9 Easy Yet Impactful Ways to Support Locals When You Travel

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my eight years of traveling, is to find impactful ways to support locals when you travel!

You may not realize it, but most of the time when you book a generic hotel, or buy a souvenir, the money does not go to the locals! Usually it’s a foreign company and most typical souvenirs come from China! It may take a little extra effort to find them, but here are some easy ways you can support the locals instead!

(Photos are from my most recent trip to Havana!)

Stay at BnB’s, Homestays or Guesthouses

BnB’s (AKA Bed and Breakfasts), homestays, and guesthouses typically are all run by locals. Sometimes foreigners run them as investment properties, but there are ways of figuring out if they’re actually run by locals.

Although AirBnB takes a big cut from bookings, I will say that the ability to see the bio of the renter helps! It’s an easy way to see if they’re local or not!

Eat At Locally Owned Restaurants

Finding locally owned restaurants can be tricky, but if you’re willing to put in a little extra time, it’s appreciated! A quick google search of “locally owned restaurants in _____” should do the trick!

Or simply checking out the restaurant’s bio on IG, FB, or their website works too!

Buy Local Handicrafts and Art

As I mentioned, the majority of the world’s souvenirs are actually from China. Even if it looks like it was made in the country you’re in, there’s a good chance it was still made in China.

So how do you find something authentic? Look for local artisan markets that sell handicrafts! They’re usually easy to find online, on TripAdvisor forums, blog posts, and Facebook groups!

I always look for locally designed and made clothing wherever I travel. And then I donate my own clothing in the same amount of items I purchase.

Shop At Local Farmer’s Markets and Grocers

Buying locally grown food is such an amazing and important way to support locals when you travel! You have to understand how many farmers there are worldwide, and how little money most of them make.

You can find local grocers and farmer’s markets everywhere! Since this is usually a super local thing to do, as most travelers have shorter stays and therefore don’t grocery shop much, your best bet is to of course, ask a local!

Participate in a Local Experience

Everywhere you travel has its own unique cultural experiences. And along with them, are locals offering the opportunity to experience them!

From taking a salsa dance class in Cuba to learning how to feed Reindeer in Norway, cultural experiences are a great way to not only support the locals when you travel, but to learn more about them as well!

Just like everything else, try to make sure they are actually offered by locals! I once took a paella cooking class in Spain, and the host was from Russia, so it didn’t seem as authentic! You can also find these experiences on AirBnb.

Donate Clothes or Goods

If you’re going to a destinations that you know lacks certain items, it’s always nice to bring some as “gifts”. Be careful using the word “donations” because many countries will confiscate them! In fact, just stick to the word gifts.

Giving gifts can be a bit tricky, because you don’t want to offend anyone (look up the term “white savior”), and also you want to be sure to give them to the right people. You also must be careful with kids items; for example, if you want to donate school supplies, you have to make sure you have enough for each child to have one!

Usually you can find items that locals need on the website of volunteer organizations for that area. If it’s not listed, reach out to them and ask if they’d like you to bring items. This is also generally a good way to ensure the goods go to the right people.

Volunteer or Clean Up!

If you’re going to be in a destination for more than a month, see if there are any local organizations you can join! I say more than a month because typically only volunteering, especially with people, once or twice tends to have a negative affect. (Remember, just because it makes you feel good, doesn’t mean it makes others feel good to have you just come and go).

If you’re only going to be somewhere for a short period of time and you want to volunteer, try doing something like a beach or park cleanup!

Talk to the Locals!

If you don’t talk to locals when you travel, you are seriously missing out on the true travel experience! The local people make up the destinations you’re in, and only they can give you the most authentic experience and understanding!

Don’t be afraid or worry that you “don’t speak the language”…most of the world speaks English as a second or third language! It wouldn’t hurt either to try to learn some phrases in their language as well!

Spread the Word About Them and Their Country!

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A post shared by Alyssa Ramos 🌎 Travel + Life (@mylifesatravelmovie)

One of the most easy, impactful ways to support locals when you travel, is by spreading the word about them! Not only is it the ultimate compliment, but you’ll help drive more tourism to them, which will continue to support them!

No-shame-promo, feel free to share this post to encourage others to support the locals!