Hi everyone,

Quick question - we arranged all of our hotels and transportation through Fantasy Travel. Paid a package price for the whole deal. Should we tip the people taking us to and from the hotels?

Thanks!

Do you normally tip people in this situation? If so, why not in Greece? If not, that is your choice. As for me, I tip drivers, people who help me with my luggage, maids, etc.

I would normally tip taxi drivers, but considering that the drivers are employed by the travel agency, I wasn't sure if it would be a different situation. Similarly, we have someone meeting us at the airport with our tickets and travel documents. I wouldn't assume that we would tip them although they are certianly providing a service...

The drivers are paid by the travel agency, but if they help you with your luggage, I would tip them a few Euro. First determine if they did something for you, the amount of effort, then tip accordingly.

Thanks Budman! I guess we probably would have ended up doing so, but you never know sometimes about whether offering to tip is inappropriate. I know some people say it never is, but I've certainly been in situations where it is not expected/customary.

I agree with Budman's advice. We just got back from Greece a few weeks ago, and while tipping does not seem to be customary, certainly a few extra Euros or so is very appreciated.

Tipping in Greece is not inappropriate.

Hawaiimoon05
Hope to see a trip report from you when you back!

I certainly will, milliebz!

Eleni - I wasn't asking if it were appropriate to tip in Greece, I was asking if it was appropriate to tip someone who works for a travel agency.

I understand, hawaiimoon. I think of the people you are describing the same as airport shuttle drivers in the US, or taxi drivers anywhere. They may get their primary salary from someone else (or directly from me in the case of taxi drivers), but when they help me with my bags or make my trip easier, I tip them no matter what country I am in. Plus, although Fantasy Travel may have arranged your transportation, I highly doubt whether the people providing the transportation are direct employees of Fantasy Travel. As I said, I would tip them. But hey, tipping is totally voluntary, no matter the country!!!