In a FB group for another travel company, when I pointed out that RS does not permit tipping the guide, one person chimed in and said that they had been on a number of RS tours and about half the participants did tip the guide. I was dismayed to learn of it since it seems RS is clear that we should not tip the guide. What are others' experiences with this? Do people go ahead and tip the guide even though we are told not to?
I’ve been on 10 Rick Steves tours and never noticed anybody tipping the guide (or drivers, local guides, or anyone else providing a service to the group). The guides have often made it pretty clear that Rick pays a good wage (unlike some of the other travel companies where guides are quite dependent on tips). Rick Steves says that his guides are highly professional and should be paid as such. Many of the guides I have had have guided RS tour for 15-20 years - probably because they can count on a decent salary.
Are you sure that people on that FB group weren’t referring to Road Scholar - also RS? I’ve seen this confusion more than once LOL! Road Scholar states that tips are included in their tour package, but that it is up to the individual if they want to tip beyond that. I understand that many people on those tours do indeed tip. Rick Steves, on the other hand, states much more clearly that tips are not expected.
There are always some people who tip regardless of the policies of the company.
Rick is very clear that tipping is included in your overall cost so essentially you've paid up front for it.
I DO usually leave a small tip for housekeeping.
There have been times I have tipped an RS guide very privately and discreetly. I am vegan and if they have had to go to a lot of extra work to get me vegan group meals then I will tip them. I bring greeting cards from home and slip them to the guide privately. There have been times when I felt the guide was fairly indifferent to some things and felt no compunction to give them anything extra. I also will not participate in any kind of group tip and make sure I say loud enough for others to hear that tips are included. I don't want anyone to feel pressured to give extra.
I've also had a guide try and return a tip to me, lol. He said he was well-paid and that tipping was included. We came to an agreement that he would donate the money to a charity of his choice in his home city.
Were you by any chance posting on a Road Scholar FB page?
editing to add: Crossposting with Renee! Yes, I see more overt tipping going on on the Road Scholar tours. I've never actually noticed anyone tipping on a Rick tour although several times 1st timers tried to start a group tip.
The three guides I asked all insisted they would be fired if they took a tip, and did not look pleased that I asked (for information purposes). I take their word for that. A group gag gift was accepted once. It really is unnecessary to force money on people for doing their job.
I've been on three RS tours. On two of them, some of us pooled a small amount and gave the guide a small gift. I remember one of them was some chocolates. On the last one, someone "passed the hat" and people added money if they wanted, and the cash was given to our guide. None of it was required; none of it was forced; and it was all done as a thank you from the group.
We were definitely talking about Rick Steves and not Road Scholar but I understand how the two companies could be easily confused. I am so sorry people have passed the hat on some Rick Steves tours-how awkward for those of us who follow the company guidelines!
I’ve seen small gifts being given to the guides on our 8 Rick Steves tours, but I’ve never seen money being given. One time a gal bought the guide a scarf but the tour guide seemed a little uncomfortable even taking that.
No tipping required. On a recent tour, we did give our guide a bar of her favorite chocolate and a thank you note at the end of the tour. Just a small token of our appreciation for a fabulous experience.
I’ve been on 8 tours and have never tipped the guide. In fact most of the time during the introduction meeting it is stressed that tips are covered and we shouldn’t try to tip the guides we have during the tour. Only one time I was with fellow travelers who wondered about taking a collection and a couple of us spoke up and said it just wasn’t done, so I guess I’m not surprised it could occur.
I have written personal notes to a couple of the guides because they were both so amazing and they both sought me out to thank me our last morning. I’m normally very impressed with what these guides do juggling all they do while keeping a positive and friendly attitude, but these particular 2 were incredible.
Definitely no tipping on Rick Steves tours. (I've taken 3 and it hasn't been done.)
In my 10 Rick tours the only 'tip' we ever gave was to an outstanding driver who was so much a part of our group. She had just bought her first home. We emailed RIck's office and got permission to take up a collection to buy something for her new home to remind her of us. She was really overwhelmed when we presented it to her. In the first few Rick tours I took we always took up a collection to buy a small gift like a scarf or a special liquor, but in my last few tours no one has suggested even doing that. However, we do usually get a card to thank the guide and all sign it.
On my only Rick Steves tour the group got a card each for the guide and the driver that we all signed. No tip. I encourage the person who’s concerned to still go on their tour.
