Rubicund

IME it's always been a bit of a tradition to tip the driver/guide on a coach tour in the UK. For a day trip then a pound or two, longer maybe a fiver or so, depending on how good/helpful they were.

flpab

We have always tipped the guide/driver indiscreetly. I just would give Edinburgh enough time, use as a base and do a couple of day trips. There is so much to see there.

PalenQ

Seems as those various folks have very different experiences regarding tipping the guide/driver - some like janis say no it never ever happens others say it is routine.

What to think - the latter it seems.

janisj

Since you've never been on one and probably never will why are you commenting one way or the other? I know you just live to debate the 'issue' but give it a rest. (A £1 or £2 thank you is hardly the 15% or 20% most Americans would consider a tip)


Or maybe take one and then comment on YOUR experience?

PalenQ

OK - janis is finally admitting folks do routinely give tips from her former stance no one did. Point taken - tip if you want to throw you money away as janis and others say the guide/driver is already well paid and there is no need to tip while I doubt that - knowing that the tour business often pays a minimum wage because the guide/driver will get tips - much like our restaurants and wait people.

Finally - tip if you want but absolutely no reason to.

Thanks for clairfying that jan!

Cheers!

elberko

If you are so worried about driving people off the site, maybe stop posting numerous off-topic posts that don't address the OP's question.

Rubicund

Just to clarify; no-one here in the UK would tip at US levels unless they were a Premier League footballer. Tips have always been voluntary in the UK and some people do, some don't.

Whatever the % tipped, it's still a tip but the US % is ridiculous and out of proportion.

PalenQ

If you are so worried about driving people off the site, maybe stop posting numerous off-topic posts that don't address the OP's question.>

Well it is very relevant to the OP who may take such trips - he/she should realize that there is no need to tip nor is it expected.

Can't see why you do not think it relevant.

elberko

I'm sure the lack of first-hand knowledge is relevant to a non-asked question, and has nothing to do with some odd vendetta.

flpab

Wendy, I took a timberbush tour and was a very long day in a small bus. Just check the amount of time in the bus riding. We did a lot of motorways and not that scenic.

WendyPGreene

Thank you all for your advice and input. My take-away is to check out Rabbies and Timberbush, with Rabbies being a favourite among most people.

PalenQ

The folks who recommend Rabbies here are some of the most respected knowledgeable folks on Fodor's at least regards the U.K. - take their advice with a lot of credence.