Photo by Dave Dugdale

One of the things that catch many people out is knowing who and when to tip, and this is a factor that can prove to be somewhat confusing. Tipping is an established custom in many countries around the world, of course, but in the UK there are some groups who will always expect a tip and several more that will not, and these groupings can be very different from those in other parts of the world.

In most pubs and bars, for example, tipping the bartender is rare. In the USA, to use an example, it’s customary to tip every time drinks are bought, but in Britain this doesn’t usually happen. It may be more of a regular practice in some of the cosmopolitan bars in the centre of London, for example, but in the average British pub the server doesn’t usually receive a gratuity from customers.

Good service is everything

Those who would expect to be tipped include waiting staff in restaurants, but if you feel the service wasn’t particularly good you should consider giving less than the usual amount, which is often deemed to be around ten per cent of the total bill. Be warned, however, that many establishments already include a service charge, so make sure you check the details when the check is brought to the table.

Taxi drivers will usually expect to be tipped, as will hotel porters and hairdressers. There is no hard and fast rule about the amount of money you should offer in the UK, but generally a tip of between ten and fifteen per cent is acceptable. As always, you should see tipping as a reward for good service, not just as an expected payment that is part of the overall cost of a particular process.

When you’re budgeting for travelling around the UK, especially in the heart of London, it’s worth factoring in the cost of tipping a taxi driver. In general, cabs are relatively costly anyway in the capital, so it’s often a better option to take the underground railway, which is always less expensive and is usually quicker as well.

Sam Wilkes lives in the UK and works for https://www.timeto.co.uk/.

The post Tipping in the United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Patrick Nouhailler

Of course, there is nothing more symbolic of Paris than the Eiffel Tower.  If you are looking to create a romantic evening for you and that special someone, consider basing a dinner date and tour of Paris around the Eiffel Tower.

Dinner at the Eiffel Tower is an experience that no one will ever forget.  The tower boasts of two restaurants.  One is on the ground level and offers traditional French cuisine; plan ahead and make reservations because there is usually at least a two week wait.  The décor is eclectic, and the dress is somewhat formal.  Patrons should wear something nicer than jeans and trainers.

The second restaurant is located on the second level of the tower and is also a level higher in cost, atmosphere and attire than the ground floor restaurant.  Expect to pay a premium for everything from drinks to entrees.  However, if you are looking to create an unforgettable evening, it will be worth every penny.

The second level of the Eiffel Tower offers a view just as magnificent as the view from the top, yet you are protected from the strong winds and other elements that a visit to the top brings with it.  Not to mention, there is almost no wait to reach the second level, whereas the wait to attain the highest level can knock the romance out of the most elegant pair.  Therefore, visitors will not be missing out by staying closer to the ground.

Following your Eiffel Tower dinner, a lazy boat ride down the Seine will be the finishing touch to your night.  As the boat winds down the river, you will see locals dancing along the banks of the Seine as sumptuous music fills the air.  The dark river will stretch before you as you become ensconced in the atmosphere that is so uniquely Parisian.  As the boat winds back up toward the Eiffel Tower, the tower will erupt in lights that sparkle and twinkle before your eyes.  You will be breathless as you take in the symbol of love and romance that seems to light up just for you.

Nestling into the arms of someone you love will never feel as decadent as when you are gliding down the Seine on one of these Paris tours.  When your holiday is over, you can look back with joy and sigh, “We’ll always have Paris.”

View In-Seine-ly Romantic – A river cruise after dinner, Paris, France in a larger map

The post In-Seine-ly Romantic – A river cruise after dinner, Paris, France appeared first on Europe Explored.

Why you should visit Dětenice once you are in the Czech republic?

You can taste black or light beer of Dětenice and enjoy drinks with the medieval specialties prepared on an open fire. You have to prepare yourself that you need to eat with your hands. Dancers in medieval costumes dance on the tables. You will see swordsmen, beggars, fakir, juggler … Prepare yourself also for shocking and harsh environment of the medieval style!

View Medieval Tavern Dětenice in Czech Republic – one of few European theme pubs in a larger map

The post Medieval Tavern Dětenice in Czech Republic – one of few European theme pubs appeared first on Europe Explored.

Bärenschützklamm Steige, Austria by Sonicccgraz

Bärenschützklamm, sometimes called also as Mixnitz Klamm according to the village Mixnitz at which the gorge is located, is really very beautiful natural gorge through which leads the tourist trail. The trail is located near the small town of Pernegg an der Mur. Bärenschützklamm offers a truly magnificent walk through the rocks by wooden walkways, stairs and ladders. Thanks to this wooden trail you can get into otherwise totally inaccessible places. You will see the beautiful waterfalls, rock overhangs and absolutely stunning natural gems, everywhere around you.

The hiking trail has been operating since 1901. In 1978 the gorge was declared as a natural protected monument. In 1997 there was a big storm that heavily damaged the trail but fortunately it was repaired within few years.

Bärenschützklamm by AndreasResch

The trail through Bärenschützklamm is only 5 kilometers long and you will pass the elevation of 350 meters (from 750 meters to 1100 meters). More experienced hikers can then continue climbing the mountain Hochlantsch (1722 meters above sea level). The valley is a part of the mountain Grazer Bergland.

The entrance to the valley is not for free. In 2010 it was € 3.50 per adult. But believe me, it’s really worth to visit this gorge, so beautiful and long pathway through such a beautiful countryside you can not find anywhere else!

The post Bärenschützklamm – the most impressive and the best developed gorge in Styria, Austria appeared first on Europe Explored.