Posts in Getting Around
The Tipping Point: When Generosity Turns Into Obligation

I recently experienced something that left me utterly gobsmacked and believe me, I've seen a lot in my years of globetrotting. I was checking out of a lovely hotel in Mykonos, Greece—sun, sea, and... sticker shock.

A Shocking Tipping Request in Mykonos

As I handed my credit card over to the front desk, the clerk slipped it into the card reader and handed it back to me. And there it was—like a surprise party you didn't want—an American-style tipping prompt. What percentage of my bill would I like to tip?

I was genuinely flummoxed, staring back at the two tanned, guilt-wielding staff members. "Sorry," I stammered. "Tip for what, exactly?"

"Well, you know, if you were happy with our service," one replied, referencing the dinner reservation they made for me at Scorpios. Hang on, isn’t that the concierge's job?

In utter disbelief, I clarified, "You want a tip on the entire hotel bill? Including the already-inflated high-season room rate, taxes, and the tips I’ve already left?" They did.

Of course, I didn't pay it. The sheer absurdity of it! But it got me wondering—would they ask a local Athenian for a tip? Not a chance, according to my Greek friends.

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Getting Around, ExploreChristina Fordtipping, tipping culture, travel, travel expenses, social media reactions, tipping norms, Instagram, TikTok, Mykonos, Greece Comment
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee

It's a party the likes the world has never seen…and likely will never see again. And whether you are a royal lover or not, it makes absolutely no difference. Because no one can deny the incredible lifelong dedication Queen Elizabeth II has given to her country. Seventy years ago, Princess Elizabeth, at the age of 25, became Queen. For those of you that don't get this significance, let me help you out.

In the history of the British monarchy, and it goes back, well, forever, there has never been a King or Queen sitting on the throne for this extraordinary length of time. To put this into layman's terms, the Queen is still working at her job a whopping thirty years past the age when most people have retired. That, my friends, is service.

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People of London, Things I Love, Getting Around, Things to DoChristina FordQueen's Platinum Jubilee, Trooping Of Colour, Royal Air Force, Street Parties, Mayfair, Concert, Buckingham Palace, Pageant, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, Alicia Keys, Adam Lambert, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Duran Duran Comments
A BROAD IN LONDON'S ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING SOLO  

He (or in this case she) who is outside their door has the hardiest part of the journey behind them. Dutch Proverb

According to a recent study women travelling alone are currently making the biggest changes to the global tourism industry. With a 131% increase over the last two years of women spreading their travel wings and flying solo. 

And I can tell you why…

Travelling alone gives you a perfect time to reflect and really learn something about yourself.

You do what you want, when you want and what interests you. You gain a much needed appreciation and perspective on life, something no on else can give you. By climbing out of your comfort zone, by travelling alone it is truly where I have experienced the most amazing personal growth. 

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Explore, Getting Around, Life Lessons, Things to DoChristina FordSolo Travel, Flying Solo, Dutch Proverb, Global Tourism, Five Essential Travel Items, Suzy Strutner, Essential Tips, Essential Travel Guide, Women Travelling Solo, Google Maps, Google Translate, Spotify, Calm, Audible, Colin Firth, Runyon Canyon Park, Ronda, Ovejas Negras Restaurant, Plaza de Toros, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Anatole France Comments