I have tipped a few RS guides. I was quiet about it. They did not seem offended. Do what you want.
I am stunned by the discussion here, as the one thing I would boast to other people about, was that RS did not allow tipping. Now I can suggest to others (re: recent other threads) that if you want better rooms, slip the guide a 50 or so. Or maybe you want them to ignore your coughing and hacking and keep you on the tour, another 50. Pretty hard to enforce rules if you're fishing for tips. Oh well, another service ruined by good old American insistence on tipping.
It would be great if someone from RSE would comment. I thought one of the reasons for this "policy" was to make sure the guide didn't play favorites.
8 members of a recent RS tour (May 2024) took it upon themselves to get a large framed photo of the group for the tour guide. They also purchased a shirt for him. They announced their action on whatsapp to about half the group and the rest of the group found out by the time of the presentation at the final dinner. Most of the group were finally made aware of the whatsapp sharing of photos and messages a few days before the end of the tour. Some members volunteered to contribute to the cost even though they weren't even consulted about a purchase. We considered it rather presumptuous and decided not to help pay for their decision. It's the first time I've seen this happen during any of my tours. I'm not really pleased to see this development. Worse, they purchased a really extravagant gift for the driver. I'd rather have everyone sign a card. There was a sort of clique traveling together which I've seen devolve into various problems in the past.
I have completed 7 Rick Steves tours and have never tipped the guide or bus driver. What I will do is bring a small gift that ties back to my home town, key chain, coasters, etc., and present it to them privately.
I have been on 13 Rick Steves tours and have never tipped or been asked to contribute to a tip or an extravagant gift for the guide or driver. On a couple of occasions, a bottle of wine was presented to the guide as a thank you (don't remember if someone took up a collection to pay for it). Once a few of us bought a gag gift (on behalf of the entire group -- cost was less than ten euro) for the guide. An another time, someone bought a few postcards and passed it around for everyone to write thank you notes for the guide.
“a large framed photo of the group for the tour guide”
Oh that poor guide had to lug that photo around with him until he could get it home and find a place to store it or dump it. Maybe he could reuse the frame.
Oh that poor guide had to lug that photo around with him until he could get it home and find a place to store it or dump it. Maybe he could reuse the frame.
Good point - it was a wood frame approx 12" x 16".
Thanks everyone. I’m glad to see the consensus is to follow the Rick Steves rules on tipping. I was so surprised in that other FB group that someone said people regularly tipped, I wanted to ask!
It would be great if someone from RSE would comment.
It is already pretty clear what the policy is
What we include…
All tips: The tips for your guides and driver are included
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/the-most-value-for-your-money
I cannot imagine the guides want a framed picture of the group. They are moving on to the next group soon enough. Even a group card is another something they don't really need to carry around. It’s like a teacher. How many #1 teacher mugs do they need? How about an email to the corporate office and lots of positive comments on the review regarding the guide’s wonderful work.
Nobody has ever done any gift giving or any tipping that I’m aware of, on any of our tours.
Honestly why would they want some small gift they need to carry around? And a large group picture? Maybe if it was the first tour or the last one they are leading. Been on 7 tours have not given or seen a tip given.
That is a big plus to RS tours. Tips have gotten so crazy in the US it is a big plus you don’t need to worry about it on a tour.
Headed to my next tour this summer I hope no one brings this up.
Speaking from my own personal experience as a guide, no tipping. Not for me or the driver. You've already paid for it. As someone said, the best "tip" would be to give a thoughtful review when tour evaluations are sent.
As for gifts, really, it's not necessary. And certainly nothing lavish. That being said, a signed card or a not-very-big group photo can be a nice touch (something flat, no frame) if the group wants to do something. I have that from some of my tours and it's a nice way to look back on my time guiding and remember those people (perhaps this is because guiding is more of a side job for me as opposed to a fulltime gig?). As others have noted, guides can't always go home right after a tour (on to the next one!), so gifts that they have to carry around aren't ideal.
