It has come to my attention that travel is full of little details that can feel much bigger once
you are standing in the middle of them. No, not really, as a travel professional it is my
responsibility to keep up with the times and the changes, but to my valued clients, yes,
because otherwise they would not ask me time and time again.

Last week, I mentioned a client who constantly asks about visas, ETIAS, e-visas, and all the
possibilities, which inspired me to write about that topic. If you have not read that post yet,
I hope you will take a look on my website. This week’s topic is just as important in a
different way, because tipping and customs can be surprisingly complicated too.

For many American travelers, tipping is second nature. At home, we are used to adding a tip
almost without thinking. But once you leave the U.S., that habit does not always travel well.
In some places tipping is expected, in some places it is appreciated, in some places a
service charge is already included, and in a few places tipping can actually be
inappropriate.

That is why this is worth talking about!
Please note: This post is meant as a general guide, not a complete list of every country in
the world. There are simply too many places, too many variations, and too many exceptions
to cover everything here. Tipping customs can also change, so always check current local
guidance for your destination before you travel.
Also worth noting: In many cases, the best approach is simply to follow the local custom,
pay attention to what is already included, and when in doubt, ask your travel advisor or a
trusted local source before you go.

What Travelers Should Know About Tipping Customs
Tipping is one of those things that seems simple until it is not.
In some destinations, a tip is a warm thank-you and part of the normal travel rhythm. In
others, it may be unnecessary because service is already built into the bill. And then there
are places where tipping is so uncommon that offering extra money can feel awkward or
even disrespectful.
That does not mean you need to memorize the rules for every country on earth. It just
means it helps to know the general pattern before you go.

Tipping Customs by Country: A Simple Guide
Here is the easiest way to break it down
• Some countries expect to tip in restaurants, taxis, hotels, and guided tours.
• Some countries allow tipping but do not require it.
• Some countries include service charges automatically.
• Some countries discourage tipping or consider it unnecessary.
That is the part that can catch travelers off guard. What feels polite in one place may feel
excessive in another.

Tipping in the United States, Canada, and Abroad
Rather than trying to list every country in the world, let’s keep this focused on a few places
that many travelers visit often.

Tipping in the United States and Canada
At home, tipping is part of the culture, and many travelers are used to leaving something for
restaurant staff, drivers, hotel staff, guides, and service workers.
That makes it easy to assume the same approach works everywhere else. But outside
North America, that is not always the case.

Tipping in the United Kingdom
In the UK, tipping is generally more modest than in the U.S. In some restaurants, a service
charge may already be added. If it is not, a tip may still be appreciated, but the expectation
is usually different from what American travelers are used to
.
Tipping in France, Italy, Spain, and Western Europe
In many parts of Western Europe, service may already be included, or tipping may be
lighter than in the U.S. A small round-up, a few extra euros, or a modest tip may be enough
depending on the situation.
This is one of those areas where the local custom matters more than forcing an American
habit into a different culture.

Tipping in Japan
Japan is one of the clearest examples of why this topic matters.
In Japan, tipping is generally not part of the culture and can even be seen as awkward or
insulting in some situations. Good service is expected as part of the job, not something that
needs to be rewarded with extra cash.
For American travelers, that can feel very unusual at first, but it is a good reminder that not
every country views tipping the same way.

Tipping in Australia and New Zealand
Tipping in Australia and New Zealand is usually more relaxed than in the U.S. A tip may be
appreciated for excellent service, but it is generally not expected in the same way it is at
home.
That said, customs do evolve. In some places that historically did not have much of a
tipping culture, it is becoming more common now, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Travel
habits change, service expectations shift, and sometimes what used to be unusual
becomes more familiar over time.

Tipping in Scandinavia and Iceland
The same general idea applies in Scandinavia, and especially in Iceland, where tipping is
generally not part of the culture in the way it is in the U.S. In Iceland, service is usually
already included, so leaving a tip is not typically expected.

Where to Leave a Tip When Traveling
This is one of those practical questions that travelers often wonder about but do not always
ask out loud.
In some places, you may leave cash on the table at a restaurant. In others, you may round
up the bill. And in some countries, you can add the tip to the credit card receipt, although
that is still less common in much of Europe than it is in the U.S.
The method matters less than the local custom. If you are not sure, the safest approach is
to check whether service has already been included and then follow what locals typically
do.

