When planning a trip, it’s natural to think about the big details first, including your destination, budget, and how you’re going to get there. Yet, one factor that often gets overlooked is how your choices will impact the local economy. By supporting small businesses, travelers can help communities grow stronger, creating benefits that will last long after they leave.
In this blog, we’ll explore practical ways you can support local economies through your ethical travel choices while also sharing sustainable travel tips, ensuring the places you love are around for years to come.
How Do My Travel Booking Choices Impact Local Economies?
Making choices that positively impact local economies is extremely important, and can make a significant difference. When you book with big chains, a lot of your money leaves the community, and doesn’t give small businesses the chance to thrive. On the other hand, choosing locally owned accommodations and restaurants means that your money goes directly to them, allowing them to stay open and serve the community.
What Should I Look For When Choosing Tours and Experiences?
When looking to book tours, the first thing you want to do is search for companies that are local and hire guides native to the area. Another thing to consider is if tour operators are working towards being eco-friendly and making choices that show respect for the environment and culture. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask questions so that you know exactly what that company’s goals and values are.
How Does Staying in Locally Owned Accommodations Make a Difference?Â
Staying at locally owned and operated accommodations means that you’ll be giving back to the community. Choosing to stay somewhere that is run by a family in town means that you’re contributing to the local economy. Additionally, you’ll come to find that staying at these types of accommodations will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, learn more about your destination and its history, and you can even meet some of the people who live in the area.Â
What’s the Best Way to Find Locally Run Businesses While Traveling?
One of the easiest ways to find locally run businesses while traveling is to ask the locals. They will have insight into all of the best spots around town, and can help point you in the right direction when it comes to restaurants, shopping, accommodations, and activities. They can give you more information about these places including who runs them and the history behind them, too.
Why Should Travelers Care About Supporting Local Economies?
In many places, the locals rely on tourists to boost their economy. When you choose to support local economies while traveling, you are giving them the opportunity to succeed, and compete with big corporations. This helps keep culture and traditions alive and leaves destinations feeling authentic. You are making your trip meaningful for not only you, but those around you, too.
Does Spending Locally Preserve Culture and Traditions?
When you choose to spend your money on locally owned and operated accommodations, restaurants, and tours, you are allowing the culture and traditions of that location to thrive. The people who live in these communities are able to continue to share their culture and teach others about their traditions, passing them down from generation to generation.
What Questions Should I Ask Before Booking?
If you want to support local businesses but aren’t sure where to start, don’t be afraid to ask questions. For example, when looking to book accommodations, you can ask if they’re locally owned, if they source supplies from the community, and if they have any processes in place to minimize their environmental impact. When it comes to booking a tour, you may want to consider asking if their guides are native to the area, how they are working towards being more sustainable, and if any of their profit will be put back into the community.
What Are Some Sustainable Travel Tips For Responsible Travel?
There are some tips that you can follow if you’re trying to travel sustainably, responsibly, and want to support the local economy. For starters, choose restaurants and accommodations that are owned by locals, and that source food from farms around the area. Another thing that you can do is choose companies that are committed to being eco-friendly. Additionally, do your best to shop at small businesses and choose experiences that give back.
How Can I Get a Passport or Travel Visa For My Upcoming Trip?
Once you’ve made your travel plans and are ready to embark on your journey, it’s important to ensure that you have a valid passport and travel visa (if needed). Many international countries require that you have both forms of documentation in order to enter, otherwise you could be turned away. Fortunately, a reliable company such as Swift can help you get your passport and visa quickly. Simply visit our website to get started. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there.
