Summer Travel: Beach Etiquette & Hotel Tipping
Photo Credits: Town and Country
“Those lazy-hazy-crazy days of summer” have come again! I truly adore summer for the spirit of sheer joy and nostalgic fun that it brings. However, we must not forget about our manners as we sit with our feet in the sand, sip our lemonade, and listen to the waves crash. Let’s discuss some important points about beach etiquette. All of these points go back to common courtesy, but they are good reminders for us all nonetheless. Following our discussion on beach etiquette, you will find a number of hotel tipping guidelines for your upcoming summer vacations.
Top Beach Etiquette Reminders
Be mindful of others’ personal space
Avoiding setting up camp too close to anyone else if you can control it. It’s public space, but let’s be courteous!Avoid smoking near people
Not everyone has the same preferences as you! Don’t disturb others with the smell of smoke. The wind often amplifies the effect it may have on people.Be mindful of where your spray sunscreen is blowing
Sometimes our spray sunscreen misses us completely due to the wind and ends up on someone else! Spray your sunscreen away from others.Keep your noise level low
Most beaches do not have rules against speakers, but let’s go back to common courtesy again. Odds are people don’t want to hear your music as they are enjoying their own time on the beach. Opting for headphones is best, but if you do choose to use a speaker, be aware of the volume. Noise level also includes our speaking volume.Do not shake your towel out near anyone
I hope this is self-explanatory! No one wants sand blown or kicked on them.Clean up after yourself
If the beach you are visiting allows food and drink, please don’t forget to clean up after yourself and your group. Let’s leave our beautiful beaches and oceans as clean as we possibly can.Respect the beach’s pet rules
If you plan on bringing your pet to the beach, be sure to brief yourself on the local rules and regulations. Be mindful of your pet around others. Don’t forget to clean up after your pet, too.You can still dress to impress on the beach
Period!Play games away from others
Frisbee, a game of catch, or paddle ball are all fun ways to enjoy your time at the beach. Be sure to take your game away from other people so no one ends up getting hit in the head with a ball!Fill in any holes
If you or anyone in your group, especially young children, decide to dig a hole at the beach, it is important to fill it back in before you leave.Don’t leave your things unattended
Aside from the obvious reason of not wanting anything to get stolen, you don’t want your umbrella blowing away and potentially harming someone.Fish away from the crowds and swimmers
Some beaches will even have designated fishing areas.Listen to the lifeguards and beach staff
They are there to keep you safe!Respect the rules of that particular beach
Each state and even each beach will have their own rules and guidelines. They may be different from other beaches you’ve visited in the past.
Hotel Tipping Guidelines
Who should be tipped?
Housekeeper
Valets
Anyone assisting you with your belongings
The person who sets up your spot at the beach/pool
Concierge/front desk if you are helped with a specific/special request
Room service delivery person
Butlers
Shuttle drivers
*Please see below for the note regarding servers, bartenders, and spa/salon staff.
When should you tip?
It is best to tip at the time of service as the staff members often change from day to day. For example, at the time the valet gets your car or each morning for the housekeepers who took care of your room that specific day.
How much should you tip?
$2-$10+ per service (or whatever you are able to give) is customary when it comes to hotel staff. Please note, if you are dining at a restaurant on property, enjoying a cocktail at the on-site bar, or indulging in a spa or salon experience, it is typical to follow general tipping guidelines outside of a hotel which would be 15-20% of your bill.
Do we have to tip if it is included in our stay?
Many resorts will include service fees and some all-inclusive resorts will include gratuity in the total cost of your stay. With that in mind, technically you do not have to tip extra if it is included in some way. However, if someone goes above and beyond for you in performing a particular service, it is a wonderful gesture to tip them individually to display your gratitude.
*Please note, tipping protocol differs culturally and geographically. It is best to research the specific customs for each of your destinations. This guide is specific to the United States.
I hope your upcoming summer plans bring you all of the nostalgic joy they possibly can!