I generally take along a few small gifts that are specific to our home area, small zip bags with an indigenous print on it, or business card holders with similar prints. Folding “ pack light fit anywhere” shopping bags, things that in europe would have appeal because of the local design, always given with the add on “ regift if it doesnt suit!”, we also often buy a decent drink or two ( dont worry RS, nobodies getting sloshed here) if it seems appropriate. I think one of the best things you can do is try to be a good traveller, be on time, dont complain, help your fellow travellers, and be positive about everything, guide and everyone else and you will have the best of times
We've been on 5 RS tours (6th scheduled for this fall) and have not been aware of anyone tipping the guide or driver. Having said that, on our very first tour, one of the participants wrote a song and sang it during the last dinner (there happened to be a piano in the restaurant). It was a funny parody of the tour and was enjoyed by all!
We've tried to show appreciation by including the driver and guide in our plans as available. That could be an invitation to a spontaneous happy hour or sharing local treats we've purchased (I'm a sucker for candy/chips in foreign countries)! And of course, a hearty 'Thank You' at the end!
I think it would seem awkward if some people tipped knowing that tipping is discouraged. By taking it upon themselves, it's almost as if they're amplifying their importance among the group while diminishing others'. But that's my personal opinion so no need to @me.
The only tip of sorts that I can think of on my six RS tours is that on one of them one of the guests spent a lot of time filming the tour and sent each of us including the guild a copy after the tour was over (this was in 2009 when downloading an hour long HD quality video wasn't yet a thing). It was a very professionally done video and I like to pull it out now and then to relive that tour (Spain and Portugal back when they were one combined tour).
I think the person that posted on facebook was far off the mark on the truth. No tipping RS guides, you have already paid this in your fare. While there may the the outlier who just can't follow directions, I haven't seen this on 5 RS tours.
Three tours…two of three of these trips my fellow travelers took upon themselves to badger us for money for gifts and money for the guide. I was disappointed. It was done while in a larger group, so it was peer pressure. Btw, the guides accepted the gifts.
For the folks who feel compelled to give the guide a gift, this is probably most "appropriate "
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/vintage-t-shirt
On twenty tours tipping the RS guide was not an option. Once folk wanted to collect money to give a gift. On another tour the guide scolded a participant for tipping him. I appreciate and follow the RS guidelines.
I have been on 4 RS tours. First tour I gave the guide privately a bar of artisanal soap and a thank you card. On that tour the guide gave us each a small gift at the last group dinner. It was some sort of trinket related to the history of the region. On the second tour, our guide's zippered wallet broke while she was purchasing our entry tickets into a museum or other venue. I collected a one Euro coin from whoever wanted to to contribute and purchased her a heavily discounted wallet from a leather shop in Siena. This guide gave each of us a packet of herbs and spices to make a particular regional dish. On my third tour I purchased a bottle of Raki for the guide and the driver. On my last tour, again, it was a bar of artisanal soap from the gift shop at Versailles.
These gifts were a token of my appreciation and were given freely.
They were much different than an almost forced "tip" that I was instructed to give a guide on another, non RS group tour that I took.
On a 2016 Rick Steves tour, one tour member took up a collection and stated that she had been on other RS tours and it was usual to give a tip. Several of us declined to participate, following the RS instructions not to tip. I believe it was around $200 that was collected, some or all of it going to the purchase of a piece of luggage for the guide. It was unfortunate.
For the folks who feel compelled to give the guide a gift, this is probably most "appropriate
Our guide in Portugal wore a RS keep on traveling shirt every day!
I am sure Rick wrote down the rules. Anyone have a copy or a link? I'm curious if it says not needed or forbidden. Better than us guessing.
If RS pays the same that those same guides charge when not working for Rick, then they are well paid by Rick. You could hire the best non-RS guide in town, give him a 50% tip and it might still be less expensive.
I am sure Rick wrote down the rules. Anyone have a copy or a link?
quoting from the value for money RS table https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/the-most-value-for-your-money
What we include…
All tips: The tips for your guides and driver are included.Why it matters…
Most companies expect you to pay out-of-pocket for tips. This can add up to several hundred dollars!
From the Tour Conditions page https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/tour-conditions
Included in the price of each tour: ... all RSE guide, local guide, and driver tips;
Why would you want to pay twice?
Why would you want to pay twice?
But doesnt say that it is forbidden. So, I would say its a personal choice without judging the source of that personal choice. RS says he pays their fee and their tips? Doesnt say he pays them a living wage; just that he thinks he paid enough and you really dont have to pay more. I suspect he pays their fees and zero tips? But thats an unfair assumption on my part.