Service Included on Restaurant Bills: What to Look For
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is not checking whether a service charge is
already included.

That can happen in
• restaurants,
• bars,
• hotel bills,
• private guides,
• and even some tour services.

If a service charge is already included, there may be no need to tip again unless you want to
leave a little extra for especially good service. That is why reading the bill carefully can save
both money and awkwardness.

One of the easiest ways to navigate this is to watch for clues on the bill itself. In France, for
example, you may see service.compris or prix.service.compris, which means service is
included, and when you are ready for the bill you might hear l"addition?.s"il.vous.plaît. In
Italy, il.conto?.per.favore is a simple way to ask for the check. These little phrases are not
essential, but they can be helpful, and they are a good reminder that service is already
included in many places. In much of Western Europe, and especially in Scandinavia and
Iceland, tipping is generally not part of the culture in the same way it is in the U.S., and in
Iceland it is usually not expected because service is already included.

When Tipping Starts to Feel Like Too Much
And yes, sometimes tipping can feel like it has gone a little too far.
At home, it seems like tipping now shows up for everything, even for things that used to be a
simple transaction, like ordering a coffee. You are suddenly staring at a screen asking if you
want to tip for a cup of coffee that was poured in front of you in thirty seconds.
That is part of what makes this whole topic so interesting. Tipping is not just about culture
abroad. It has also evolved at home in ways that can make travelers wonder what is really
expected and what is just become part of the payment screen.The History of the Word “Tip”
Here is a fun little side note: the old story that “tip” stands for “to insure promptness” is
actually not the real origin of the word. It is a popular myth, but not the true explanation.
The word has older roots and is not really an acronym at all.

What to Do When You Are Unsure About Tipping
If you are unsure, the best thing to do is keep it simple:
• Check whether a service charge is already included.
• Watch what local travelers are doing.
• Ask your hotel, guide, or travel advisor if you are not sure.
• Do not assume U.S. tipping habits apply everywhere.
That last one is the biggest takeaway.

Why Planning Ahead Helps with Travel Etiquette
If you are the kind of traveler who likes to know the details before you leave, this is one of
those things worth putting on your checklist.
Not because you need to obsess over every tip, but because it helps you travel more
comfortably when you already have a sense of what is expected.
A little preparation goes a long way, especially when customs and manners vary from one
country to the next.

Why Tipping Customs Matter
Tipping is not really about money alone. It is about culture, expectations, and respect.
What feels generous in one place can feel unnecessary in another. What feels normal in
one country can feel out of place in another. And that is why it helps to think of tipping as
part of the travel experience, not just part of the bill.

What I Include for My Clients
And this is also one of the things I include for my clients when I put together a trip program.
In the final e-portfolio I send them, I add notes on tipping and customary information for
the countries they will be visiting, whether that is one destination or several, along with a
few useful words or key phrases to help with communication. It is a small detail, but these
are the kinds of things that can make a trip feel much smoother and a lot less stressful.

Final Thoughts on Tipping Around the World
Tipping around the world can be a little messy, but it does not have to be stressful.
The simplest rule is this: learn the local custom, pay attention to what is already included,
and when in doubt, ask before you go. That way, you can avoid awkward moments and feel
more confident wherever you travel.
And just like with visas and entry rules, the answer is not always one-size-fits-all. Different
countries, different customs, different expectations.
That is part of what makes travel interesting, but it is also why these conversations matter.
If you are planning a trip and want to know more about tipping customs or how to handle
them in a specific destination, I am always happy to help you sort through the details.

If there is one part of international travel that tends to cause the most confusion, it is the entry requirements. One of the questions I seem to hear over and over is, “Do I need a visa, an ETA, or an e-Visa?” This topic comes up so often with one of my regular clients, who is always asking about the details before a trip, that I figured it was time to pull everything together in one simple place.

Please note: Entry requirements, visa rules, fees, processing times, and eligibility can change at any time and without notice. This post is intended as a general guide only. Always confirm the latest information with the destination’s official government website or a trusted travel advisor or visa service before you travel.

This post is meant to be a helpful overview, not an exhaustive list of every country’s entry requirements. There are simply too many destinations and too many exceptions to cover everything here, and that is why it is always best to verify the rules for your specific itinerary before you travel.

