Adventure Travel Tips

Tipping Abroad

Traveling to a foreign country can be intimidating, and trying to follow the correct protocol for things like tipping can be downright confusing. Some countries require tips while others automatically add it through service charges. Tipping is not required in some places, and in a country like Japan, tipping can even be considered an insult.

To avoid an international incident, the traveler’s best bet is to do a little research before departure to see what the rules are for tipping at their destination. If it’s not possible to check beforehand, hotel concierges are a great source of information. In a tight spot, simply observing how others around you are handling the situation works too.

Try to have a small amount of local currency when you arrive at you destination so that you are able to tip taxi drivers, concierges, and anyone else who offers you a service. Pay for souvenirs and food with larger bills so that you have change left over for tipping.

Experts suggest tipping between 5 to 10 percent to anyone who offers you a service in countries where tipping is expected. The following service people usually require tips:

• Restaurant Staff


• Hotel Staff


• Drivers


• Tour Guides


• Activity Directors (Scuba Instructors, etc.)


• Salon Workers


• Childcare Staff


• Restroom Attendants


• Locals who pose for pictures or give directions

Jellyfish Island, Palau

Snorkelers visiting Micronesia will want to make a stop at Jellyfish Lake in Palau for an out-of-this-world experience. Jellyfish Lake, or Ongeim’l Tketau to locals, is located on the island of Eil Malk in Palau. The 12-acre lake is one of 70 marine lakes in Palau, and is home to millions of sting-free jellyfish of all sizes.

The popular myth is that the jellyfish were stranded in the lake millions of years ago, and because there were isolated from predators, they lost their ability to sting. Marine biologists explain that the jellyfish actually have stingers that they use to prey on zooplankton, but are too small to cause more than a slight tingle to human skin.

Tour operators and dive companies from Koror bring tourists by boat to the island where they must complete a short, but steep, hike to reach the lake. Scuba diving is not allowed in the lake, however snorkeling without the use of fins is permitted. Tourists with jellyfish allergies are encouraged to wear protective suits while snorkeling in the lake.

Hudson Hot Air Affair

Every year thousands of people flock to Hudson, Wisconsin to celebrate the only winter balloon festival in the Midwest. The annual Hudson Hot Air Affair takes place in early February on the scenic shores of the St. Croix River Valley. Each year the Hudson Hot Air Affair has a theme such as ‘Peace, Love & Balloons', ‘Mardi Gras…Balloons & All That Jazz', and ‘The Roaring Twenties'. Over 40 balloon pilots from around the nation participate in the festival.

Local businesses begin the festivities the week before the celebration with kick off events, ski and hiking races, and other fun activities. During the weekend of the affair visitors can enjoy the morning and evening hot air balloon launches, shop, eat, watch an evening parade, attend concerts, try their hand at geocaching, or participate in a smoosh boarding race.

Jules Undersea Lodge

Beneath a quiet lagoon in Key Largo, Florida lies a one of a kind underwater lodge. The Jules Undersea Lodge lies 21 feet below the water, and is accessible only with scuba gear.

The lodge was once used as a research lab that explored the continental shelf outside of Puerto Rico, now it’s located inside the Key Largo Undersea Park’s Emerald Lagoon. Guests use scuba gear to reach the lodge, and enter it through a large hole in the bottom that is always open. To keep water from entering into the lodge, compressed air is constantly pumped in. The habitat has it’s own support system, and also a system that is run from a 24 hour crew on land.

Once inside, the underwater motel offers guests views of the underwater park through 42” round windows, a stocked kitchen, movies, books, hot showers, and even air conditioning.

Guests can relax in the underwater habitat, or get out and explore the marine park. The underwater park features a marine archaeology exhibit, underwater research and education habitat, and a mangrove lagoon full of marine life. The park offers a variety of dive certification classes, including an Underwater Habitat/Aquanaut dive specialty certification.

Non-divers can experience the lagoon and the lodge after a three-hour introductory course.

Snorkel Accessories - Snorkel/Dive Flags

Snorkelers and SCUBA divers use safety flags to increase their visibility to passing boats and other traffic. Snorkelers can utilize snorkel flags or dive flags while in the water. Snorkel flags are lightweight flags that attach to the snorkel and come in a variety of heights. Dive flags are attached to inflatables and pulled behind snorkelers and divers with a rope. Both flags are an extra precaution and should not be used to replace regular safety practices.