Originally Posted by
angra
I feel as though this thread has gotten more hostile than it needs to be. But, there is an underlying point that the anti-tip group is making that is maybe getting lost in the noise.
I believe what is being communicated is that if you chose to patronize Odyssey, then you are, in fact, endorsing it. There are plenty of tour operators out there. I think that the anti-tip contingent is encouraging you to pick one that does not encourage the practice. And possibly frustrated that you don't see or maybe don't mind how your choices impact Japan.
Sorry for any hostility. We booked long before we learned about tipping policy. In fact, we were so far down the waiting list we did not think there was a chance that we were going to get to go. Anyway, it is my University's alumni trip and there was no choice of providers.
So I'm on an Odyssey tour. They recommend tipping
just the Tour Director. I'm tipping. To not would be unfair. I'm sure his/her compensation factors in tips. Its recommended minimum tip of $10 per person per day amounts to $250 per day for our 25 person group. That's $3,500 for the tour. And that's just the minimum.
I really appreciate the advice here. I'll not tip elsewhere including our two private guides, one in Tokyo and one in Hiroshima. Also, after the trip I will let Odyssey know that was wrong.
BTW, I know tipping is always a hot topic. Before American tourists started spreading the habit, it was not common in most places. Efforts to abolish it where I live have met with no success in restaurants. A few tried a no tip approach, and had to revert as both customers and employees rebelled. At present all that tried it have reverted.