For many U.S. travelers, the biggest surprise is that a passport alone is not always enough. Some destinations require a traditional visa, some require an e-Visa, and others use a digital travel authorization like an ETA or ETIAS. In simple terms, that means some countries want approval before you travel, even if you are not applying for a full visa.

It may not be the most exciting part of planning a trip, but it is one of the most important. If you miss an entry requirement, it can delay your trip, keep you from boarding your flight, or cause problems when you arrive.

Let’s break it down in plain English
When people say “visa,” they are often using the word to mean several different things. In reality, travel entry requirements usually fall into a few main buckets.

Visa-free entry means you may not need a visa, but you could still need a travel authorization before you go.
Electronic travel authorization means you apply online or through an official app before travel and get approval linked to your passport.
e-Visa means you complete the visa process online before traveling, usually without going to an embassy.
Traditional visa means you may need to apply through an embassy or visa center and sometimes submit your passport for a physical visa stamp or sticker.
The main thing to remember is this: visa-free does not always mean paperwork-free.

Why this matters so much for travelers
A lot of people assume that if a country allows U.S. passport holders to visit, that’s the end of the story. But that is not always the case.

More and more countries are moving to digital systems that require pre-approval before travel. That includes places like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and soon much of Europe through ETIAS.

From a traveler’s point of view, these systems are actually pretty convenient once you know what to expect. They usually make arrival smoother. The tradeoff is that you have to plan a little earlier instead of waiting until the last minute.

UK ETA: what U.S. travelers should know
The UK now uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, for many visa-exempt visitors, including travelers from the U.S.

In plain English, this is not a full visa. It is a digital permission to travel that has to be approved before you fly to the United Kingdom.

A few things to know:

The UK ETA is required for eligible visa-free travelers.
It currently costs £20.
It is usually valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Every traveler needs their own ETA, including children and babies.
If you are planning a trip to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, this is something you’ll want to check well before departure.

ETIAS for Europe: coming soon
If Europe is on your list, ETIAS is a name you’ll want to know.

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is not a visa in the traditional sense, but it is expected to be required for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., once it launches.

Here’s the simple version:

ETIAS is for short stays in the Schengen area and other participating European countries.
It is expected to cost €20 when it launches.
It is expected to be valid for 3 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travelers will still be limited by the normal Schengen stay rules.
The main thing to know right now is that no action is needed yet, but Europe is clearly moving toward a pre-approval system, just like several other destinations already have.

Australia and New Zealand also use electronic systems
Australia and New Zealand are good examples of how common digital travel entry has become.

Australia
Many travelers entering Australia for tourism use an Electronic Travel Authority, or ETA.

This is an electronic approval tied to your passport and usually completed before travel. For some travelers, the application is handled through an official mobile app, and there is usually a small processing fee.

New Zealand
New Zealand uses the NZeTA, which is another electronic travel authorization.

On top of that, New Zealand also charges the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. So if you are budgeting for the trip, you need to factor in both the authorization fee and the levy.

These systems are helpful because they streamline arrival, but they also mean you need to plan ahead instead of assuming you can just show up with your passport and sort it out at the airport.

Some countries still use traditional visas
Even with all the digital options becoming more common, some destinations still require a traditional visa process.

That might mean:

filling out an online form,
submitting supporting documents,
mailing in your passport,
or visiting a consulate or visa center.
Depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay, some countries still issue a visa sticker or stamp inside your passport.

This is why I always tell travelers not to assume the rules are the same everywhere. They are not.

A simple way to think about it
Here’s the easiest way to remember the difference:

Visa: a traditional entry document, often requiring an embassy or consulate process.
ETA: a digital travel authorization you get before arrival.
e-Visa: an online visa process completed before travel.
Some countries use one, some use another, and some use a mix depending on your passport and why you are traveling. That is why it is so important not to assume one country’s rules will match another’s.

A note for non-U.S. travelers
While this post is focused on U.S. travelers, I also want to say this clearly for anyone reading from outside the U.S.: entry requirements are different for Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, UK citizens, EU citizens, and many others.

The rules are not universal. Every traveler should verify requirements based on their own passport and destination through official sources or a trusted travel advisor or visa service.

The same goes for travel into the United States, where entry rules can vary depending on nationality, visa status, and the purpose of the visit.

How to avoid problems before you go
The best way to handle visa and entry requirements is to check them early.

