According to etiquette experts, camp counselors, golf caddies, and 10 other individuals are worth considering for tipping during the summer.
A recent survey from Bankrate shows that about 2 out of 3 adults have a negative view of tipping, and 30% believe the tipping culture has become excessive.
If you're enjoying a summer of leisure and fun in the sun, it's important to remember to tip those who help make it possible for you.
Don't worry about leaving out anyone on the list; etiquette experts agree that tipping guidelines are merely suggestions, and there are no consequences for not following them perfectly.
Financial wellness leads to happiness, wealth, and financial security.
Expressing gratitude through tipping should feel less like a duty and more like a genuine expression of appreciation, without putting a strain on your already limited financial resources.
"According to Daniel Post Senning, co-author of "Emily Post's Etiquette, The Centennial Edition," tipping that exceeds your budget will never feel good."
Here are some people etiquette experts say are worth considering tipping.
People who help with your kids
Consider giving your child's sleepaway camp counselor a token of appreciation, especially if they ensured your kid had a wonderful experience. However, many camps prohibit counselors from accepting tips, advises Diane Gottsman, a renowned etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas.
She advises asking the camp director if counselors can receive a tip.
If she accepts the offer, you can give her cash or a gift card. If not, a small gift from your child would likely be appreciated.
According to Gottsman, tipping babysitters or au pairs beyond what is already paid them is not required, as it falls under the category of "nice but not necessary."
If someone made your kid's summer special, consider giving a little extra as a token of appreciation. The Emily Post Institute suggests a family gift or one week's pay for a daily or live-in babysitter or au pair for a high school kid who comes over every other weekend.
Hitting the resort? Be prepared to tip
This summer, if you're staying at a resort or hotel, remember to tip a few key people, advises Gottsman.
Bellhops: $1 to $2 per bag
Shuttle drivers: $1 to $2 per trip
Valet parkers: $2 to $5
Hotel housekeepers: $3 to $5 a night
The cost of concierges can range from $5 to $20, based on the level of complexity of the task.
Gottsman says that beach attendants charge around $5 for services such as bringing towels or setting up umbrellas on the beach.
According to Gottsman, golf and tennis pros do not require tips after taking a lesson or two as payment has already been made.
If you've taken lessons all summer and seen a significant improvement in your game, a tip isn't unwarranted. Elaine Swann, an etiquette expert and founder of the Swann School of Protocol, suggests the cost of a private session.
Golf caddies: Gottsman advises checking the policy, as some caddie tips may be included in greens fees, while others may not. To avoid over- or under-tipping, inquire about the local custom. Typically, you can expect to pay the caddie's fee plus $20 or $30, she suggests.
What about a summer favor?
Consider giving a tip equivalent to one week's pay to your regular, professional pet sitter or dog walker at the end of the summer, as suggested by Emily Post.
Gottsman suggests that there are other ways to express gratitude to someone who spends a lot of time in your home.
I ensure that her favorite soda is always available and there's baked chicken in the fridge for her, as she doesn't request it but appreciates it.
Anyone who is gracious enough to let you crash with them or give you access to their summer home doesn't require payment, but it's important to show appreciation for their generosity, according to Gottsman.
"As a thank you, she suggests giving them a thoughtful gift that holds meaning, rather than focusing on the dollar amount."
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