summer-travel-pedia

Tipping housekeepers, bellmen, concierge staff and others in a luxury hotel is a topic even experienced travelers ask about. How should staff be tipped? How often should you tip them? How much should you tip?

Robin at AAA New England says "Housekeeping receives $3-$4 a day, only if you choose to tip. You should tip daily, because staff changes. Leave cash in a sealed envelope (most hotels offer stationery and envelopes in guest rooms), and write "for the chambermaid" on it. You may put the cash in the hand of whomever you're tipping. Tip the bellman about $2 for each bag, or more. Tip the concierge depending on how hard he worked for you. For example, if you want to have dinner in an exclusive restaurant and can't get the reservation yourself, tip the concierge $5 -$10 if they get you in..depending where you are, the money you leave may be very appreciated. When I was in Mexico five years ago, I left $10 with the housekeeper. She started to cry and hugged me so hard. Workers are paid really low wages, our tips are so great to them."

Gallery: Seven Tips About Tipping the Hotel's Housekeeping Staff

1. Never throw a golf club in anger. Ever.
   
2. Don't change your shoes in the parking lot. It's tacky. Head to the locker room, that's what they're there for.
3. No blue jeans. Not even really nice, expensive ones.
4. Take your hat off when indoors or sitting down to eat.
5. Turn off your cell phone when on the course or in the clubhouse.

• Document your valuables before you leave for insurance purposes, in case the worst happens. Take a copy with you and leave one with someone at home.
• Make a point to be (and look) alert Pickpockets and theives often target those who look preoccupied and innattentive.
• Never pack valuables in checked luggage. Keep them with you in your carry-on instead.
• Use see-through bags when packing your carry-on so the TSA inspectors can easily see what's inside without needing to directly handle the contents and potentially spill, drop, or pocket anything.
  
• Don't put items loose into the TSA bin Anything small (like watches, cell phones, etc) should be put into a coat pocket, handbag, or ziplock bag to keep them together before going through security.
• Always keep your carry-on as close to you as possible Make a point to stash it in the compartment either directly above or in front of your seat, if possible keep your most precious cargo in the bag that goes under the seat in front of you, and don't leave your carry-on behind when to go to the baggage carousel to pick up your luggage.
• Have locks on everything You can't lock your carry-ons while they're going through security, or your checked luggage while it's on the plane, but having them locked at all other times (i.e. while your carry-on is stowed in the overhead compartment or your luggage is in the trunk of a taxi) can still help prevent theft.
• Use the hotel room safe Locking items in your hotel room is all but worthless, and locking locked luggage in a hotel room isn't much better. Stash valuables in the room safe, hotel safe (even better), or if neither of those is an option you can always bring your own (check out Pacsafe).
• Don't leave your luggage on a tour bus Just because everyone else is doing it, and the tour guide says it's okay, is no guarantee. Lock up any luggage you must leave behind and take all irreplaceable items with you.

Photosharing is an art-form. Here are a few tips which will help you do it in the most creative way.

1. Be careful not to overwhelm your audience with too many photos. It may be best to edit down the quantity, rather than share hundreds of photos, because few of your invitees will look at all of them. Be careful not to share too many photos of the same scene.

2. If you have the time to do so, adding in captions makes it more interesting for your viewers. Be sure to include the names of people and date as well as the location, if notable.

3. Be artistic. Many photo sharing sites offer tools that let you add borders, background colors and other effects. Using some of these tools may make your presentation more visually appealing.