Save holiday spending money by tipping correctly

British families could save up to £135 in holiday spending money just by investing a few minutes reading up on the tipping etiquette for the country they are visiting, according to new research.

The survey by M&S Travel Money found that almost 40% of British holidaymakers don't familiarise themselves with expected gratuities and customs before they travel and as a result will regularly hand out unnecessary amounts of cash in tips which can add up to as much as 30% of their total holiday spending funds.

The research found that:

One in six Brits believe it is customary to tip in Japan - a country where tipping is actually deemed highly insulting

39% of British women admit they don't know where tipping rules do and don't apply vs 28% men

55+ is the age group least informed about tipping expectations and as a results are the most likely to find themselves out of pocket

1 in 10 Britons finds themselves 'caught short' with less spending money than anticipated due to an oversight regarding tips

Despite a third of Brits saying they dislike leaving tips, tipping is still a culture that many families comply with abroad, often due to peer pressure and a misunderstanding of foreign expectations:

One in 6 men will follow what others are leaving as a guideline as to what to tip

Nearly one in three Britons (28%) admit they tip more generously abroad than they do in the UK

Britons can tip for up to 13 different customer services abroad, ranging from taxi drivers and porters, to tour guides and toilet attendant

1 in 4 Britons will leave a small tip regardless of whether the service was good or not

James Yerkess, M&S Travel Money Manager and author of the brand's newly launched online Tip Advisor Guide, said: "Whilst the eyes of cash conscious holidaymakers are eagerly scouring for the best holiday deals, this new research exposes a significant and forgotten holiday cost factor.

"Most British families don't consider the additional cost of customary tipping in countries like the USA, Egypt and some parts of Europe. They will also often pay over the odds by not knowing expected tip requirements - and if it's required at all. For example, over 40% of Brits think it is customary to leave a tip in Italy. Many therefore could have tipped unnecessarily in Italian restaurants as tips are not expected in this country for standard service."

The research also reveals that during these recessionary times, one in ten Brits will be staying ‘tight tipped' this summer admitting they are less likely to tip due to the recession.

For those Brits travelling this summer and looking to keep a careful eye on their cash flow, M&S Travel Money has launched a free Tip Advisor Guide. The online guide at marksandspencer.com/travelmoney details global tipping etiquette, clearly highlighting who and when to tip and listing regional expectations and tip recommendations to help avoid unnecessary expenditure.

James Yerkess adds: "It will prove a valuable cash saving travel tool for roaming Brits this summer - at no cost whatsoever."

Marks & Spencer Travel Money is available at bureaux de change in M&S stores across the country, also online at marksandspencer.com/travelmoney