Most etiquette experts suggest a tip of 10-20% of the cost of a tour for outdoor guides like ours. A typical gratuity on a full-day tour is $20-$40 per person, and on a half-day trip, $15-$20 per guest. Exceptional service often earns more: Did they go out of their way to show you something you're interested in?

The standard tip for a private tour guide is generally 10% to 20% of the total tour cost, though the amount can vary based on the duration of the tour and the region of the world. For a half-day private tour, a tip of $10 to $20 per person is common, while for a full-day tour, most travelers tip between $20 and $50+ per person. If the guide provided exceptional specialized knowledge (such as an archaeologist or naturalist) or went above and beyond with personalized logistics, tipping toward the higher end is encouraged. If your tour also included a separate driver, it is customary to tip them separately, usually about $5 to $15 for the day. In countries with a strong tipping culture like the U.S., sticking to the 20% rule is best, whereas in parts of Europe or Asia, a smaller fixed amount or "rounding up" is often sufficient. However, in Japan and South Korea, tipping is not expected and can even be politely refused; in these cases, a sincere "thank you" or a positive online review mentioning the guide by name is the most appreciated gesture of thanks.