Russian holidaymakers have described the most unusual situations in which they left tips while travelling, according to research by hotel booking service Otello.
The study, which was obtained by Russian news outlet Lenta.ru, detailed how travellers rewarded service workers for unexpected acts of hospitality, ranging from personal fruit harvesting to pet care.
In one instance, a survey participant explained that he tipped a transfer driver in Abkhazia who went well beyond standard transport duties. Besides taking the passenger to his destination, the driver provided a short guided tour along the route and brought the traveller to his private dacha to pick fresh tangerines and figs.
Abkhazia is a region situated along the eastern coast of the Black Sea, famous for its coastal resorts, mountainous landscapes, and citrus orchards. Otello is a Russian digital service used by travellers to search for and book hotel rooms and holiday accommodation.
Pet beds and restaurant advice
Another Russian holidaymaker reported leaving tips for a security guard who gave her daily recommendations on the best local establishments for eating meat. Personal service also prompted tipping in Southeast Asia during the spring travel season.
A female tourist who travelled to Vietnam in May 2026 with her Pomeranian spitz shared that she tipped a hotel employee for showing special attention to her dog. After coming back from the beach, she found her pet resting on a dog bed that the attentive staff member had specially brought to the room.
Vietnam has long been a popular tropical destination for international tourists, while the Pomeranian spitz is a toy dog breed known for its compact size and thick coat. Hotel services in international resorts frequently adapt to accommodate guests travelling with domestic animals.
Lost items and traditional gifts
The study also revealed that multiple participants left tips as a reward for the return of forgotten possessions. Holidaymakers stated that they tipped staff members who successfully returned misplaced items, including mobile phones, electronic tablets, caps, and bags.
The findings build on earlier insights into how Russian travellers express gratitude to hospitality staff. Russian travel blogger Sasha Konovalova previously identified the most common items tourists hand over to hotel employees in Turkey and Egypt, revealing that holidaymakers most frequently gift staff chocolate and sweets.
Turkey and Egypt remain two of the most frequented warm weather holiday destinations for international travellers, where guest rewards and small gifts form a traditional part of resort culture.
