Yes, You Should Tip At All-Inclusive Resorts (And Here's How To Take The Stress Out Of It)
A stress-free vacation where the focus is exclusively on the fun ahead is the ultimate goal for many travelers. Those who are looking to handle the details ahead of time so they can relax and unwind at their own pace often choose to book all-inclusive resort stays. This type of resort is designed to provide visitors with an experience where activities, beverages, food, entertainment, and accommodations alike are all paid for up front.
An all-inclusive resort can eliminate traveler worries when it comes to running up a tab or covering accommodation costs upon arrival. However, the term "all-inclusive" can be somewhat misleading when it comes to tipping practices. Many adventurers assume this means tipping isn't necessary and that simply isn't the case.
There are an estimated 1,500 all-inclusive resorts for travelers to choose from worldwide. At many of these destinations, tipping is considered customary. Tipping is important when it comes to thanking on-site staff for their exceptional services. Taking time to ask yourself who you'll need to tip, how much to set aside, and what currency to carry is important before you travel.
The good news is it doesn't have to be a stressful process. Begin by checking on tipping policies directly with your all-inclusive resort before you arrive. Some resorts prohibit staff from accepting tips and attempting to tip during your stay could ultimately jeopardize their employment. Once the resort confirms tips are legally accepted, you can freely move forward with tip budgeting for your experience.
Consider who to tip ahead of time
It's common for all-inclusive resorts to include gratuity in the upfront cost. This amount is typically shared among the staff. However, tipping those who provide exceptional service during your stay is customary and should be part of your travel plans.
Many all-inclusive resorts make it simple for guests to tip by accepting U.S. dollars. If you do have to exchange currency, checking the official exchange rate ahead of time helps with budgeting. When tipping in U.S. dollars, avoid leaving coins that are difficult to exchange.
Having $20 in singles on-hand is recommended at an all-inclusive resort. It makes tipping accessible whenever it's needed. It also eliminates the need to break bills.
Who you tip during your stay comes down to the services you'll utilize. In general, you'll want to plan on tipping restaurant staff, the concierge, bartenders, housekeepers, the bellman, pool staff, and shuttle drivers at all-inclusive resorts. Impeccable service can always be rewarded with higher tips, but there are some accepted standards for travelers to lean on.
Plan on leaving $5 per bag when tipping a bellman and $5 per day of your stay housekeeping services. In resort restaurants, tipping approximately $2 to $3 per person is acceptable. In higher-end restaurants, plan on a $5 tip at a minimum.
Tip the bartender and pool staff $2 to $3 per interaction and the concierge $5 for services. Tipping shuttle drivers is also customary. Leaving $1 to $2 is standard per ride.
Comprehensive tip planning and often overlooked details
Your final destination, as well as the length of your trip, makes all the difference in the total cost of tipping when you're staying at an all-inclusive resort. However, planning to set aside somewhere between $150 to $200 for tips per week of vacation is a good starting point. That breaks down to an average of $25 a day to leave with staff members who provide you with services that make your stay comfortable, convenient, and fun.
One detail that's easy to overlook when budgeting for tipping is what to do when you venture beyond the all-inclusive parameters. Many resorts offer guided area activities that put travelers face-to-face with local vendors. These individuals may be restaurant workers, tour guides, or shop owners who should also be tipped for their services. Having a few U.S. dollars as well as local currency on hand for these outings is advisable so you're covered when it comes to thanking locals for their service.
When it comes to tipping at all-inclusive resorts, travelers should expect to include the practice in their journey. It's a customary way to show appreciation to staff for the work they do well at these top vacation spots. Some simple budgeting ahead of time makes for a straightforward tipping process and a stress-free getaway for travelers from start to finish.