Is There a Right Way to Spend Money When Traveling?

[mtp51]

Good question! The buy local concept is always a first priority for me whether I'm traveling or not.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/03/13...fzAUGMrk64ngVA

[tdew]

It's an interesting article, but I almost didn't read it when I saw the first line...

"I’VE long considered myself a relatively generous person."

The author seemed just a bit too impressed with himself.

[Kairho]

Bargaining.

To us it's a game; to the locals it's survival. Can we not have both?

I say yes, and try to do both whenever possible. I love to haggle. Hard. Especially if I like the vendor in the first place (well presented, good product, engaging, and so on) ... I won't even start with a sourpuss. And I try to get a handle on the true price of something I want before I go in for "the kill." So I can almost know what the vendor's cost is.

Then I will bargain hard. Always smiling and playing the game. It is not difficult to see when the limits have been reached, the vendor's personality changes, they stand firmer and begin to lose interest. But I've already decided on a fair price for both of us and regardless of the outcome of the haggling, that's what is paid.

I often get astonished looks when I refuse the change (always have the exact money already counted out and in a pocket) which quickly turn to broad smiles and laughs when I explain the extra is "for the game." We become best friends for a few minutes and then life continues, each gaining respect for the other.