Hi
I am going to a photo workshop in Florida to photograph Owls. In this workshop, the host will be driving to four or five locations in Florida. The cost of this workshop is $3,500, so do people tip, and what would be a proper tip?
Peter
Hi Peter, generally, if the owner of the company is the one giving the tour, there is no need to tip. It does happen when service is exceptional, but not expected at all. If it’s a guide that just works for the company, then a 15-20% tip is the norm as they don’t make much. Have fun, hope you see some owls!
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In my case as a tour leader, I always tell guests on my domestic tours—where I do all the work from pickup to drop-off—that tips are not expected (but appreciated if someone chooses to do so anyway), since the fee they are paying me is essentially for the entire service I provide.
In the case of my international tours—when we are working with local guides, drivers, lodge staffs, etc.—I make it clear that my guests should expect to and prioritize tipping these people, not me.
David’s point is interesting about an “employee guide.” It’s something that’s never been relevant to my operation, so it’s difficult for me to comment on that. When dealing with international tipping, I’m usually in the $X/day camp per individual or staff group, rather than a percentage.
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