As RS is paying them as good as their private fees suggest, then I wouldnt feel bad not tipping. I dont cave easily to social pressure as evidenced by my posts here. Unless of course I was injured and they took me to the hospital or I was vegan and they went out of their way to take care of my needs, or I got lost and they spent two hours looking for me or .............. Or maybe I just really, really, really liked and appreciated the person and the service.
Totally get each person's decision on the matter, but never understood the hostility towards those that differ. But thats life.
For the folks who feel compelled to give the guide a gift, this is
probably most "appropriate "
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/vintage-t-shirt
Joe, good idea. Or maybe a contribution to a local chairity in their name.
"Mr. guide, do you have a local charity you like?"
"answer"
"That sounds great, here is 50 euro, would you see that they get it"
Really difficult when confronted by a group of people you are traveling with and hardly know asking for money for a tip for the guide, btw, the amounts of money collected were obscene, for 28 people over 300€
And yes, peer pressure on trip by people you are traveling with is real. Rick’s rules are meant to take the stress out of travel. Unfortunately, some travelers insist on imposing on their fellow travelers.
It really is the same as the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023 RS travel guidelines for health and safety we all signed to protect each other from blatant COVID infections by masking on the bus. Most of those same people were the ones demanding tip money to buy gifts for the guide but refused to wear masks on the bus unless the guide intervened.
I’ve never been aware of anyone tipping a RS guide. I have been on 9 RS tours.
On a couple of tours, someone in the group has asked for contributions for a small gift (e.g., about 2 Euro a person). On a France tour, our guide and assistant guide wore a scarf everyday. Someone used the contribution to buy them each a scarf. On another tour, the guide had recommended a particular wine he enjoyed to a couple of people in the group. The group collection was used to buy him a bottle of the wine he had recommended.
Doesnt say he pays them a living wage; just that he thinks he paid enough and you really dont have to pay more. I suspect he pays their fees and zero tips? But thats an unfair assumption on my part.
At the initial meeting in several of our recent tours the guide has stated they considered themselves extremely well paid and did not want tips from the group. Yet group members took it upon themselves to purchase extravagant or unwieldy gifts without consulting all of the group first. It was rather annoying to be asked to contribute after the fact and so we in fact did not.
I'm with Nigel on this one. Why pay twice? Unless, of course, you have money to throw away and in that case, send some my way. When something says 'tip is included' that means you are already paying for a tip as part of your cost, so why pay another tip on top of that?
...What are others' experiences with this? Do people go ahead and tip the guide even though we are told not to?
To answer the second question first, no! Not on any of the many RS tours we've taken.
To answer the first question, on most of the RS tours, a small voluntary collection was taken up to get the driver and guide a token gift of appreciation. Small as in a scarf, a box of candy, small bottle of wine, etc.
10 RS tours and we’ve never tipped or been asked to contribute to a gift. What I don’t think people realize who want to purchase a gift is that not all guides are heading home when the tour is over, sometimes they’re on to another tour. So they have to manage an item they didn’t plan on in their luggage. Also, many of them live in smaller spaces and they may not want extra stuff. My final thought was, has anyone that feels the group should give a gift thought about the math? Most of the guides have been with RS for a long time and they do multiple tours every season, so that’s a lot of stuff. Lately, it’s been a thank-you card signed by the group which I think is a great idea.
8 members of a recent RS tour (May 2024) took it upon themselves to get a large framed photo of the group for the tour guide.
It's hard to imagine a worse gift for a tour guide - unless the group consisted of the British Royal Family and the cast of Downton Abbey!
Like Patty, we have been on 10 RS tours and have never given a cash tip nor been asked to contribute to anything beyond a small gift for guide and driver. We have occasionally had lunch or drinks with the guide and we picked up the check, but the guide always offered to pay. I have no problem refusing a group tip request from other travelers and pointing out the “no tipping” policy of RSE.
On our last RS tour we gifted our tour guide a 3 euro pair of sun glasses to replace the shades she lost on tour. She loved it. Practical. And necessary, We signed a nice local pretty card that she can toss as soon as she has forgotten us in a couple of weeks. But I'm sure they appreciate the gesture!
What I don’t think people realize who want to purchase a gift is that not all guides are heading home when the tour is over, sometimes they’re on to another tour. So they have to manage an item they didn’t plan on in their luggage
This. I worked as a tour director--what RS calls "guides"--many, many years ago. Quite often, I was away from home for weeks at a time. Sometimes even months. I already had to carry extra stuff pertaining to the tour. Occassionally, I was given "little" gifts. I always acted very appreciative. But most of the time, it was left for housekeeping. I just didn't have the room or desire to carry it for weeks.
