Tower of Power

We were shocked to discover great reserves of kitsch in our readers’ souvenir caches of seashells and key chains, and by far the most common tchotchke was a miniature Eiffel Tower. Whether made of glass, plastic, metal or even syrup; in the form of a lighter, key chain or paperweight, many travellers apparently succumb to the charms of the mini-tower. Especially, as one respondent pointed out, when the bottom is irresistibly and ironically inscribed: “Made in China.”

The Tipping Point

According to Louise Masson, a former deputy chief of protocol and founder of etiquette firm Beau Gestes, it’s good form in Canada’s luxury hotels to tip housekeeping $3-4 a day during a stay of a few nights. (At the not-quite-luxury level, $2 a day will do.) Tipping customs and amounts can vary overseas, so be sure to ask your fellow travellers what the local standard is.