Travel experts warn against one tipping habit while visiting popular vacation spots

While navigating new currencies and customs, small gestures like leaving loose change on a table may not translate well, travel expert Rick Steves warned.

And in busy settings, "the wrong party might pocket the change," Steves warned.

But in Europe, where servers are paid a living wage, tipping is not a necessity and handing over a handful of small coins may come across as dismissive.

"It is not always the amount alone that shapes the impression," said LaDell Carter, founding partner of Royal Expression Travels in Maryland. "It is the presentation and the intention behind it."

That doesn't mean travelers should abandon tipping altogether.

When percentages are used, they're modest by American standards. Around 5% is considered adequate, while 10% is generous, according to Steves. In fact, tipping 15% to 20% can be seen as excessive. 

"Resist the urge to tip American-style," he advised.

Payment method also matters. While card payments are widely accepted, tips are often best given in cash to ensure they go directly to the server because some businesses may not pass along card-based gratuities in full.

It's important to keep in mind that a one-size-fits-all approach won't work in Europe, said Steve Schwab, Arizona-based CEO of Casago, a vacation rental and property management company.

"It can vary from one country to the next, so we can't exactly generalize it as 'European tipping culture,'" Schwab told Fox News Digital.

"In general, the Nordic countries are the ones where tipping is least expected, largely because they are known for paying high wages and/or including service charges in their bills already."

Experts also recommend reviewing bills carefully, checking for built-in service charges and observing local customs before deciding what to leave. When it doubt, don't be afraid to ask the locals for country-specific norms.