Okay, let me tell you how I got into this whole thing of trying to support local places when I travel. It wasn’t like a big lightbulb moment, more like a slow realization over many trips.
I used to just go places, you know? See the famous stuff, eat where it was convenient, maybe grab a typical souvenir. Didn’t think much past that. But then, I started noticing things. Like, in one town, all the shops near the main square seemed to be the same big brands I saw back home. But if you walked just a few streets away, you’d find these little family-run restaurants or tiny shops selling handmade crafts. I started wondering where my money was actually going.
My First Steps
So, I decided to try something different on my next trip. I made a conscious effort to eat at smaller, local-looking cafes and restaurants. Instead of the hotel buffet every morning, I’d find a nearby bakery. It wasn’t always easy – sometimes the menus weren’t in English, or it took longer – but the food often tasted way better, more authentic.
Then I thought about accommodation. Those big chain hotels are predictable, sure. But I started looking for guesthouses, small inns, or family-run bed & breakfasts. I figured my money was more likely to stay in the community that way. I started researching these options before I left, looking at reviews, trying to get a feel for places that were genuinely local.
Going a Bit Deeper
After doing that for a while, I wanted to do more. When it came to activities and tours, I began seeking out local guides. Instead of booking everything online through huge platforms, I started asking around when I arrived. Sometimes the owner of the guesthouse knew someone, or I’d find information at a local tourist info spot that wasn’t just pushing the big tour operators.
Shopping for souvenirs changed too. I stopped buying the mass-produced stuff you see everywhere. I started looking for markets where local artisans sold their work directly. Or I’d buy spices, coffee, or snacks from small local shops. It felt better knowing I was buying something unique and supporting the person who actually made it or grew it.
- Eating at family-run restaurants
- Staying in locally-owned guesthouses or small hotels
- Hiring local guides directly
- Buying crafts and products directly from makers or local shops
How I Plan It Now
Now, before I even go, I spend some time trying to identify local businesses. It’s not always straightforward. I read blogs (like this one, ha!), look at maps carefully, and sometimes just make a note to explore certain neighborhoods when I arrive. Talking to people when you get there is still one of the best ways. Asking hotel staff (especially at smaller places), chatting with shopkeepers, or even other travelers can lead you to some great local spots.
I remember one trip, I specifically chose a less-visited region of a country because I’d read that tourism was important there but wasn’t dominated by huge companies yet. It was fantastic. We hired a local driver who showed us around, ate amazing food in tiny villages, and bought crafts directly from the women who wove them. It felt like our visit actually made a small difference.
The Payoff
Honestly, traveling this way just feels… richer. You meet more local people, you often have more unique experiences, and yeah, it feels good knowing your spending is helping support families and communities directly. It takes a bit more effort sometimes, finding these places or maybe dealing with a language barrier, but the payoff in authentic experiences and knowing you’re contributing positively is totally worth it. It’s become a really important part of how I travel now.
