A reminder for vaccinated travellers to leave a tip during travels

As borders, restaurants, bars, and shops open up, we are once more seeing movements in cities. While some people are travelling outside their cities, others are visiting their favourite diners, bars, and entertainment zones. We certainly relish this time (with the utmost caution), but it is also important to think of those who have had the hardest time since March 2020. The tourism industry has been badly hit by the pandemic, and the least you can do right now is to encourage the workers in this industry. Here is a reminder for you to leave these people a tip.

The person carrying your bags into your hotel rooms, or loading and unloading them from your car deserves something extra during this hard time. Hotels have been running almost empty since the pandemic, and many people in this profession are underpaid. They manage to earn some extra money through the generous tips that have unfortunately stopped since last year. So, be kind, and give something extra.

Same as before, the ones cleaning your room, delivering your food and drinks everyday, they too deserve something extra. It is during such a time that the extra money will mean the world to them. Try to tip them at the end of each day. It is the least you could do.

Yet another category of employees who have been deeply affected by the pandemic. People who wait tables have been bringing smiles to our faces since ages, and it is only right to appreciate their effort. Even if the restaurants has a service charge, it is always nice to leave something extra for the waiter. Especially in a country such as India, the profession is often taken up by people from rural areas who travel to big cities for job opportunities. Most of them are even required to send money back home. Imagine the plight of such people since March 2020. No matter the size of the restaurant, leave a tip.

A category of employees who are completely depended on travel. These hardworking people wait at the railway station for you to take the train so that they can carry your heavy baggage and earn some money. It is true that we end up bargaining with them, but it is time to be reasonable on our part. It is time to make it right, because since the suspension of trains due to the pandemic, they have been jobless for months. Imagine that.

This horrendous job unfortunately still exists in certain parts. Establishments have such employees by the door, standing for hours, just so they can open the door and greet guests. While it is allowing them to earn a living, they could be better used someplace else in the workplace. If you come across such an employee, you could help them by handing a tip.

This is just an attempt to remind us about the realities on ground. While we are quite happy to go out and about, we must be mindful of the people around us. Also, following COVID protocol is a must, please ensure that you wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and sanitize your hands.