A lot of these posts concern tipping at restaurants, and I myself do follow the "when in Rome" philosophy". I know the system, how much to tip. At at a meal, since I am sitting, there is plenty of time to figure out the appropriate amount.

Other situations, I definitely try to avoid tipping. The problem I have when traveling (in the US) is that I am not sure what to tip, when, and so forth. I try to avoid it by avoiding those "services". It is true I dislike the whole system, but since that is how it is, I do tip. Since I dislike the system, I do as other have stated on this thread- carry my own luggage, avoid valets, etc.

I know I can get this information (how much to tip) beforehand, and I can check on line and all that, but it is still confusing. Going from the airport to the hotel- who to tip, how much, what if my bag is heavy- am I supposed to tip more, if so, how much (and what is "heavy"?) Do I tip the guy who brings me to the room, the housekeeping staff? Should the check-in staff get a tip, or would that be seen as bribery? It is actually stressful for me. Then I think too- what if I do not have enough bills? Will they think I "stiffed" them for not giving a tip?

One time, I had a knee problem that caused walking difficulty through the airport. I wanted to get a wheelchair, or ride on one of those big "golf carts" they have in the US (I do not know what they are called). My sister said I should tip them. I said I thought it was a service. She said it was, but that they should be tipped.

I was relieved to get back to Japan, where the FA actually asked, before landing, if I needed a wheelchair at the arrival gate. The taxi was metered, and no worries about tipping there. I checked into a hotel on that trip (in Japan), and I actually felt I was being provided a service as I was accompanied to the room and did not have to worry about whether or not to tip. I did not have to worry about "good service" or "bad service" and how much that would be worth. (In fact, it always has been good service)

So, to avoid tipping, I do minimize trips to the US, or while there, taking care of myself and my things (luggage, car, etc) by myself. Just one thing: I never tip for walk-up counter service- the coffee shops and fast-food type places that have no wait staff. That I really do not get.