Five Ways to Better Support Local Communities While You Travel

12 August 2022

Tourism is one of the most important industries in the world for providing employment to people. In fact, almost one in ten jobs globally are linked to tourism and in some countries, this is much higher.

Here are some ways you can ensure that the host communities that you visit benefit from your trip and share a stake in ensuring the longevity of the destination.

Avoid Honeypot Locations

Honeypot locations are those that attract huge numbers of tourists each year, who subsequently place excessive pressure on the local environment and people. While honeypot sites can generate revenue for a country, they are sometimes associated with problems such as overcrowding and diluting of local culture.

Next time you travel, ask your Travel Counsellor for their recommendation on an alternative to a popular favourite so that you can enjoy the type of holiday you want while experiencing something different.

Eat at Independent Restaurants

Food is one of the principal reasons for many people to travel abroad. The chance to try new dishes that open our eyes to fresh flavours is an enticing prospect and one that shouldn’t be missed.

The best way to ensure you get an authentic flavour of your destination is to eat at locally owned restaurants, using recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Choose Tours That Use Local Guides

By using a local tour guide you’ll get the opportunity to see your destination through the eyes of a local, seeing off-the-beaten-track spots that the average tourist doesn’t get to see. You’re also likely to get an insight into local culture as guides happily share stories and customs from their homeland.

Look at Charities Like 'Pack for a Purpose'

Pack for a Purpose helps travellers to make a meaningful contribution to the places they visit by packing items that are most in need there.

They provide supply lists to travellers that have been created by community-based projects, in the host destination, that ultimately receive and use the supplies enabling travellers to make informed decisions and to take items that meet the needs of those who will be using them.

Buy Locally Produced Handicrafts

Asides from being a great way to support the host economy, choosing locally produced goods makes for the best souvenirs as it allows you to take away an authentic piece of the places you visit and also makes for an interesting gift for friends and family.

Whether that’s Aboriginal dot paintings from Australia, classic Vietnamese lanterns from Hoi An, or intricate shawls from India, you can get some amazing gifts by shopping local.

For more advice on how you can travel more responsibly, get in touch today.

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