Tip: Take a Free Walking Tour to Explore a New City

In case you weren't aware and are looking for something to do on your next trip, many cities around the world offer free walking tours. There isn't an official fee for these tours, but the idea is that you tip your guide at the end of the tour if you're satisfied.

The guides are typically knowledgeable, energetic and speak excellent English. Depending on the country you're visiting, these tours have different times, lengths, styles and are created by different companies (some are even sponsored by the city itself), but a simple Google search can help you find one that's right for you.

How much should you tip? It depends on the length of the tour, how other people are on the tour and and how satisfied you are after the tour, but it's common to tip anywhere from $5-$20 per person. If you consider the cost of paying for a group or private tour, even though "free" tours aren't totally free, you're still saving money. For example, a 3.5 hour walking tour on Viator.com in Bangkok starts at $33.50 (though it does include hotel drop off and pickup). A free walking tour would cost you just the price of the tip. Even if you tipped $15, that's still less than half the cost of the paid tour.

If you're interested in seeing what's available on your next trip, try Googling the city you're going to and the phrase "free walking tour" to see what comes up. You'll never know if you don't check.