterage and sadly, on others we are not.

Where it is included, it will be mentioned in the brochure on the tour page or on the "your holiday includes" section of the web pages.

Julia