The Grateful Traveler
By Greg Stathakis, PNG Travel

Danke, Merci, Gracias, Teri Mahkasi, or as they say in Papua New Guinea tenkyu, sometimes written 10Q!

Is it r-e-a-l-l-y all about money? Not long ago, I asked the towering, dignified doorman of the Grand Bretagne hotel in Athens how to obtain early, early morning transport to the airport, as well as someone who would help me lug two big containers of my favorite Kalamata olive oil from the taxi to the ticket counter. He replied, "The way to say ‘thank you’ in Greek is with money!"

Well, yes, money is nice. And a genuine spoken ‘thank you’ to someone, given with eye contact/acknowledgement, is good. Then there’s also the fun of "gifting." In travels and life often the personal touch is neglected. This oversight can be remedied with small gifts of appreciation.

Recently, I found the See's candy trolley at LAX airport departure gate a sweet source of a convenient, thoughtful way to remember a "thank you" for those I'll soon see on business or holiday. Small boxes of chocolates, incredibly addictive Toffee-ettes, gourmet lollipops or gift certificates can be stowed in a carry-on bag.

At one hotel upon my arrival the desk employees smile and jostle, saying "See's!" “Good, rich candy!"

It's amazing what a little candy, gift or money can do.

At another hotel, the housekeeper especially liked the wrapped candy and two dollar bills I'd leave with a note of appreciation. One day, after watching her savor the gourmet candies, I couldn't tell if the housekeeper looking into my eyes with gratitude liked me or the candy more. I didn't ask for, but received extra towels, a feather pillow rather than an unresilient foam version, extra pens, and extra note pads.

It's not about ego or getting something for nothing. It's about gratitude and sharing. For the price of one night of gambling or a good dinner with wine, you can provide gifts and gratuities to a whole range of personnel who make travel so much smoother.

As Martha Beck, columnist for Oprah Magazine, writes in Finding Your Own North Star, "Giveaways are a central element of many cultures. People in these societies gain status not by having stuff but by giving stuff.

She adds, "You give because it makes you happy. You don't have the slightest need to be repaid or to sit around admiring your own generosity."

What to "gift?" That's up to you.

Two dollar bills are especially fun. I order a bundle of these unusual bills from my bank so that I can give them out later in an envelope or unadorned. They are always appreciated. Some people recognize me as the $2 bill man, rather than as Greg Stathakis or whatever they think is my big fat, unpronounceable Greek name. I've had personnel not remember me until I brought out the $2 bill and then watched their eyes shine with happy recognition. I’ve even put them taped and on top of a thank you card for the trash collector. He opens the lid and happy surprise!

Gift certificates from nationwide bookstores I buy in quantities of ten dollars each, to be given to an exceptional staff member. A special gratuity designated for children or loved ones is also memorable and sure winner.

Before travel to Third World countries I scout the special bargain or dollar stores to buy key chain LED (non-battery) flashlights, mirrors, inexpensive watches, boxed pen and pencil sets – all of which are especially good.

Last year, as I was cleaning house before heading to a remote overseas location, my floor buffer no longer worked. Since buffers were not in stock in retail stores, I hurriedly rushed to the closest large thrift shop. (It's amazing the crazy chores we do before a trip.) No floor buffer was to be found, but I happened to spot an exceptional shipment of shirts and blouses, clean and like new, at only $5 a piece. After the thrift store manager discovered they were headed to the Third World as gifts, the sale price was reduced further. I asked myself which is harder to obtain in some regions, money or clothing? In this case, it was clothing. Corrupting the culture with our clothing? Maybe, but I've returned years later and seen some of the clothing still worn and appreciated.

Soaps from hotels, large bottles of aspirin or non-aspirin, or used spectacles are appreciated in some very remote areas. Clients on trips I escort to Papua New Guinea are asked to bring used eyeglasses and school supplies. The excitement these generate is quite a sight, people passing around spectacles looking for the ones that work for them. Surely your neighbors, friends, and relatives would be happy to unload those old spectacles gathering dust for years in cupboards and drawers.

Sometimes I download from my computer black and white designs or photos I’ve taken and then create greeting cards matched with large envelopes from an office supply store. I make other cards bearing favorite quotations. Once wrapped and ribboned with care, they make unusual, personal and inexpensive gifts.

Humorous gifts in good or borderline taste are fun too. There's nothing like watching the unexpected glee brought by "silly string," sparklers, or an animated hand puppet.

Back at home, I even keep a few carefully gift wrapped generic gifts, such a boxed pen set, in the trunk of my car. Perhaps I'll encounter exceptional service, see an acquaintance or friend after a long absence, discover someone's having a bad day, or maybe find I have made a faux pas. I know that in the trunk of my car, there are always a few little gifts to make  someone's day.

Once I learned that the personable restaurant server, so caring and helpful everyday, had a special interest in abandoned dogs and animals in general. She told me about Best Friends Magazine, an interesting and impressive non-profit publication. Now instead of a gratuity I provide a donation or gift subscription in her honor.

A few words about gratuities to housekeepers: some guests leave the funds at the end of their stay. I believe in daily tipping as you go. It ensures that the employee who just happened to be working the last day of your stay doesn't get the entire gratuity for which others also worked.

Many hotels and resorts are cutting employee benefits. Workers toil and have little opportunity to even dream about travel. We are blessed to be inveterate travelers and to be able to provide little tokens of appreciation. These gifts help build good will. They could be considered direct foreign exchange from thankful Yanks to workers overseas.

One isn't going to make any permanent mark on humanity, but "gifting" a spontaneously thank you is a pleasure and often contagious. We occasionally find ourselves stuck in roles or ruts - Being out of character can grow on you.

Why limit Thanksgiving to one day in November? It only takes a few minutes to provide a personal thank you, yet you and the recipient will appreciate the outcome for a long time.