Guides - would you ever consider

[Anonymous]

sending money to them on an annual basis?

We had a great guide for a trip last spring break, someone who really went above and beyond the job description and everyone in the family appreciated his efforts.

We provided him with a generous tip and he was very appreciative. I've been wondering about whether making an annual gift to him and his young family. Thinking in the ~$500 range. We can afford this. While we do like tax deductions from donations, sometimes one can make the most difference is with a direct payment to someone.

$500 is not going to send his kids to the most expensive private schools in his hometown, but it would take a hit out of their school fees.

OTOH, I am aware, as I've spent a fair amount of time in his home country, that such a move might encourage other requests. Not always, but might.

Thoughts? TIA.

[Anonymous]

I can not imagine being comfortable with this as the guide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can not imagine being comfortable with this as the guide.

Are you mental? He’d be comfortable af.

OP— I’d do it if you feel like you can send it without giving away your exact location and if you feel like they would be unlikely to find all your details online. FWIW—I’ve made significant donations to places we’ve volunteered with abroad—not international organizations but just little group homes. I’ve always mentally prepared myself for being pressed for more money and it has never happened.

[Anonymous]

The phrase "charity starts at home" really means that we should be generous and giving with people whom we know who need it. So this is a great opportunity for you.

But there is also that phrase "no good deed goes unpunished," and it can certainly apply in situations like this. So just be careful.

I'm not sure there is a correct answer to this.

[Anonymous]

Your gesture, while well meaning, may come across as patronizing. He has no way of repaying you, and it's not a comfortable position to be in for many ppl.

If you want to send his kids Christmas presents every year, that would be more palatable.

[Anonymous]

Would you ever visit again? Maybe this person could become a penpal type friend?

Or you could maybe make a one-time gesture. Just write a note and say..."I had the best experience last year, it made a deep impression. I'd like to pay you again for the tour to let you know how great a job you did'".

Then offer to put some recs out wherever they'd be useful. Trip Advisor? AirBnB?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your gesture, while well meaning, may come across as patronizing. He has no way of repaying you, and it's not a comfortable position to be in for many ppl.

If you want to send his kids Christmas presents every year, that would be more palatable.

This is not really a country where you can send gifts and be confident of receipt.

I'm confuse about the repay. It's a gift with no thought of repay.

The guide knows we are aware of the country's economy. Lots of folks receive foreign remittances. Feels like there is a spot on nearly corner, if not multiple on a block.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you ever visit again? Maybe this person could become a penpal type friend?

Or you could maybe make a one-time gesture. Just write a note and say..."I had the best experience last year, it made a deep impression. I'd like to pay you again for the tour to let you know how great a job you did'".

Then offer to put some recs out wherever they'd be useful. Trip Advisor? AirBnB?

I'm not certain we would visit again, though DH really enjoyed it. He can be a bit picky so I could see that he might suggest again in a few years though with a different twist on a trip.

This isn't a culture with cross-gender penpals, though DCs connected on social media.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can not imagine being comfortable with this as the guide.

Are you mental? He’d be comfortable af.

OP— I’d do it if you feel like you can send it without giving away your exact location and if you feel like they would be unlikely to find all your details online. FWIW—I’ve made significant donations to places we’ve volunteered with abroad—not international organizations but just little group homes. I’ve always mentally prepared myself for being pressed for more money and it has never happened.

LOL, yes - comfortable af.

Thanks for your observations and will look into more on how this works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The phrase "charity starts at home" really means that we should be generous and giving with people whom we know who need it. So this is a great opportunity for you.

But there is also that phrase "no good deed goes unpunished," and it can certainly apply in situations like this. So just be careful.

I'm not sure there is a correct answer to this.

yeah, agree.

[Anonymous]

You should do your best to bring him more business.
Write reviews on TripAdvisor, google, and any other travel review site you see.

When people here and other social media are looking for recommendations, recommend that country and his service specifically.

[Anonymous]

hm..I've never thought of that before. I've sent money to friends I've made abroad but it has always led to more requests. I think a gift sounds lovely, whether annual or not, and can go a long way. I say do it. Don't say it's annual or anything but send a nice message about how you wanted to do something nice for him and appreciate how he made your trip successful or something. Then, next year if you want to do it again, you can.

[Anonymous]

Maybe send it once, for Christmas, the anniversary of your trip, whatever. Don’t mention the future…but you can keep it in mind as time goes on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should do your best to bring him more business.
Write reviews on TripAdvisor, google, and any other travel review site you see.

When people here and other social media are looking for recommendations, recommend that country and his service specifically.

This is a good idea, and treats him like an entrepreneur (rather than charity case). Thereby nothing wrong with what you are proposing …if you consider him a friend and link it to something like an occasion. (You might also ask someone tied to that culture how it would likely be received)

[Anonymous]

I had a great guide in bali, she added me on FB. She later started soliciting money via FB and it felt so so so inappropriate. So no, I probably wouldn't do this.