The tipping routine at your local coffee shop is probably second nature, but the rules aren’t as clear when traveling. On the road, there are helpful hands everywhere — at the curb, in the lobby, out by the pool — and it isn’t always obvious who’s hoping for a gratuity and who doesn’t expect one. With that in mind, here are seven people you should probably tip on your next trip — and two you can probably thank just with words.

Skycaps

If you drop your bags curbside at the airport instead of taking them inside to the counter, be aware that the skycap handling them for you is working for tips. The standard is around $3 to $5 for the first bag (on top of the small convenience fee airlines now charge for this service), with an extra dollar or two for each additional suitcase.

Hotel Housekeepers

Housekeepers are among the hardest-working people at any hotel — and also the employees who tend to receive the fewest tips. The American Hotel & Lodging Association recommends leaving $1 to $5 per night, but we’d recommend $5 or more at luxury hotels, and much more if you leave a mess. Different people may service your room from day to day, so it’s best to tip daily instead of at the end of your stay. Make sure the money is left on the nightstand or on the pillow (in an envelope or with a note), so it’s clear the bills are intended for staff.

Bellhops

When a bellhop carries your luggage up to your room, tipping them a few bucks per bag is customary. If they’re trekking to the end of the resort with a heavy load, giving you a helpful tour, or coming back with a bucket of ice, consider throwing in a few extra dollars on top of that.

Valet Attendants

When the parking valet brings your car back around, $3 to $5 should cover it at all but the poshest of properties, where you might want to make it $10 to $20. There’s no need to give a tip at drop-off — save your cash for when your vehicle is safely returned.

Taxi and Rideshare Drivers

For a taxi or rideshare service (such as Lyft or Uber), tipping 15% to 20% of the final fare is customary, with extra if the driver hauls heavy luggage or waits for you while you run back inside to retrieve your phone. In some states, the law requires that rideshare apps show you exactly how much (or little) your driver is making per ride, so you may feel inclined to tip more generously.

Tour Guides

An engaging guide can make a tour the highlight of your vacation, and many count on tips as thanks for their efforts. Onshore excursions from cruise ships, for example, are often run by locals. Estimate at least $5 per person for a half-day tour and $10 or more for a full day, plus a few extra dollars for the driver. Park rangers and other government employees can’t accept tips, but a glowing online review or a complimentary email to their department is always welcome.

Bartenders and Pool Servers

Paying as you go at a hotel bar? Just like at home, throw down a dollar or two per drink, or add 15% to 20% gratuity to the final tab. When poolside, attendants bringing towels and sunscreen appreciate a dollar or two per item, and the same goes for delivering cocktails or other beverages. If you’re having a full meal al fresco, add 15% to 20% to your bill when paying or charging to your room.

Who Not To Tip: Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are first and foremost on board to protect your safety while flying. They’re also near the top of the list of people you don’t tip on vacation. Most major airlines discourage their flight crews from accepting tips, while some ban gratuities outright. The exception is Frontier Airlines, which added a tip line for flyers in 2025. However, some passengers choose to bring their flight attendants gifts (e.g., small bags of chocolate), which most airlines permit. 

Cruise Ship Officers

Cruise fares almost always include a gratuity or automatic service charge to take care of staff, but you should never hesitate to be generous to a cabin steward or dining attendant who goes out of their way to make your voyage special. However, you shouldn’t tip the captain and senior officers helming the ship — this is another situation where an email to their cruise line is far more welcome (and less awkward) than attempting to give them cash.