I recently spotted a man shaving with an electric razor as he was walking through the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. In your opinion, is this as rude as I think it is? A: Wow, just when I thought I’d heard it all, somebody figures out a new way to be a rude traveler. It is definitely not OK to use an electric razor while walking through the airport! First of all, personal grooming of any sort should not be done in a public place. If you woke up late and didn’t have time to shave before leaving for the airport, do it in the bathroom (either in the airport or on the plane). Otherwise, you’re basically sprinkling stubble on everyone you pass, which makes me want to reach for an airsickness bag.
Q: What do you think of tour companies that recommend outrageous tips? I paid $40 to take one of those two-hour “Homes of the Stars” tours in Beverly Hills. There was a sign on the bus that said a $10 tip was the norm but if your guide went “above and beyond,” you should tip $20. My guide was decent, and I gave him $8 — I thought 20 percent was reasonable. Was that OK?
A: Wow. They’re recommending a 50 percent tip? That’s completely insane. I mean, it’d be warranted if your guide spotted Brad and Angelina in their front yard and convinced them to invite your entire group in for a drink, but for a run-of-the-mill two-hour tour? No way.
I’ve heard tour companies say they post signs to remind people about tipping because some tourists, particularly from other countries, do not understand that the tour guides’ tips are a big part of their income. Well, fine — then put up a small “gratuities appreciated” sign. I don’t think it’s the tour company’s place to recommend a particular amount, though, especially if it’s ridiculously high.
Q: Can I take kids to a winery’s tasting room?
A: Depends on the winery. Some are very family-friendly and have play areas, offer kids sparkling grape juice, etc. Others don’t want kids around at all. I would always call ahead and ask if children are welcome. And, of course, your kids can’t bother anybody else in the tasting room. If, say, your toddler is badly in need of a nap and has a meltdown, you need to get him out of there, even if you’re in the middle of a tasting flight.
