I was walking down a cliff to the beach when a vendor stopped me to sell her wares. I declined as I was perched on an uneven stone staircase without a handrail and my priorities were climbing down without falling, going for a swim and avoid showing anyone where I stored my cash.

When I was finished with my enjoyable visit, the vendor greeted me. The only item that interested me was the beaded coin bracelet. I purchase three. Then the next vendor approached with a 33% discount if I...

Besides sand and surf, I like to dabble in a bit of bartering with beach vendors.  I do it to engage with locals and have some fun.  I don't seek to trade "up".  I aim to release an item that I don't really want and receiving an item I do. 

I was on a cruise which stopped for the day on Antigua.  In my beach bag, I tossed a new blouse from my closet which had the tags still attached.  I brought it on the cruise because of its packability, it was sleeveless and it was stylish and a quality...