If there is a no tipping policy, then respect it. Your guide is being paid extra and you've paid for it. For some reason, there are a group of Americans who can't fathom this and have a need to tip or give a gift. No guide will think less of you is you give nothing extra if there is a no tipping policy.
Now, if you are on a tour where tipping the tour director is expected and you don't tip....well....there might be some muttering under the breath.
The best possible tip for an RS tour guide is a positive review.
It's hard to imagine a worse gift for a tour guide - unless the group consisted of the British Royal Family and the cast of Downton Abbey!
The clique was composed of pompous types who were rather fond of themselves. They reveled in describing how difficult life is when you have multiple homes, too many trips, etc. The group of 8 took photos of themselves drinking Irish coffee with cream mustaches - it was all so barf-inducing precious. It was rather obvious that they enjoyed souvenir hunting and whiskey drinking more than any other experiences. They announced that they have all signed up together for a tour of Portugal. Another couple was so enamored of them that they are on the waiting list for that same tour. I don't understand the appeal of that group and I know what to avoid next year!
I don't understand the appeal of that group and I know what to avoid
next year!
And you never will, nor is that required of you.
I am still looking for the RS text that says tipping is not allowed, or at least "our staff is not allowed to accept tips".
I am still looking for the RS text that says tipping is not allowed, or at least "our staff is not allowed to accept tips".
From this page: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-help/tours-faq.
Are tips covered in my tour cost?
Your tour includes tips for the guide, driver, group meals, and housekeeping. Please do not tip beyond this. When you're out on your own it's customary to round up, or add a euro or two, rather than tip a certain percentage.
I am still looking for the RS text that says tipping is not allowed, or at least "our staff is not allowed to accept tips".
It's not that it is "not allowed"--the tour company can't prevent you from doing it--but it is not necessary. You've already paid the tip in the cost of the tour. They ask specifically for you not to tip anymore than what you already paid up front.
Only been on one RS tour. Never saw any tipping. One couple did bring an RS t-shirt, and kindly gave it to the guide from all of us with a card we all signed.
At the farewell dinner, each of us were given a printed 4 x 6 photo of our group.
Upon return home, I commissioned a football team plaque (Velez Mostar) for the guide and mailed it to his home address (as provided by him). I do hope it made it; I never heard back from him.
After reading 53 replies that say one really ought not tip RS guides, I am now wondering if I really shouldn't tip 10% (like in Europe) or I really shouldn't tip 20% (like in the US.) What do people think is the most wrong percentage?
I am still looking for the RS text that says tipping is not allowed, or at least "our staff is not allowed to accept tips".
Ed from Houston has sufficiently retrieved it.
And you never will, nor is that required of you.
You don't know me well enough to make absolute pronouncements.
I never complained of any required behavior on my part. I simply supplied commentary on a group's behavior.
They ask specifically for you not to tip anymore than what you already
paid up front.
Apparenyly they havent, but should if that is their intent. FrankII, if they would actually put it in print, the entire thread would disappear into the mist.
Below are two excerpts from the RS "Our Tours" section: "The Most Value for Your Money"
What we include…
A professional guide and local experts: Our guides are carefully selected by Rick and paid a full salary so their focus is on teaching, not shopping.
Why it matters…
Many companies charge $50 to $100 extra for each sightseeing excursion. This adds up fast.
What we include…
All tips: The tips for your guides and driver are included.
Why it matters…
Most companies expect you to pay out-of-pocket for tips. This can add up to several hundred dollars!
I think that makes it pretty clear.
Perfectly clear if the question is "are you expected to tip", but not if the question is "is it wrong to tip" or "is it permitted to tip". Its really not semantics. If it is forbidden or against the rules, just say it. Otherwise, if someone wants to give more .... so be it. Not anyone elses issue. Its about the same as if the going tip rate in Germany is 10% and someone choose it give 15%. To much more fun stuff to do on holiday than worry about what someone else is doing.
Is it wrong to tip?
That's up to you. The tour company specifically says that tips are included. What you do beyond that is up to you. (Of course, there may be rules about guides accepting tips but they don't have to put that in writing. It's up to the guide.)
