The Women’s Travel Group is asked frequently: how much should I budget for my trip’s extra expenses. Our tours generally include it all, plus 2 hearty meals daily, porterage, and bottled water on the bus. Wine or whisky in Scotland tasting is included,Extras might be the following items:
Additional meals? Our group is casual so if looking for company for an extra meal, do not be nervous about your budget. For extra meals in Europe, budget Euros 35+ wine if that is your thing. For wine, go for house wines, usually listed as “red or white”. Tips in Europe are almost always included as “service”. Look for price fixed, prix fixe or a 3 paragraph menu outside the restaurant. Special 3 course meals are usually displayed prominently. Bread/butter are extra, but definitely worth the 2+ Euros for what is called a cover charge.
Wine at the hotel or at a bar? Budget $8-15 again depending on your taste. A tip is very optional; if you have some loose change, you can leave it or round up your bill’s total. You might be offered chips; they cost so say no. Buying your own wine is shockingly cheap: even a 3 Euro bottle can be delicious. Add to that even a box of wine that will not need a corkscrew can be tasty. Boxed wine is an increasingly popular item.
Snacks you buy? Everyone likes a nibble. Look for a local supermarket; that is the cheap place for snacks (+ private stash of wine). A smart way to find a store is to stop locals carrying food bags. Point to their bag and look puzzled? You must bring your own bag or buy one. Some markets have carry bags so attractive they will double as gifts. Note: supermarkets can be in the basement of a department store.
Spa or hairdresser at the hotel? Ask first what the local tip practice is. Many personal services already include the tip.
Tips? Tips to our guides and tour managers are estimated at $100 or 90 Euros per week. For drivers, 5-8 Euros per day. An easy way to tip and not feel self conscious is to put your tip money in an envelope and hand that to the guide. A mix of US and foreign is fine; avoid US coins and torn bills.
Call us for more information on tours to Scotland/Ireland, Sicily/Malta, Tuscany, Asia and Mexico. Visit our upcoming tours here.
