It's customary to offer gratuities to your Tour Director, bus driver(s), and local guides. You should tip your Tour Director at the conclusion of your tour and tip your driver the last time you see them. Local day guides should be tipped at the end of the sightseeing tour they lead, as you'll only have one opportunity to express your appreciation (unless otherwise mentioned by your Tour Director).
Tipping guidelines
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD per person per day for your driver(s). If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tipping currency
Tips can only be paid in cash and should be paid in the local currency of the destinations you're visiting, unless otherwise noted in the "Getting ready" section of your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) and mobile app. 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: 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.
Tipping envelopes: 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.
Tipping culture: Wondering how tipping works in the destinations you're visiting, such as in restaurants or for taxi rides? You can find plenty of helpful articles online about tipping customs in different countries. Plus, your Tour Director is a great resource for any questions about tipping etiquette once you're on tour.
You can find specific tipping recommendations in your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) and mobile app under the "Getting ready" section.
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.
Multiple Tour Directors
During most Go Ahead tours, you'll have one Tour Director for the entire trip. However, on some itineraries, there might be multiple Tour Directors: one for the main tour and another for the extension. If you encounter multiple Tour Directors, tip each based on the days they were with you. When there are multiple Tour Directors, it's customary to offer your gratuity during your final interaction with them. Rest assured, your Tour Director will clearly communicate to you when this will be.
Safari tours
Tipping recommendations can vary on safari tours. Typically, you'll have the same Driver Guide (safari guide) and safari vehicle assigned to you for the entire trip, so it's recommended to offer a larger gratuity to your Driver Guide than to your Tour Director. For specific tipping guidelines tailored to your tour, please visit the "Getting ready" section of your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) and mobile app.