20 Great Ways to Support Local Communities While Traveling

Traveling is more than merely ticking off countries and sightseeing.   Travel can be a force for good.  It can be a platform to spread goodwill, get a better understanding of cultures unlike our own, and even a chance to give back and make a difference to the local community. 

In a time when many people seem to be turning inwards by focusing on division and exclusion (i.e., closing borders, rounding up migrant workers, etc.), embracing other local communities and cultures can give us hope and purpose.

The good news is that we don’t have to travel halfway around the world to enjoy these experiences. Cultural activities are available in most cities, ready for us to explore. 

Let's first look at the effects of travel on local communities.

The Positive Side of Travel on Local Communities

Travel and tourism can bring great things into local communities. Here are just a few.

• Economic Growth:  This one is huge.  Tourism creates jobs and, if done correctly, can manifest income equality.  Travelers can make their dollars count in local communities if spent in the right places.  Travel can stimulate local economies.
  

• Preservation of Cultural Identities:  Through the arts, customs, and history, travel allows us to learn about other cultures and appreciate our differences.  To understand the history of a place is key to understanding its people.
  

• Improves Infrastructure: Tourism dollars can be allocated to improving roads and public transportation, improving the locals’ lives. 
  

• Community Connection: This aspect of travel can potentially transform the world. I know that’s a bold statement. However, if we draw conclusions about specific cultures based solely on what we see or hear in the news, bias, ignorance, and racism will only gain more fuel.

  
  

We must engage with communities that differ from our own, or we risk moving backward, harming our planet, and equality. Travel and connection with local communities can change our views of people, their lives, and our own. 

The Negative Side of Travel on Local Communities

Travel doesn’t always benefit local communities. Here are a few issues locals face when travelers visit their community.

• Overtourism: Too many tourists in one location can lead to pollution, overcrowding, water shortages, noise, and the deterioration of local communities. This can be an entire blog post, but I will leave it here for now.
  

  

  
  

• Displacement of Locals: Tourism can lead to the displacement of residents, particularly Indigenous populations (the original inhabitants of the region). Quality of life issues such as limited economic opportunities and lack of affordable housing can displace locals in popular tourist destinations.
  

• Environmental Damage: Tourism can negatively impact local historical sites and natural landscapes. Plastic waste and CO2 emissions can affect once pristine and beautiful areas.

  
  

  

  
  

• Loss of Cultural Identity:  Traditional ways of life in a highly touristed location can lead to a loss of its cultural values and identity. 

Let’s look at what we can do to help support the local communities while we travel.

20 Great Ways to Support Local Communities While Traveling

1.  Stay at Locally Owned Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Avoid the big local hotel chains and choose locally owned hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or guesthouses. This way, about 80% of your travel dollars will go directly to the community.  Plus, you gain an authentic experience and personal touch that local establishments sometimes lack.

Support eco-friendly businesses. Choose accommodations that commit to sustainability, which is increasingly important to many travelers.

You can find eco-friendly hotels through EcoHotels.com or look for a “green certification” or label when you book your accommodation.

2.  Shop at Local Markets

Upon arrival to your next destination, locate the local markets.  Buying handmade or locally grown products helps sustain artisans, farmers, and regional economies.  Your travel dollars remain in the hands of the locals, not foreign conglomerates. 

Shopping in local street markets can be an experience in itself. Chatting with local vendors and hearing about their cultural and artistic talents can make your trip unique.   Long after the trip, we often remember the people we met and the connections we made rather than the long lines and crowds lined up for a photo of an iconic location. 

3.  Eat at Locally Owned Restaurants

Skip the tourist traps.  Instead, find a family-run restaurant that offers genuine regional cuisine.  Hint:  It’s usually a small establishment with limited seating. 

Did you know that dining in local restaurants keeps about 75% of your spending in the local economy?  You will not only enjoy tasty meals but also help sustain local families. 

Purchasing a banh mi sandwich from a street vendor in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a fantastic way to support the locals and savor the finest local cuisine. It’s a win for everyone! 

4.  Participate in a Cultural Workshop

This is a fun way to support locals. Find a local workshop and immerse yourself in local traditions, such as traditional cooking classes, pottery-making demonstrations, local history walking tours, language immersion sessions, Indigenous art workshops, and craft workshops featuring regional materials like basket weaving. 

One of my favorite cultural experiences was visiting villages along the Mekong River Delta in Vietnam a few years ago.  Locals were making “snake wine" (rice wine) infused with a whole cobra snake (or scorpion).   It tasted a bit like whiskey! 😉

5.  Volunteer Your Time

“Voluntourism” has become a popular thing to do while traveling.  Whether you help teach English, assist with environmental conservation, or participate in community development, many local organizations eagerly welcome travelers willing to volunteer. 

