How Do You Support Local Economies?
5 tips from RISE Travelers
As a tourist, your dollars impact the local community — no matter if you are in a big city like Chicago, or a small town in the Australian outback. What can you do to ensure your dollars have a positive impact on the community you visit?
- Buy Local — When purchasing a special memento to remember your trip, try to find something that was locally made. Local makers are abundant. But the trick is knowing where to look. Did that local barbecue joint have the best house-made sauce? Chances are it is available for purchase. You can take it back home with proper packaging or order it upon your return. Local farmers’ markets and food halls are also an option for delicious souvenirs. In addition, many museums incorporate local makers into their gift shops and can be a great place to pick up handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind totes, and other unique items. When in doubt, ask the shopkeeper about their local offerings.
- Eat Local — Instead of stopping at a global fast-food chain, why not stop at a local café or coffee shop for a quick bite? Do a little research on the most popular street food beforehand to get your taste buds ready for what’s coming. Once at your destination, a cooking class taught by locals could be another great source of inspiration. This will allow you to learn a little about the traditions and historical importance of each delicacy before you partake. Finally, food halls are often a place to find savory broths, fresh baked goods, and plenty of local vendors. Of course, eating locally does come with some concerns. If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, make sure the restaurant can accommodate your needs. But where you can, try to be adventurous. Ask for recommendations and you might just find your new favorite dish!
- Tour Local — Want to see the sites but don’t want to jump on a giant bus with lots of other people? Seek out a local tour guide. Local tour guides are more likely to show you hidden gems and provide you a richer understanding of the area. Think hiking through nature with an indigenous tour guide whose connection to the land spans centuries. The insider knowledge of a local guide will likely provide you with a better experience while funneling money into the local economy. Hotels, tourist centers, online travel boards, and friends are all helpful resources when it comes to seeking out a good, local guide.
- Stay Local — Flights and accommodations often make up the biggest chunk of the vacation budget. So just think of all the dollars that would stay in local economies if you shifted away from international hotel chains and opted for lodging operated by locals? Those international hotel groups and all-inclusive resorts may be attractive for their luxury, convenience, and loyalty rewards. But, the incentives for staying local are less food waste, less waste of energy and water due to the size, and added vacancy of smaller properties. Plus, locally operated properties often have more character and reflect the local culture. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, staying local gives you the opportunity to form deeper connections with the host and other guests, creating a more enriching experience.
- Put Community First — As you plan your itinerary, do a thorough amount of research to ensure the hotel you stay at or restaurant you stop at is actively supporting the community of which they are a part. For example, that restaurant may have five stars, but is it sourcing its ingredients from local sellers? That resort may have just the most beautiful interior you have ever seen, but is it hiring locally and stocking its rooms with the work of local artisans? Yes, this may require time spent Googling and making phone calls, but putting the local community first is always worth it.
Enjoying the local delicacies and trinkets of an area can lead to some great discoveries such as reusable wax coverings for food, delicious honey, unique planters for succulents, and amazing art. Utilizing local tour guides can open the door to things you haven’t tried before and allow you to hear stories that will make you cry with laughter. Staying in a local lodging will mean less environmental footprint and more unique character. Know your contribution to the local economy when you travel and do what you can to make a positive impact.
About RISE Travel Institute
RISE Travel Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires responsible, impactful, sustainable, and ethical travel through education. Programming includes The RISE Travel Institute Flagship Program, a ten-week course offered twice yearly that guides travelers and travel professionals using a systems approach and anti-oppression principles. Additional courses include Experiential Journeys, a K-12 Teacher Training program, thematic short courses, and destination courses. We envision a world where travel is a force for positive transformation for both travelers and travel destinations.
About the Authors:
Angela Cavallucci (she/her/hers) is a travel enthusiast, history nerd, and animal lover that works in the utility regulatory space to pay for her pricey habits. She obtained a Masters of Public Policy from American University, then later pursued a Masters of Museum Studies and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University. She is also an Ambassador volunteer at the National Museum of American History where she helps visitors find their way through the museum’s collections and DC’s streets. An eastern PA native, she lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, two cats, and two dogs (and many suitcases). Living in DC gives Angela extensive exposure to the things that she loves: great food, amazing wine, and interesting people with fascinating stories. She loves sharing her love for her city with others, and seeks out similar folks when she travels. RISE is a new opportunity for her to share her experiences and learn from others so that everyone can enjoy the wonders of travel.
Kara King (she/her/hers) is a traveler and writer who strives to enhance the voices of others. She has developed travel content for Thrillist, Wanderful, and Unearth Women. In addition, she has worked extensively with underprivileged communities, most recently at the Brooklyn-based non-profit, CAMBA, where she managed instructional services and designed holistic programming for young adults, immigrants, and newly arrived refugees. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a degree in Comparative Literature. Currently, in addition to developing content for RISE Travel Institute, she is using her content creation skills on The Hill’s Events Team, where she crafts virtual event programming and acts as an extension of the newsroom, bringing thought leaders together and important issues to light. She’s lived in multiple cities including Paris, Berlin, Los Angeles, and New York. But she now calls Washington, D.C home.
