How Much to Tip, and When?

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Here are some useful guidelines when it comes to gratuities when traveling.

Keep in mind on escorted tours the tips for the hotel staff are already included, as well as for the restaurant staff whenever meals are part of the itinerary.

Be prepared for any travel disruption with our advisors’ flight delay and cancellation guide — essential knowledge for every traveler.

Tipping while traveling internationally requires cultural awareness — practices vary widely from country to country, and what is considered generous in one destination may be considered offensive in another. In Japan, for example, tipping is generally not expected and can even be perceived as rude, while in the US, tipping is deeply embedded in service culture. Atlas Travel Center’s experienced advisors have traveled to dozens of countries and are always happy to share destination-specific tipping guidance as part of your trip planning.

The key principle in all tipping situations: when in doubt, observe what locals do, and always express genuine appreciation for service that made your trip more special.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.