'We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone'
The travel and tourism industry contributes over 2 trillion dollars annually to the Global economy. That’s 9% of the GDP (gross domestic product) measuring a country's economy! Imagine if all of that financial wealth was spent with socially responsible companies, businesses or even yourself who give back to the communities we visit.
Travel is like sharing, you bring money from one country and spend it in another. The power you hold to strengthen small communities around the world, simply by doing what you love. There are many ways in which we as individuals can help support local businesses and communities whilst travelling. This is something I have grown extremely fond of throughout my personal travels (in particular Bali) and have listed some ways below in which YOU can do so as well.
EAT SOMEWHERE LOCAL - Eating in small restaurants, cafes and stalls ensures your money goes directly into the surrounding community you are travelling to. It also gives you an authentic insight into what the local and regional dishes are + how they eat them.
I love finding a little hole in the wall where the owners are likely to serve you food in the way that they would serve their own family and provide you with the out most amazing customer service.
So next time you go travelling, avoid the convenience of Starbucks or Mcdonalds not wasting your time and money with food that you can eat back home!
SHOP LOCAL - Similar to eating local, when you avoid big chains and supermarkets not only will you get an authentic experience, you will also be supporting small businesses which helps the community and boosts the local economy. Remember, try to maximise your savings when booking transportation with huge corporations like airlines but rather upon arriving, pay a reasonable price to the locals, but don’t overdo it with bartering! Saving a few cents here and there probably doesn't make much difference to your overall trip, but it might to the livelihood of the person you are bartering with.
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL - Hotel resorts are tempting and I’m not saying I haven’t given in to temptations in the past! But if you look past the convenience and comfortability, you might find that home stays or private local villas are much more enjoyable. Where else can you get a more authentic experience than staying in a family owned bungalow or better yet, local Air BnB? I for one can guarantee you won’t find authenticity within your enclosed compound where the nearest local to you is the one serving cocktails by the pool.
SUPPORT SOCIAL CAUSES - Whether it be participating in a local community beach clean up, donating a few coins here and there to charities and organisations, or simply by tipping the local after offering (which in Bali I can promise you will receive) outstanding customer service and friendliness, as it's these acts of kindness which truly make a difference!
MINIMISE YOUR IMPACT - ALWAYS remember to clean up after yourself! It's as easy as bringing a reusable bag or picking up rubbish at the beach and putting it in the bin.
And please, please, please leave wild animals alone (unless of course you see they need help). Petting zoos are not OK! Do your research, it only takes a quick Google Search to uncover the tremendous amount of stress these animals go through for our pleasure.
Remember that you are a guest in that country; treat everyone and the surrounding area with respect. Help the the communities you visit thrive and give back more than you take!
Mannaka Bali - Small local coffee shop located in Seminyak, Bali
https://www.instagram.com/mannaka.bali/
Ocean Mimic - Local community beach clean up + eco friendly swimwear located in Canggu, Bali
https://www.instagram.com/oceanmimic/
https://www.facebook.com/oceanmimic/
Comentarios