Tipping While Traveling

My question is about tipping while traveling.

On our June honeymoon we’re traveling throughout Europe. We’re slightly mystified as to how to tip. Guidebooks differ on when exactly tipping isn’t necessary and how much to tip when we should tip. Not to be a cheapskate, but we’re never going to see these people again so why tip? And when we do have to tip, how much and to whom?

–DR, Providence, RI

Basically, it is polite to show your appreciation by tipping while traveling those who have helped you or waited on you.

Travel specialists suggest tipping directly to the individual rather than, for instance, leaving an envelope with cash at the front desk to be distributed to the hotel staff, which the people who helped you may never receive.

In hotels tip the people directly who wait on you and take care of your room: the equivalent of $5 a night to the housekeeper who makes your bed and cleans; $3 to $5 per bag to the bell people who deliver your bags to your room; $2 to the person who arranges a cab for you; to the concierge you would tip $5 to $10 dollars depending on how much s/he did for you by making a dinner reservation at the in restaurant, securing hard to obtain theatre or concert tickets, or recommending an English speaking tour guide.
When engaging an English-speaking tour guide or driver for the day, you would tip anywhere from $25 to $50. For a driver, $15 to $25 for half a day.
In restaurants the tip is usually included in what is called the service charge, but for very good to excellent service, tip the waiter and sommelier a little something extra directly at your discretion.
For hairdressers, beauticians, barbers, masseuses, masseurs, and other personal services when the tip or service charge is not included in the price, tip accordingly for good to excellent service, anywhere from $5 to $25 depending on the length of time and quality of the care.