Here are a few simple things I always recommend:

Check your passport expiration date before you book.
Review entry rules for every country on your itinerary.
Don’t forget transit stops, because some countries require authorizations even for connections.
Apply early, even if the process is usually quick.
Use official government websites whenever possible.
When in doubt, talk with a travel advisor or a trusted visa service.
One of the most common travel mistakes is waiting until the last minute to check entry requirements. That can create avoidable stress, delays, and sometimes even canceled plans.

Final thoughts
Visa rules, travel authorizations, and entry requirements can feel complicated, but they do not have to be overwhelming.

The easiest way to think about it is this: your passport is only part of the picture. Depending on where you are going, you may also need a visa, e-Visa, ETA, or ETIAS before you travel.

That is why checking entry requirements early matters so much. It gives you time to sort things out before you book, before you pack, and definitely before you head to the airport. Rules can change, and what worked for one trip may not apply to the next.

One thing that is slowly fading away is the old-fashioned passport stamp. As more countries move to digital entry systems, those stamps and visa stickers are becoming less common, which makes the ones we do have feel a little more special. If you still have your expired passports, it may be worth keeping them. They are more than old travel documents; they are a record of where you have been and the memories you made along the way. I know I have kept all of mine, and they tell the story of more than 50 years of travel I will always remember.

Travel is supposed to be exciting, not stressful. A little preparation goes a long way.

If you’re planning an international trip and want help making sense of the entry requirements, working with a travel advisor can help take some of the guesswork out of the process.

And as always, please remember that visa and entry rules can change at any time, so it is important to verify the latest requirements before you travel.

Every American of age has the right to vote, and that is what needs to be done in November to change the course of history and avoid the demise of something that should not be dying. There is an historical truth that democracies tend to last about 250 years on average. I do not want to see that become America’s fate.
I may lose readers. I may lose potential clients. But I am tired of sitting on the sidelines and only speaking in vague generalities about the geopolitics of the world while pretending it does not affect me here across the pond. It does affect me. It affects all of us in different ways.
The Europeans are not upset with the average American traveler, and they welcome them. I know that from traveling this continent. They know the difference between the people and the Casa Bianca. Americans are welcome here, and I will always have your back when you travel across the pond, or anywhere else in the world, or even within America itself. What does America mean to you now, and how has that meaning changed over time?
So yes, I am speaking plainly now.
I am not silent anymore. 
Thank you for your support of my business these many years and remember, “Travel is an Adventure, Experience it!”       

There is a birthday coming up, not mine, and a milestone of my own as well, along with the ongoing privilege of welcoming clients to Europe and beyond. In the end, I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, both personal and professional. And if this heatwave has reminded me of anything, it is that, as that famous line from Hill Street Blues said, “Be careful out there.”

We want you traveling for a long time to come.

