Tipping Insights at an All-Inclusive Resort

(424 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!     

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Pam MacIntyre

Can Be Reached At

1-763-231-8893

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Should We Tip at an All-Inclusive Resort?

Tipping at an all-inclusive resort is a personal choice, but it’s something I always do when I travel—and I’ve found that my drinks are always full when I do! If you plan to tip, here are a few things to consider to help you budget.

While staff will gladly accept US Dollars, it’s a good idea to exchange your money for Pesos for a few key reasons:

• Grocery shopping: Many locals in Mexico can’t afford to buy groceries for the entire week, so they shop every few days.


• Time lost: If they have to exchange money before shopping, it takes time away from their families.


•                                                                                                        High exchange fees: Many banks charge hefty fees, which means the staff ultimately receives less than what you intended.

You can order currency ahead of time or find ATMs at the airport. When using an ATM, always decline when asked if you want to "Accept Conversion Rate." You’ll get a much better deal if your bank handles the conversion, as accepting the ATM’s rate usually results in much higher fees. Even if the ATM asks twice, just say "no" to avoid extra charges.

While many resort ATMs still dispense USD, we’re hopeful this will change for convenience in the future!

If you can’t get Pesos in advance, don’t worry—US Dollars are still accepted. Just grab some $1s, $5s, and $10s for tipping.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but many travelers prefer using local currency—it’s a fun part of the experience, especially for kids learning about money. You can exchange currency at the airport or resort, but make sure to spend what you exchange. If you don’t, you won’t get a good exchange rate when converting it back to USD.

Personal Tipping Guidelines:

• Baggage Handler at Airport: $1-2 per bag (20 to 40 Pesos)


• Transport Driver (round trip, resort an hour from airport): $5 (100 Pesos)


• Resort Porter (carries luggage, shows you to your room): $2 (40 Pesos)


• Breakfast/Lunch Dining: $2 - $5 (40 to 100 Pesos)


• A La Carte Dining: $5 - $20 (100 to 400 Pesos)


• Housekeeper (daily, as it may not be the same person each day): $3-5. Leave a note in Spanish indicating the money is for them, as many housekeepers may not speak English. (60 to 100 Pesos)


• Fridge Restocking (daily if used): $2-5 (40 to 100 Pesos)


• Every Round of Drinks: $1-2 (20 to 40 Pesos) - You could also opt to give them more, if you know you'll be hanging out a while and smile while saying "Please keep them coming!"


• Spa Treatments: $5-20 (most prefer a percentage of the treatment cost) (100 to 400 Pesos)


• Butler Service: Typically $30 to $50+ per night. Some guests may tip more if their butler enhances their experience. You can ask discreetly at the resort for current averages. Present your tip at check-out or place it in a sealed envelope with a thank-you note. (600 to 1,000+ Pesos)Tipping is a personal choice, but it’s a great way to show appreciation for the staff who make your stay enjoyable.

You may also come across resort staff who truly go above and beyond, and tipping them a few extra dollars can be a nice gesture. For instance, I’ve seen clients tip the hardworking guy who rakes the beach to clear away all that pesky seaweed — his job can be pretty demanding some days!

Some resorts may state that "gratuities are included in the trip cost," but I personally choose to tip extra. Why? Because I know the staff doesn’t always see a significant portion of that. A little extra tip can really make a difference in their day-to-day lives.

To give you a better idea, I recommend bringing around $150 to $200 USD or 3,000 to 4,000 Pesos for tips during a 1-week stay. That breaks down to about $20 to $25 USD or 400 to 500 Pesos per day. This should cover a variety of staff members who might help you during your trip and give you a chance to show your appreciation for the great service you’ll receive.

At the end of the day, tipping is a personal choice, and I recommend doing what feels right for you. Just enjoy your trip and the amazing service you get!

Important Exception: Sandals & Beaches Resorts have a strict no-tipping policy, except for butlers and Red Lane Spa attendants.