It's customary to offer your Tour Director, bus driver(s), and local guides a gratuity. You should tip your Tour Director at the conclusion of your tour and tip your driver the last time you'll see them. Local guides should be tipped right at the end of their sightseeing tour, since you'll only see them once (unless otherwise mentioned).
Tipping guidelines
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver(s). If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Multiple drivers
On some tours, you'll have the same driver throughout your trip. If this is the case, you can give them one tip toward the end of your tour when you say goodbye. On other itineraries, it's common to have multiple bus drivers. We see this the most on multi-country tours, but even single-country tours could have more than one driver depending on availability. If this applies to you, please be prepared to tip your driver on a more regular basis throughout your tour. Your Tour Director will let you know how long your bus driver will be with your group. We recommend always carrying enough tip money for local guides and drivers on any given day.
Tipping currency
Tips can only be paid in cash and should be paid in the local currency of the destinations you're visiting. If you're traveling to multiple countries with different currencies, but with the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip. Please keep updated local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping. The preferred tipping currency can vary from country to country, so your Tour Director is a great resource to answer questions about this.
Tips and best practices
Porterage may be included at some hotels, although this service isn't guaranteed due to staffing shortages. If a hotel does offer porterage, this cost is included in your tour price, and it's not necessary to tip baggage handlers. However, any tips to staff aboard cruises are not included.
Please note that tips to Tour Directors, drivers, and local guides don't need to be placed inside a Go Ahead tip envelope before giving them out. So, there's no need to worry if you forget these at home or run out of them. These envelopes are mailed to travelers closer to their departure along with other details to help you prepare for your tour.
You can find specific tipping recommendations in your online account and mobile app under the "Getting ready" section. We've also created a video about handling money while traveling!