Because that is the real issue, isn’t it? Many destinations are overloaded in just a few months of the year, while so much of the rest of the calendar has room, beauty, and potential. I am always looking for what I can share with clients who want to travel when places are not packed with millions of their closest friends.
I had also suggested in my follow-up that a panel discussion about the importance of shoulder and low season might have been a useful addition, especially if it offered practical ways to promote those periods more actively. I know many of the participants shared good ideas, but the day itself was meant to focus on this very topic, and I felt that balance was still missing. It did feel rushed. Perhaps more time and fewer meetings, or the same number of meetings spread over two days would have made for a better experience. Just my thoughts for next year.
From SHOP to Brussels
And then, after SHOP wrapped, the evening became something entirely different.
A few of us were whisked off by taxi and overland train, with a travel hiccup or two along the way, to London St. Pancras for the Eurostar to Brussels, Belgium. In any case, we made it in plenty of time.
The highlight for me that evening was taking the Eurostar.
We were placed in the front car in premier class for the two-hour journey, and honestly, that would have been enough. But then one other member of our group and I were invited to go up to the front and see the operation firsthand. It was a bit like being invited onto the bridge of a cruise ship to see how everything works behind the scenes.
We went up there, and it was extremely cool. We could see the tunnel, hear the explanation, ask questions, and watch the journey unfold from a very unusual perspective. We stayed there until we arrived on the other side, having spent about 15 minutes of the trip on the French side rather than the English side. It was fascinating to see how the train operates and to learn that it is now basically on cruise control, with everything computerized. So much has changed since the original Eurostar trains started more than 30 years ago.
For me, this moment hit for two reasons.
First, this was my second time on the Eurostar, but I had not experienced it since it operated out of Waterloo Station. Second, and more importantly, it took me right back to being a kid in New York City and going to the front car of the subway train. I used to love standing there, looking out through that windowed door, watching the tracks ahead, seeing where we were going. It was always a thrill for me as a kid.
So, to be invited to the front of the Eurostar and watch the train at 160 kilometers an hour through the tunnel was an amazing moment. It brought back that same feeling of wonder I had as a child.
Brussels, Again
It should also be noted that Brussels was not new to me. In fact, this was my third time there. The first was way back in 1985, and the second was just a year or two ago. In both of those earlier visits, I experienced the classic Brussels highlights: Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and the other sights that make the city so memorable.
This visit, however, offered a different kind of experience.
One of the stops was Mini Europe, which at first I thought might be a little childish, but by the end I found it fascinating. There is something surprisingly engaging about seeing all those landmarks shrunk down and knowing how much effort has gone into creating them. It ended up being much more interesting than I expected.
Then there was Atomium, Brussels’ answer to the Eiffel Tower, built for one of the world’s fairs and still standing as one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks. That was followed by ChocoStory Museum, where we made our own chocolate creations, and the FrietMuseum, where we learned about fries and what makes them special.
And yes, the fries story is always worth telling.
What we call French fries are really Belgian fries, and they are different. They are double fried, and there is a process involved. The story goes that during World War II, American paratroopers dropped into Europe, thought they had landed in France, and seeing locals who spoke French making these twice-fried potatoes, called them French fries. In truth, they had landed in Belgium, but the name stuck.
That is one of those travel-history details I love. The story is often as interesting as the thing itself.
Other highlights from the day included the Beer Museum, housed in the old city hall, which makes perfect sense, and some excellent meals, first lunch at Bouillon Bruxelles and then dinner at one of the Thon hotels. In between, we wandered here and there, but we were on the run for more than 13 hours that day, covering a wide range of experiences.
Truth be known, all of it was wonderful.

The small group of five, plus Jorge, our ETOA handler, had a very full and very rewarding day, and these are places I can absolutely recommend. Brussels has much more to offer than the obvious stops, and this day proved that beautifully.
A Sunday With a Few Bumps
The next day, Sunday, was left open. Apparently, there were supposed to be Brussels passes available to help us get around, but none were to be had. That was all right, because it was also a hotel-changing day, and I knew that Monday meant flying back home, which I was absolutely looking forward to.
I had never changed hotels at the end in my e-portfolio before, so that turned out to be an experience in itself. I ended up taking the metro to another property with the same name, though no reservation was waiting for me. Still, I did get to experience the Brussels metro, which is always useful to add to the list.
Once the hotel manager and I realized that the airport option was the right one, he arranged a taxi for me. The driver was supposed to take credit cards, but he claimed his system was not working. Lucky for him, I had euros, which I generally do not carry. So yes, a lesson learned there as a professional traveler ----- always be prepared.
The hotel was pleasant enough, and since I was really tired, it was not much of an issue at first. The only moment that tested me came later, when I was ready for dinner and the waiter-host decided to have an attitude about my choice of seat. I will not go into all the details, and I speak French, so the situation was addressed and resolved. Still, it was another reminder that nothing about travel is ever completely seamless, no matter how carefully we plan.
And maybe that is part of what makes these weeks so real. The polished moments are lovely, but the imperfect ones are often the ones that stay with you.
Home Again, For Now
In the end, it was a productive, entertaining, and educational week.
I got to reconnect with colleagues, revisit familiar places, experience new things, and collect a few more stories along the way. That is one of the things I love about this work: it is never just about moving from one place to another. It is about the conversations, the logistics, the surprises, the little frustrations, and the moments that remind you why travel still matters so much.

For now, I am back in Rome, working in the air conditioning on travel projects for my valued clients. I will still be teaching here and there, but it will simply be a hot, humid summer here. Later in August, Rosa and I will take off for another week.
Until then, I will settle back in, keep working, and enjoy the quieter side of travel for a little while.
And really, that is the rhythm of this life, isn’t it? Full, exhausting, rewarding, unpredictable, and always worth it.