Rules for Intentional Travel: Spread the Wealth
This is the a guest post by Ingrid Hannan in our series, Simple Rules for Intentional Travel, by – and for – intentional travelers.
Rule #6: Spread the Wealth
Is that gift shop right by the hostel the only place to get that souvenir? Is that crowded bar with English on the menu the only place to eat lunch? Is that lodge in the ad on the tourist map the only place to stay?
No. With few exceptions, everywhere you go there are many options for food and lodging and shopping.
So help share the economic boom of your foreign money- take it to places off the beaten path, to places where maybe smaller shops or local businesses can more directly benefit from it.
And furthermore, try to support locally-owned restaurants and shops. It cuts down on outsiders developing and taking income from those indigenous to the region.
This rule parallels easily with the “Shop Local” movement in our own hometowns. Your dollars can support mega-chains like Starbucks and McDonalds, or they can go to mom and pop coffee shops and diners.
The basis behind this movement is that a greater percentage of the money spent at local businesses goes to the owners and workers, and a greater percentage stays in the city/state it’s based in.
Another bonus to this philosophy? You’re more likely to have a one-of-a-kind story/lunch/keepsake.
Sure, everyone wants a beignet at Cafe DuMonde in New Orleans. There’s definitely something to having a classic experience.
But don’t let that overshadow the glory of the hole-in-the-wall dosa restaurant or that completely unique piece of art or that unforgettable beach bungalow you get to yourself.
What Does Shop Local Mean?
Choosing to shop locally while traveling offers benefits not only to your well-being but also to the environment and your social conscience. Below are terms to better understand what “buy local” really means.
Locally-owned – This is a business owned and run by someone who still lives in the area where the business is located.
Small business – A business with a small number of employees. The specific number may vary by country, but generally, a small business is an independent, non-chain establishment.
Locally-sourced products – The store you are buying from gets their goods and resources from other businesses located within a specific radius, such as farms, coffee roasteries, breweries, or bakeries within the same city or State.
So, let’s recap. Why shop locally while traveling?
Support Local Economy
Shopping locally while traveling helps boost the economy of the destination by directly contributing to local businesses and artisans, helping them thrive.
Preserve Culture
Local shops often offer unique products that reflect the culture and traditions of the area, allowing travelers to bring home authentic souvenirs and experiences.
Reduce Environmental Impact
Buying from local markets and stores reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping goods internationally, promoting eco-friendly choices.
Connect with Locals
Shopping locally creates opportunities for meaningful interactions with locals, fostering cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of the destination. Learn more in our article on how to meet locals and like-minded travelers!
Sustainable Tourism
By spending money in local establishments, travelers contribute to sustainable tourism practices that benefit communities, ensuring a more responsible and balanced travel experience.
Simple Rules to Lighten Your Cultural Footprint
- Learn (at least some of) the language
- Smile and greet people according to local custom
- Avoid resorts
- Stay a while
- Be respectful
- Spread the wealth
- Ignore the party scene
- Shift focus from taking to giving
- Go for a walk
- Befriend locals
Stay tuned for more great stories and reflections as Ingrid digs deeper into more of the Simple Rules for Intentional Travel.
About Ingrid: Ingrid is a wanderlust at heart. She’s lived all up and down the west coast, studying environmental science and Spanish at the University of Portland and studying how to grow vegetables in Colorado and Washington.
Her favorite activities include rock climbing, eating ice cream, and writing letters. Her travels have taken her from the Caribbean to East Asia and many destinations inbetween. The next places she hopes to travel to are New Zealand, Japan, and Norway.
You might also like these posts:
– How to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas
– 10 Ways to Make Your Travel More Sustainable
– Our Guide to Meeting Locals and Like-Minded Travelers
– Reason to Try Volunteering Abroad
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