I disagree with the statement that Roadscholar includes leaders tips in the price of the trip. Maybe you do but you never give it to the leaders. I have many friends that were leaders on Roadscholar trips and they were never given anything in the form of any gratitude's. I go on many trips that are not organized by Roadscholar and the company always makes it clear that leader tips are not included. Roadscholar needs to be honest about tips to leaders. I always tip my leaders because I know Roadscholar is dishonest about tips. If I am wrong, the website needs to explain how much of the cost of the trip goes to leaders. Again, none of my friends that lead trips never received any gratitude. I have called Roadscholar and asked how much of a % go to leaders and no one has ever answered this question.
Yes, all tips are included and it's pretty weird that that information seems to be gone. I can find is this small blurb under How it Works (under Practical Information) that says:
"What’s included…
Road Scholar staff have addressed this issue previously. Here is the last thread the forum had on tipping although it's been several years ago.
https://discussion.roadscholar.org/road-scholar-general…
I know I read about tipping, but I can't find that information now. Would you please tell me where to look? I searched for tip and tipping and looked at links about money matters. I'm sure somewhere…
https://discussion.roadscholar.org/road-scholar-general/f/money-matters/2815/tipping
"I go on many trips that are not organized by Roadscholar and the company always makes it clear that leader tips are not included. Roadscholar needs to be honest about tips to leaders."
-->To me the contracting provider needs to be honest about their contract with Road Scholar. It's a provider issue and if their contract with RS isn't enough to cover expenses and tip their employees that is on them.
One of the main reasons I travel with Road Scholar is that tips ARE included. I travel with another US tour provider for Europe and I also travel with them because they also advertise that tips are included. There are many tour companies who don't include tips but I won't travel with them. I don't want to have to figure this out so I travel with the 2 companies that do it for me. I'm willing to pay for that.
I also will not contribute if someone tries to pass the hat. If I choose to tip a guide I do it privately and discreetly.
When you filled out your evaluation for the program where the leader said they were not being tipped, did you mention that in comments?
~Pam
I know I read about tipping, but I can't find that information now. Would you please tell me where to look? I searched for tip and tipping and looked at links about money matters. I'm sure somewhere they said they tip everyone.
"What’s included?
Our programs are all-inclusive. From expert-led lectures and field trips to lodgings, most meals, gratuities, and group transportation—we handle all the details and all the costs incurred during our programs, including those you might not anticipate."
https://www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/how-it-works/
I also found this statement under The Experience-->Value Promise:
"That’s because every Road Scholar learning adventure includes most meals and all lodging, tips and taxes, behind-the-scenes experiences, expert lectures, group expeditions, and listening devices—24/7 emergency assistance, too."
www.roadscholar.org/.../
I am certain there used to be more of a complete, upfront statement saying they provide tips for leaders, instructors, drivers, local guides, housekeeping, porters, etc. It's one of the reasons I travel with Road Scholar and another tour company. I hate having to think about how much to tip and this makes it easy for me.
I'll add that I have a program coming up next month and even went thru the Final Information Packet to see if the "no tipping" information was in there and did not see it.
Hopefully someone from the office will see your post, comment and point us to the verbiage on the website.