These organizations can also help raise awareness about local issues. 

6.  Use Public Transport

Using the local transportation system is an excellent way to connect with locals and reduce your carbon footprint.  By using public buses and trains, you’re supporting systems that rely on everyday riders.  In cities like Amsterdam, over 30% of tourists use public transport, which helps maintain these vital local services.

7.  Hire Local Guides

This is one of my favorite ways to give back to local communities. Whenever possible, I recommend using local guides instead of large tour companies.  The money goes back to the community, fostering economic and cultural exchange.  Again, it’s a win for everyone!

I use Get Your Guide and Viator to find locals who offer private tours or small group experiences. 

8.  Attend Local Events or Festivals 

Explore local festivals, fairs, ceremonies, or cultural events during your visit.  For example, if you're in Vietnam during this time, participating in the Vietnamese New Year, known as the Tet Holiday, can make your journey an even more meaningful experience when engaging with the local community.

9.  Support Community Projects

Look for opportunities to participate in community projects, such as beach clean-ups and tree planting. These activities have revitalized many local communities.

A project I particularly enjoy involves assisting locals in gathering single-use plastics from the beaches in Southeast Asia. Although it's not my home country, it is my ocean. I'm eager to contribute to eradicating single-use plastics or cleaning up the beaches!

10.  Protect Animals & Say No To Harmful Animal Tourism

Animal tourism is a type of travel that involves interacting with wild animals in their natural habitat. It can include riding elephants, swimming with dolphins in a pool, or taking selfies with sloths. Although it may benefit some locals, it can be harmful and cruel to wildlife and animals on the extinction list.

Educating yourself is the most effective way to ensure that animal tourism positively impacts wildlife. Inquire, conduct research, and avoid activities that harm animals. While animal tourism can be beneficial, it also has the potential to be detrimental.

11.  Donate to Local Charities

A small donation to a local charity can have a significant impact. Researching causes that matter to you.   Many small local charities run on limited budgets, and every little donation helps them continue their work in the community.

A personal favorite on my travels in Thailand was the Elephant Nature Park. 

12.  Buy Local Produce

Support local agriculture by purchasing your food from farmers or regional markets.  Studies show that buying locally can significantly lower your carbon footprint related to food transport.

13.  Participate in Farm Stays or Home Stays

Experience rural life by staying on a working farm or living with a local in their home. This can directly benefit the local community, as almost 90% of travelers' money goes to it. It’s also a great way to get a unique view of life in small communities and make beautiful connections. 

14.  Encourage Responsible Tourism

Be a champion of responsible tourism.  Leave no trace, keep your carbon footprint small, share your experiences, and encourage others to be mindful of their impact on local cultures and the environment. 

According to recent surveys, about 65% of travelers are likelier to choose destinations prioritizing responsible tourism practices. 

15.  Practice Random Acts of Kindness

When we travel, we can become ambassadors of our own country. Our behavior matters.  Spreading random acts of kindness is a great way to give back to a community that has welcomed travelers. 

A few ideas include learning a few phrases in the local language, making sure your tips go directly to the person doing the work, leaving positive reviews, being kind to the earth, and traveling sustainably.

16.  Respect Local Customs & Religions

Understanding and respecting the customs and religions of the local communities we visit is crucial. Whether by greeting locals in their native language or engaging in traditions, this appreciation helps build positive connections.

17.  Utilize the Local Services

A great way to support local communities is to use their local services. Taxis, ride-shares, or bike rentals are great options. Support local businesses and small entrepreneurs to keep travel dollars in the community.   It’s also a great way to meet locals.

18.  Spread the Word

Share your experiences in supporting local businesses and initiatives.  Write reviews, share stories, and inspire change. 

19.  Share Your Skills

Are you good at something?  Do you have experience that could benefit the local community?  Sharing your knowledge or your time in ways that help locals and strengthen community ties can benefit us all.

20.  Be a Responsible Traveler

This may appear obvious, but many of us have met the inconsiderate and careless traveler. Knowing about your destination's local economy, customs, and environmental issues is essential.

Promoting fair trade practices and being conscious of our travel impact benefit both the planet and the communities we visit. Our goal as travelers should be to reduce our impact on local resources and ensure our travel spending supports the right people.

The world is filled with lively communities ready to share their unique traditions and stories.  We don't have to go far to discover places unlike our own.

Happy travels, and remember:  every small action you take makes a difference in the lives of someone! 

Marla

 For additional reading on sustainable & responsible travel, check out a few of my favorite resources:

The New Tourist: Waking Up To The Power and Perils of Travel, Paige McClanahan, 2024.

Sustainable Travel: The Essential Guide To Positive-Impact Adventures, Holly Tuppen, 2021.

Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World. Anu Taranath, 2019.