Is it permissible to tip?
What are they going to do if you want to tip? Throw you off the tour? (It's over.) Prevent you from taking another tour? (Stupid as they would lose thousands of dollar over a simple matter.) Since it does not go against any rules, and if you want to tip, you can offer it to the guide. Again, whether or not they are allowed to accept it is a different matter.
Since the tour company states that tips are included, the vast majority of people will come to the conclusion that it is not necessary to tip any further. Some people will do it because that is the way they are.
Mr. E.....you are taking the wording of the OP that it is "not permitted" as fact. Nowhere in the RS tour information are those words mentioned. There is also no "rule" about not tipping.
You are absolutley allowed to tip. You just aren't expected to tip "extra" since the amount is already included in tour price.
Of course, if you don't like the guide, you're giving that person a tip whether you like it or not.
FrankII, you and I are pretty much in agreement. My comment was in response to the OP saying "Do people go ahead and tip the guide even though we are told not to?"
And I suggested that this would be a meaningless thread, IF, RS actually said not to tip the guide. For the record, on an average tour, I wouldn't. Maybe if I became violently ill on the RS Best of Albania tour and the guide held my hand through the entire experience and got me on my MedJet flight, I would, but otherwise no.
If I am understanding correctly, the real question now therefore is not whether to tip or not but whether one should overtip. And if so, should one tip with a particularly bulky and odorous item such as a large wheel of unpasteurized goat cheese that has not been refrigerated properly . Am I getting this right?
(One does wonder if that such clumsy attempts at humor will get the webmaster to reiterate tipping is unnecessary....)
David, you nalied it! But thats why eggs are a better tip, as in Europe the dont require refrigeration. (i usually tip eggs)
If you tip eggs they fall over and break sometimes. They don't do that if they are swimming.
Your tour includes tips for the guide, driver, group meals, and housekeeping. Please do not tip beyond this. When you're out on your own it's customary to round up, or add a euro or two, rather than tip a certain percentage.
OP here….for those who claim RS doesn’t tell people not to tip, this is the language from his tour FAQs. Specifically says not to tip.
And for heaven’s sake, don’t give the guide any kind of object they have to drag around with them or dispose of! Trust me, they definitely do NOT want a photo of you! If you want to do something to recognize above and beyond, a food treat, thank you note and most importantly a good review are great options.
CR, by goĺy, you found what no one else could or would. Excellent! https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-help/tours-faq
That settles the issue .... finally.
14 posts earlier, (July2 at 3:23 PM PDT) Ed from Houston posted 'the answer'
Cut him some slack joe32F. He's an aggie!
Agree with joe32F - the horse was dead yesterday but some just felt the need to keep on beating it.
I really hope the webmaster shows up soon and puts this thread out of its misery.
I feel dumb asking this but is there a way in the Forum to close comments if you are the op, like on Facebook? I agree this topic has run its course and I’ll close it if I can. I did get my original question answered, which seems to be the majority of travelers follow the request to not tip, some tip regardless , and some give gifts.
If I click delete will it delete the whole thread or just my original post?
Sorry Joe32, missed it. Didnt pop up until 45 posts (not counting mine) and 4 weeks into the post. I will endeavor to be more observant in the future.
Thank you Ed.
And clicking delete removes the entire thread.
cr
You can ask the webmaster to lock the thread, meaning that no more posts can be added, but you can't do it yourself. You can edit the original post, or any of your posts, or you can delete the whole thread.
Deleting the whole thread, while within your power and your right, isn't usually considered a good idea, because despite the off topic stuff you do have a valid question and the answer as you have found is in there. Leaving may well benefit others. For everybody posting there are many who just read along.
Only problem with asking the webmaster to lock the thread is it is a holiday where they are so response today may not be instant,
But I think you have made it clear that you have, with thanks, your answer....
Thank you Ed.
Always happy to help the Ags out!
Since you just mentioned gifts in your last post, I want to comment on that.
Our guide from France lived in Minnesota. She told us she leads several tours almost in a row. When she left us, she was headed on a few days of R & R in the south of France. Then she had to travel back to Paris to meet up with her next group. She had to haul her personal luggage, the box of Whispers and earbuds, a computer, and paperwork. She told us it was a feat to travel on her days between tours.
Give your thanks by being gracious, showing up on time, and giving the guide a great review.