Tipping guidelines

Some historians claim that the tipping tradition began in England in the 18th century. To receive coins from impatient patrons, an innkeeper placed a small urn, with the engraved words ‘To Insure Prompt Service’, on top of his bar counter. 

Holiday tipping and gifting should reflect regional customs.  If you are new to a community talk to your friends, neighbours and colleagues. As my maternal grandmother Florina always said: ‘When in doubt, find out.  Don’t be shy, about asking the receptionist, the management, the owner or the service provider him or herself. It is better to ask than to risk making a faux-pas or hurting someone's feelings.