Steve’s 2025 Ultimate Travel Tipping Guide

Tipping can be one of the most confusing aspects of travel, yet it’s essential for rewarding great service and ensuring hospitality workers—many of whom rely on tips as their primary source of income—are fairly compensated. While most travelers are familiar with tipping in restaurants, many overlook other service providers who make their journeys smoother. To clear up the confusion, here’s my 2025 Travel Tipping Guide, updated with new recommendations and a few extra categories you may not have considered.
Restaurants & Dining
Restaurant Wait Staff – 15-25% of the bill, depending on service. If the service is exceptional, go beyond 20%. International tipping is a lot different than the U.S. For example, tipping in Europe is not expected, however, I still like to tip 10% – 15% to show them I care.

Buffet Staff – Most people do not tip buffet staff, however, I recommend $2-5 per person at the table. Many people mistakenly assume buffet servers don’t need tips, but they refill drinks, clear plates, and still provide service. One of the best waitresses I’ve ever had, Susan at Valentino’s buffet, has shown me just how hard these workers hustle!

Bartenders – $2-3 per drink or 15-20% of the total tab. A good bartender can make or break your night!

Cigar or Hookah Lounge Attendant – This is a new category for me as I do not use either of these lounges, however, people who do recommend $3-5 per setup if they assist with lighting or maintaining your experience.

Hotels & Accommodations
Hotel Housekeeping (Room Steward) – $5-10 per night, left daily to ensure the person cleaning your room gets it (staff can change daily). These workers have some of the toughest jobs and often go unnoticed—I am terrible at remembering to tip the hotel housekeeping staff. Let’s all do better in 2025!

Bellhop/Bell Captain – $2-5 per bag, depending on the level of service. If they go above and beyond, tip accordingly. Sometimes so many people touch my bag I get confused who to pay. One guy takes it from the car. One guy loads it on the cart and brings it to the check-in desk and another one brings it to my room and unloads it and orients me to my room. I usually just tip the person who brings it to my room.

Hotel Concierge – $10-50 per request, depending on complexity. Simple dinner reservations? $10. Hard-to-get theater tickets? Tip upward to $50.

Valet Parking – $3-7 per retrieval (not when dropping off). If it’s raining or they’re extra speedy, go higher!

Hotel Doorman – $3-5 if they hail a cab or provide an extra service like carrying your bags.

Transportation Services
Cab & Rideshare Drivers (Uber/Lyft) – 10-20% of the fare, with a minimum of $2. If the driver is unsafe or takes an unnecessarily long route, I refuse to tip.

Courtesy Shuttle Drivers (Airport/Hotel) – $1-3 per bag if they handle luggage; otherwise, a couple of dollars for good service.

Airport or Train Porter – $2-5 per bag, especially if they handle heavy or oversized luggage.

Tour Bus Drivers – $2-5 per day, more if they go out of their way to accommodate guests.

Tour Guides – $5-20 per person per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour. Most of these tour guides are independent contractors who live or die on tips. If they are great….show them the love!

Other Services You Might Not Think About
Shoeshine Attendant – $5-10 per shine (more if they take extra time or add additional services). I love the Shoe Shine stand in Denver. When you ask them how much you owe them they say, “Whatever you think it was worth”. They do the best job in the world. I usually give them $20 for such a refreshing approach.

Spa & Salon Services – 15-25% of the service charge, even if gratuity is included (adjust based on service quality).

Makeup Artists or Personal Stylists – 15-25%, with a minimum of $10. If you saw me you would know I don’t use a makeup artist so this one comes from a friend.

Personal Drivers or Chauffeurs – 15-20% of the total fare, or $50-100 per day for full-day services.

Private Yacht or Boat Crew – 10-20% of charter cost, typically split among the crew.

Golf Caddies – $25-50 per round, depending on experience and effort.

Wheelchair Attendants at Airports – $5-20, depending on distance pushed and level of service.
And Finally…
Friendly Weekly Travel Alert Writer – $5 per week (or a kind reply telling me this was helpful)!

Did I miss anyone? Let me know if you have other service workers you regularly tip when traveling! Let’s keep travel rewarding for those who work hard to make our experiences better.

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