The Art Of Tipping

Gratuitous Tales From A Globe Trotting Bon Vivant.

Enjoying My Birthday With Hotel Staff

It was my birthday recently. I was away travelling at the time and staying at one of my favourite hotels. I had no one to enjoy my cake or champagne with so I decided to go down and treat the concierge to some chocolate goodness and bubbly delight.

Always remember, there are many creative ways to tip your favourite staff. 

Hipster Tip

My tip to the Hipster who dropped his new iPhone in coffee that had spilled on the counter top of a King St. West, Toronto, Canada Starbucks: “If your jeans weren’t so tight you could have placed that device in your pocket”.

Tis Best Not To Discuss The Price of The Wine

At what was otherwise a pleasant dinner recently (in the sky in Toronto, Canada) an ill prepared waiter panicked when I asked him for a wine recommendation and he started to ask me about the price I wanted to pay for a bottle with my dinner. We all know you can’t put a price on a great bottle of wine, but to get serious for a moment:
I found it awkward and unnecessary to discuss such a matter in from of the rest of my party. Staff need to be trained properly to confidently discuss the wine cellar.  
MY TIP: Ask me about region, pair it with my meal, and direct me to the price with your hand while pointing out suggestions on the wine list.

Photographer

Just gave a nice tip to a gentleman who took my picture. Thank you kind sir.

No Tipping At The Airport

I certainly won’t be tipping the security official who just deemed I warranted a further “pat down” search at the airport. Do I at least get a cigarette now and a bit of cuddle time?

Dear Optimist, Pessimist and Realist. While you were arguing about the glass of water … I drank it.

Signed, ‘The Opportunist’

Tip-Less

I have not been able to tip for a few days, but I am looking forward to a big week of party favors in Toronto, Canada next week.

Any recommendations on places to visit while in Canada?

Bartering in the Bahamas

                                            

While in the Bahamas recently I was in a spirited debate with a native vendor, when she said something that stopped me dead in my tracks: ‘Come on, let me make a little profit’. This was striking to me, as yes, we ‘all need to make a little profit’ in our lives. We have all been there… our margins being squeezed in some way or another. Although I continued to negotiate just to see how low I could get the items for, I then tipped the vendor an additional 10-15% so she could make ‘her profit’. 

Life is short folks, we all need to survive, be generous with your tipping.

Until my next tip,

When Gambling Always Have Decorum

                                     

I believe a man’s true character is revealed after a large gambling wager has not turned out in his favour. Remember to always act gracefully in defeat, smile, and tip your deal. Lady Luck will turn in your favor again soon.