15 Hidden Fees Americans Often Face on International Trips
10. The "Free" Walking Tour Fallacy: When "Pay-What-You-Wish" Has Expectations
"Free" walking tours are a popular way to get oriented, but they usually operate on a "pay-what-you-wish" model, with guides relying entirely on tips. While you can technically walk away without paying, there's a strong social expectation (and often direct encouragement) to tip generously. The Ingenious Part: The "free" label attracts, but the model relies on tipping. Sidestep it (the surprise, not necessarily the tip): Understand that these guides work hard. Budget a reasonable tip (e.g., $10-20 USD equivalent per person) as part of the tour's cost from the outset.
