We are never quite sure what you should tip and partiuclarly when travelling outside of Europe [we live in London UK] We are staying on an all inclusive basis at a hotel that does a range of meals plans [Jalousie Hitlon St Lucia] and the brochure states that 10 % service is included in the price and tipping not necessary execept for exceptional service. We would normally leave it at that for buffet and make up to 12-15 % for a full service meal meal but never quite know what to do about room service breakfasts or the odd snack or drink ? We never seem to have the right small change at the right time .... what approach do other people adopt ? Also do other people leave an additional tip for room maid at end of holiday ... if so how much ? Whislt not wishing to go OTT we do want to ensure that staff who live in a poor country get their 'fair share' of tips.

Generally, at an all-inclusive resort, tipping is less of an issue, since you aren't carrying cash for meals, etc. Many true all-inclusives such as Sandals and Superclubs actually prohibit tipping. At a more mixed place, I wouldn't worry about tipping at meals and drinks since they are all prepaid and you won't be signing any tickets or paying for meals one at a time. If you can, get $40-50 US one dollar bills. These go a long way in the Caribbean and your main tipping needs will be before you get to the resort. Approx $1 US for every 1-2 bags by a skycap at the airport, same for bus or taxi driver. I would only tip at the bar if there is a jar or something - again $1-2 a day, maximum. I personally never tip room maids, but that may be controversial with others. If room service is part of your all-inclusive then tip small. If you do take an off-resort tour or activity, I tip about $5 for a half-day tour and $10 for a full day. <BR> <BR>In general (and others may disagree but this is my feeling) $1-2 US is a fair amount of money in the Caribbean and I don't tip quite as aggressively as I might in the US. US money is more valuable to them than local currency in many places, and a $1 bill can be a better tip than the equivalent in local money. I'd suggest getting most of your cash in US dollars, then you really don't need to change to the local currency for anything.

I agree with mostly everthing Cassie says except two points: <BR>I would definitely leave something for the maid who cleans your room everyday. (At least $US 1 per day). <BR> <BR>For the outside excursions: I think that a tip of $5 to $10 is kind of steep, and I am not convinced that tipping for outside excursions is appropriate anyway unless you feel that the tour was exceptional.

<BR>I usually tip the maid $1 US per day - I leave it in an envelope in the room. <BR>If anyone goes out of their way to be extra nice to me I usually leave them any local currency I have and/or a tip. Eg: The activity staff who I get to know, the bartender who always had my drink ready (and made the best daiquiris!) and the guy who made my omelette in the morning and provided a cute little Spanish lesson along with it. <BR>I tend to concentrate my tips and give only to a few but give them more...We do tip for daytrips -- depending on how good they are. <BR>Remember these people are NOT well paid and work very hard -- much harder than anyone in an equivalent job would in North America--just sit down and ask them sometime--you might be shocked! I know that my all-inclusive trip already includes a small tip for everyone but if someone goes out of their way to make my trip more fun/special then I tip them.

One suggestion that I may make ... I usually leave a "token" of appreciaton, a tip, several times throughout my stay even if on a meal plan and I do request the same server when I have found one to be exceptionally attentive or pleasant. It seems to ensure consistency and I don't have difficulty getting something that I need or want that way. When you wait until the last day, it won't do you a whole lot of good unless you are returning soon! I leave it as cash as I oft think that when management gets involved, staff see little of the 10% that is included. Hope you are concidering taking the helicopter to/from Jalousie to/from the airport ... 'tis a long car ride and the helicopter is a good option!

One further comment on tipping the maid staff: At many resorts there is a "supervisor" that will enter the room after the guests leave and will collect anything left by the guests (one of her "perks"). We have found that giving the maid the tip personally a few days prior to leaving the resort works much better. Plus the added bonus that they generally "step up" the level of service the remainder of your stay. One maid actually wrote Happy Birthday in flowers on our bed after finding out it was my husbands B'day! We also became very frustrated at the resort restaurant after watching the manager snag the tips off the tables as soon as we left, once even before we stood up from the table! Please make sure the person you intend the tip to go to is getting it. Even when we have stayed at the Sandals resorts, we have found that a discreet tip is never refused.

Thanks Cassie, Kathy, Lynne Karen and Sharon for responding. It is so helpful to have comments on this matter from people who know the caribean and provides really useful guidelines for us....We will definitely stock up on US dollars and yes Karen we are taking the helicopter transfer to Jalousie it was all included in the package and now I understand why !