Spending where it matters
Dear Traveller, The Things Worth Paying For
- Reading time
- 3 minutes
Dear Traveller,
Not everyone travels with the same budget, and this letter is not about spending more. It is about where money goes.
When you buy from a family-run stall, book a licensed local guide or pay entry to a community museum, your money is more likely to stay in the place you are visiting.
What we love
♥Local guides
A good guide adds context you cannot get from a sign.
♥Craft and makers
Buying directly from makers supports traditional skills.
♥Small restaurants
Family-run places often offer better food and better value.
What we'd tell a friend
- On a tight budget
- Free walking tours (tip what you can), markets and public parks are wonderful ways to experience a place.
- Tipping
- Norms vary by country. Check local customs.
This is general guidance. Prices, timetables, opening hours and entry rules change, so please check the official sources below before you travel.
Handle with care
Haggling is normal in some places, but remember that a small sum to you may be significant to the seller.
Before you go
- UN Tourism: Global Code of Ethics for Tourism ↗ (opens an external site)
Dear Traveller, spend where it matters.
With love,
The WTWL Team
Written July 2026
Spotted something out of date? Send us a correction.
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