Why are ETG holidays tip-inclusive?
We believe this approach is fairer for both our guides and our customers.
For our guides, it provides a reliable and fair income, rather than something that varies from traveller to traveller or day to day.
For our customers, tipping has increasingly become a hidden — and often effectively compulsory — extra. By including it upfront, we’re open and transparent about the actual cost of your holiday, even if that means we may appear more expensive on paper than some competitors.
Our aim is to remove uncertainty and awkwardness while travelling, and to be clear from the outset about what your holiday really costs.
How much does tipping add to my holiday cost?
Tipping for your principal ETG guide and driver is pre-included in the cost of your holiday.
As a broad guide, across our destinations, this typically works out to around $30 per day, though it varies significantly by country. For example:
- In Bhutan, the contribution is higher (around $90 per day), shared between your guide and driver
- In destinations such as India, the individual amount is lower, but guiding teams are (much!) larger and work across multiple services
These costs are built into your trip upfront, so you don’t need to manage tipping day to day or carry cash for this purpose.
What exactly is included?
Your tip-inclusive contribution covers the principal guides and drivers provided directly by Experience Travel Group.
They can usually be identified by:
- ETG T-shirts or badges
- Clearly introducing themselves as your ETG guide and driver
They are responsible for delivering your trip day to day and are the people to whom this policy applies.
What is not included?
We do not attempt to include small, informal tips for people you may encounter along the way, such as park trackers, boatmen, or museum and site staff. These are typically small, discretionary amounts and are outside our control. If you’re unsure in the moment, your ETG guide or local office will advise.
We also cannot include tips for:
- Hotel staff, either within hotels or on hotel-managed excursions, where a service charge is usually included
- Hotel-, lodge- or ship-led activities
- Overnight boats, trains or public transport
At hotels, a service charge is usually included, but staff do appreciate tips. If you’d like to give something, we recommend using the collective tip box at the end of your stay, which helps ensure behind-the-scenes staff receive their fair share. This is entirely your choice.
Are all guides aware that my tip is prepaid?
Yes. This arrangement is agreed and contracted with our local partners. Your ETG guides understand that their tips are included and that guests are not expected to tip as a matter of course.
Can I tip on top?
Yes — please feel free to do so.
If you receive exceptional service and would like to give something extra as a thank you, you’re very welcome to. Any additional tips are genuinely discretionary and should only be given if you want to.
Are all ETG holidays tip-inclusive?
No. Some destinations do not have a tipping culture, so we do not operate a tip-inclusive model in these cases.
Currently, holidays in Oman, Singapore, and Hong Kong are not tip-inclusive. In these destinations, tips are neither expected nor part of local working practices.
How else can I show appreciation?
A genuine thank you goes a long way. Personal gestures — a kind note, a postcard, or a small gift — are always appreciated.
After your holiday, you’ll also have the opportunity to nominate a guide for our Outstanding Service Award in your feedback form. These awards are highly valued, and your feedback really does make a difference.
Won’t guides be less motivated without tips?
We don’t believe so. Tipping is an inconsistent motivator and varies widely between travellers, regardless of the quality of service.
By ensuring guides are paid fairly and reliably, we create a more professional, motivated guiding team. Our guides are trained, supported, and regularly reviewed, and we actively pass on client feedback and recognise outstanding service through our awards programme.
What happens if there is a problem with my guide?
In the unlikely event of a complaint relating to a guided excursion or transfer, we will refund the entire cost of the guide and the relevant excursion and/or transport for that day, not just the tip element.
