How to Support Local Communities When You Travel
Traveling in a way that supports local communities means choosing stays, food, tours, and activities that keep your money in the hands of locals while giving you more authentic experiences.
One of the most rewarding parts of traveling is connecting with the people who live in the places you visit. By making conscious choices, you can help ensure your trip benefits the local community and leaves a positive impact long after you’ve gone. Supporting local communities doesn’t just feel good—it enriches your travel experience with authentic encounters, meaningful stories, and deeper cultural understanding.
Stay in Locally Owned Accommodation
We love staying in family-run guesthouses and small boutique hotels. It feels more personal, and we always get the best tips from our hosts on hidden spots. Not only will more of your money stay in the local economy, but you’ll also enjoy a warmer, more personal experience. We normally find them through:
Eat at Local Restaurants and Street Stalls
Some of our favorite meals have come from tiny street stalls or family-owned cafés. Skip the global fast-food chains and try the neighborhood eateries. Food is one of the best ways to understand a culture, and eating at locally owned spots directly supports chefs, farmers, and small business owners. Street food tours or local cooking classes are also a great way to meet people while enjoying the best flavors. We find the best eateries through our hosts recommendations or GoogleMaps.
READ | How We Make Sustainable Food Choices When Traveling
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Book Tours with Local Guides
We love joining tours and activities that show the real side of a place. A good local guide can make even a short walk special, sharing stories and traditions you won’t find in a guidebook. In each country, some platforms are more popular than others, so in our city guides we link the tours we enjoyed the most. That way, you can easily find great experiences wherever you travel. Find the best tours and local guides with:
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Buy Handcrafted Souvenirs
Mass-produced souvenirs are often produced in other countries under harsh working conditions and shipped all over the globe. Instead, look for handicrafts made by local artisans. Whether it’s textiles, pottery, or jewelry, buying directly from the maker helps preserve traditional skills and gives you a unique keepsake with a story. We always try to buy directly from artisans, like the handmade Batik we brought back from a tiny workshop in Indonesia. These souvenirs have stories you’ll never find in mass-produced items.
Respect Local Customs and the Environment
Supporting communities isn’t just financial, but it’s also about being a respectful visitor. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, dress appropriately for cultural sites, and avoid activities that exploit wildlife or people. A smile, a respectful gesture, or learning a few local phrases goes a long way. Being a thoughtful guest is the simplest way to give back.
Travel Slowly
By spending more time in one place, you build deeper connections, spread your spending more evenly, and reduce the environmental impact of constant movement. Slow travel allows you to immerse yourself in daily life, support more local businesses, and create lasting friendships. Traveling slowly often means using public transport or long-distance buses, which lets you see more of daily life and connect with locals along the way.
READ | Things You Can Do to Travel More Responsibly
Support Local Farms and Markets
Visiting local farmers' markets is a fun way to try fresh produce and meet the people who grow it. You’ll often find fruits, snacks, and treats unique to the region, and the money you spend goes straight to the farmers and producers.
Join Community-Based Projects
Some destinations offer opportunities to volunteer or participate in workshops run by local communities. From reforestation projects to traditional craft lessons, these experiences give back while deepening your understanding of the culture.
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