Four ways to support local communities on your trip

There's more to helping out communities than just charity - check out these ideas for making a positive impact while on your travels.

We may not always think about it, but just the act of going travelling means you’re supporting local communities: the money you spend in-country on things like food, accommodation and transport all go to local businesses and support local people. But what if you want to do a little more to help the communities you’re visiting? Just sit tight and check out our four top tips:

 

1. Get stuck in! Volunteer!

Money is not the only thing people need – sometimes giving your time and skills is what people are after, and often all you need is a willingness to get stuck in and help. Your best bet is to go through a large organisation that sends a steady stream of volunteers through to projects. While you won’t be able to make a humungous difference individually, you’ll know there’s always going to be someone not too far behind you ready to carry on your good work. Plus, as well as knowing you’re making a difference, you’ll also get to learn a lot more about the culture of the place you’re visiting than you would if you were just a passing tourist.

 

2. Try to find locally-owned restaurants

While the lure of the golden arches can sometimes be too tempting when you’re away from home, you’ll do much more for the local economy AND get to sample some incredibly tasty food if you eat in locally-run establishments. If you’re volunteering, ask the staff at your project to recommend some restaurants then just go for it!

 

3. Go for some culture

As well as the big museums and exhibitions, delve a little deeper: head to a local sporting event, go to a gig, see a locally-run exhibition. By going to a football match or seeing a band playing you’ll not only experience the culture of the country you’re visiting first hand, you’ll also be pumping money directly to local communities.

 

4. Get haggling in the markets

Ditch the glossy chain stores and head for the markets – most places you visit will have some kind of central market where you’ll be able to find individual gifts, crafty-type things and tasty street food, as well as a good helping of local atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to haggle and you’ll walk away with some great bargains and the knowledge that you’ve put your money directly in the pockets of local sellers, rather in the coffers of homogenous chains.

 

For more information about ethical travel, check out the guides on Campfire: http://www.i-to-i.com/campfire/travel-guides/categories/7-Ethical-Travel.

 

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