Tipping in Europe is different from the custom we have in the US. Rather than being mandatory, your decision to leave a tip is at your own discretion. While wait staff, bartenders, cab drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides do not rely on tips, gratuities are generally appreciated. 

Tipping at restaurants in Europe

Some restaurants in European countries will apply a service charge of 10-15% of the balance to your bill. If this is the case, it is usually advertised on the menu and itemized on the check. This is typical in upscale restaurants or if you are eating as part of a larger group. There is no need to leave a tip on top of the service charge. 

At smaller eateries and cafes, a service charge is not generally applied but you may tip based on how satisfied you were with the service received and the quality of the meal. As a guideline, you can leave 5-10% of the total amount, or simply round up the figure.

Tipping at bars 

If you only order a drink at a bar or pub in Europe, you are not expected to tip the bartender. However, if table service is provided, it is a gesture of goodwill to leave a cash tip. Again, leave no more than 5-10% of the bill or round up the amount. 

Some bars will keep a tip jar on the bar counter where you can drop in loose change. In this case, the total amount is split between the bar staff. 

Whether you travel for culture, cuisine, scenery, or a little bit of everything, wondrous Italy has you covered for a luxurious European getaway. When you travel to Northern Italy, you can explore the Lakes Region in the foothills of the Alps. Jaw-dropping natural scenery, lavish accommodation, and exquisite dining using locally sourced ingredients are abundant, from Lake Como all the way to Lake Maggiore. 

Lake Como

Located in the Lombardy region, Italy’s third-largest is shaped like an upside-down “Y”. The shoreline of Lake Como is dotted with resort towns with upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, and activities ashore and on the water. 

Occupying a strategic spot at the junction of where the lake splits, Bellagio captures the essence of the Lake Region. Cobblestone streets such as Salita Antonio Mella are lined with boutiques, wine bars, and trattorias while both Parco di Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi Gardens grant beautiful views of the lake during summer when the flowers are in bloom. 

​Welcome to the Dublin City Guide. This guide is packed with fun and needed travel information while in this wonderful city.

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a vibrant city with so much culture, history, and fun exploration. The stories, history, and folklore bring so much magic to a tour of Ireland.  

In this guide, you will find a few of the many top attractions to see and do in Dublin, but there is so much more to explore. If you want to enjoy music, show, and general Irish hospitality, visit the Temple Bar area of Dublin. Depending on your interests, whether it is the numerous cathedrals, churches, castles, shopping, restaurants, or bars, you could spend several nights here to explore and enjoy all Dublin offers.  

New Year, new travel destinations. As we welcome 2023, these are the most exciting travel adventures to add to your agenda. 

Antarctica and the Arctic Circle

The final frontier in travel, the polar regions are best explored via an expedition cruise. Traveling to Antarctica and the Arctic are truly immersive experiences during which you will undergo some of the most remote sea passages on the planet and encounter the cultures of those living in the polar north or south. You will have the opportunity to witness penguins, whales, and sea birds – possibly even polar bears if you head to the north. In between soaking up the scenery from your expedition vessel, you will explore the wilderness via Zodiac, kayak, and helicopter. 

New Zealand and the Pacific Islands 

A once-in-a-lifetime destination, the remote island nation of New Zealand, the "Long White Cloud", is a delight for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and wine lovers. Unforgettable excursions take you by boat past the fjords of the South Island or by helicopter to wondrous glaciers. Luxury experiences include hot springs, wine tastings, and sailing trips. Get acquainted with the restaurants of Auckland, sample a traditional Māori hāngī, and try your hand at the national pastime – fishing. You may coincide your journey to the other side of the world with a trip to Fiji or the Cook Islands. 

Register for our travel talk with Unparalleled Journeys for a taster of one of the most popular travel destinations for 2023.