The one thing to remember when travelling is that you are a guest in that destination and so your visit should only have a positive impact on the place and its people. This is why it is so important to support the local economy when travelling taking the time to direct your time and money to the correct sources.

How to Support the Local Economy Whilst Travelling

Stay Somewhere Small

Instead of staying in a large chain hotel pick somewhere small and locally owned. There is a wide variety of accommodation types that are available: boutique hotels, guest houses, pubs with and rooms, which can be in some wonderful locations and even unusual buildings such as castles, lighthouses and converted schools and prisons.

The great thing about staying somewhere locally managed is that the people running the business are more likely to have lived locally and know the area like the back of their hand. I am only basing this on my personal experiences, but they are often a lot more willing to talk to you about your trip which often includes proving recommendations for places to visit and things to do.

Shop Somewhere Small

Instead of heading to the familiar chain stores that are found worldwide, direct your money towards small, local businesses such as independent shops, markets, and fairs. Instead of spending your money on the usual tourist tat aim to come away with something beautiful, handmade and will act as a permanent reminder of your trip.

The great things about shopping locally is that your money is guaranteed to be supporting a small business with a minimal workforce instead of lining the pockets of a CEO who is probably eyeing up another sports car. You’ll also come away with items that were made with love, dedication and appreciation.

Eat Somewhere Small

Instead of hunting down the nearest McDonalds or Starbucks, take your empty stomach and full purse to smaller, locally run restaurants and cafes. This is why asking for recommendations at your accommodation is great, the locals can tell you where the best place is to get coffee or how they spend their weekends and days off.

Eating at small businesses that are often family run are a lot more likely to use locally grown and produced ingredients and there is I find, a lot more care and appreciation taken to producing the final products.

Avoid Tourist Traps

Something to remember about supporting the local economy is that it is also very easy to fall into tourist traps, you think you’re supporting local businesses by handing over your hard earned money and buying certain items or taking part in certain activities, but in fact you could be encouraging child labour, animal endangerment and even scam artists.

The key to supporting the local economy when travelling is to be picky about where you are spending your money. Big companies may employ larger numbers of people but they are not always guaranteed to treat them fairly or even do something as simple as pay their taxes. By spending your money as close to the source of the products and services you are encouraging creative and grassroots organisations.

How do you support the local economy when travelling and visiting new destinations?

Let me know in the comments.