There seems to be increasing confusion about appropriate tipping behavior while traveling. This type of travel etiquette is a source of many travelers concerns -- from staying in hotels to traveling on luxury barges or cruise ships. Small cruise ship tipping, including riverboat cruises, is based on industry standards and also our two decades plus experience in this business. Luxury travel comes with all the extras included in the experience, dining, locales, and especially service.

On Riverboat Cruises, the following applies:
For the Cruise Director: We recommend 3 Euro's per day, per passenger.
Example: 6 (passengers) x 3 Euro's = 18 Euros
Multiply this by the # of days for the cruise: 18 Euros x 5 (days) = 90 Euros

For the Crew: 12 Euro's per passenger, per day.
Example: 6 (passengers) x 12 Euro's = 72 Euros
Multiply this by the # of days for the cruise: 72 Euros x 5 (days) = 360 Euros
When traveling aboard Barge Cruises, which range in size from 4 - 24 passengers, industry standard is 5% of the total cruise price paid directly to the Captain.
But the mode of travel throughout France is only one area of tipping that travelers should be aware of; there are other areas the prepared traveler would be interested in. When you travel to France or plan a holiday in France, you will have to dine, stay in a hotel, occasionally travel by taxi, and take tours.

Almost all restaurants prices will include applicable taxes and a 15% service charge or service compris. If you find the service has been more than expected, indeed exceptional, leaving another 2-3% is customary, and so is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill when paying in cash. When service is not included or service non compris, a 15% tip is appropriate.

For hotels you should tip porters around 1.50 Euro per day for each bag, and chambermaids 1.50 Euro a day. "A Travelers Passport to Etiquette" explains that every time a service is performed, you need to tip, "That's part of the cost of travel," says author Lisa Mirza Grotts. You should pay a tip of 10-15% of the metered fare to taxi drivers; hairdressers should receive 10%, and assistants 5%. Smaller tips of around 1 Euro are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers, and museum tour guides.

When going on excursions, it is standard practice to tip tour guides and bus drivers 1.50 - 3 Euro, dependent on your level of satisfaction of the service. It is suggested for hotels that travelers consult with the front desk to see whether tips are customarily left behind for each service provider or given to the front desk; policies vary.

Hopefully these tips will help you focus more on your travel and less on the sometimes complicated etiquette of tipping when you travel. Including your tipping expenses in your budget when you travel makes you an informed and organized traveler.



Chrissy Bryant is in charge of Marketing and PR for two luxury small cruise ship companies: http://www.FranceCruises.com and http://www.WLCVacations.com. Both provide travelers with an unparalled experience on their boutique, small-ship riverboat cruises or luxury barges. From custom-made itineraries for no additional charge to themed cruises that range from art to wine, World Luxury Cruises Vacations is the luxury travelers one-stop-shop.
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Now it would seem that Americans have improved their French. Or, at least aren't afraid to let a few grammatical errors stand in the way of a great vacation experience.
Why go to France? Well the obvious answers would be scenic beauty, rich history, gourmet food and wine, perfume and fashion. All the classic attributes that create the justly renowned image of France.

But there is another reason. Less obvious; But no less real. And that is the Historical and linguistic relation between France and the USA. Our original "French Connection" was not Popeye Doyle, but a French General named Lafayette. He came to our aid when we were fighting against the British. When Lafayette returned to France he did an amazing thing. He never sent a bill for his services. (Can you say: "Good Neighbour?") His only physical legacy now is a city named after him in California.

The Statue of Liberty, the symbol of all things positive in the land of the brave and the home of the free was also, like the services of Lafayette, a gift from our French Cousins. Given to celebrate the connection and co-operation between the two countries during the American Revolution.

French Gifts much less obvious,are some of the words and phrase we use everyday. French words that have been adopted into our language. For example, Every American knows the phrase "Mardi Gras" describes an annual event in New Orleans.
Yet fewer know the literal meaning: "Fat Tuesday." So, calling New Orleans "The Big Easy" isn't really appropriate, is it? However, "The Big fatty" is a descriptive phrase that only a city of unsuccessful weight watchers would want.

What do we call the Gentleman in the luxury Hotel who knows everything you could want to know about the City you're visiting? That would be the "Concierge" would it not?
These facts alone are not, of course, sufficient reason to visit France. But when you combine them with the Classic French Attractions, you've got a truly "win-win"situation.

1. Scenic Beauty. In an area smaller than California, France has a variety of landscapes,climates and topography unequalled by any other country in the World. (With the possible exception of New Zealand)

2. History. Napoleon. The Chateaux of the Loire. The cross-pollination of English and French Royalty. And the resulting plots,treachery and wars. The Rise and (orchestrated) fall of the Knights Templar. The rivalry between Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitier. French History alone could occupy you for the rest of your life!

3. The Food. Not always "Gourmet." But always Good. And almost always, especially in the country, "Fabrication Maison." (Homemade)

4. The Wine. Plentiful. Varied. The variety being not just in the type of grapes, but in the price. Happily, you can buy a Litre of good wine in bulk for less than the price of a chain store espresso.

5. The Fashions and the Perfume. Two products France is renowned for. You'll find them everywhere. And for that reason prices will be extremely competitive.

Those are a few of the many reasons to visit France. But for me the biggest reason is the genuine warmth and hospitality of the French People. They're really interested in who you are, and why you're here. And will go more than the whole nine yards to make your French Holiday one you'll always treasure.



Lawrence Collins is a multi-media journalist and "dyed in the wine" Francophile who takes every opportunity to share the Treasures of France he discovers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Collins