Travel Like a Local, Without Being a Total Tourist
Read time: 4 minutes
What if your next adventure could be more than just a trip?
What if it could become a genuine exchange that enriches both you and the communities you visit? Being a culturally responsible traveller means making choices that benefit both you and the incredible places you visit. And here's the good news: it's not as difficult as you might think! It's about more than just seeing new sights. It's about connecting, respecting, and making a positive impact. Let's dive into how you can make every journey truly meaningful.
Come Prepared
For me, culturally responsible travel boils down to this: it's about being open-minded and truly thoughtful when you're engaging with cultures different from your own. Honesty, before you even think about packing your bags, take a little time to dive into the local history, customs, and even the religion of the place you're headed. Trust me, it makes a world of difference – you'll just understand and appreciate everything so much more.
Respect the Customs
It's all about respecting those local customs. For example, dress codes are a big deal in many cultures, especially if you're visiting a place of worship, as you don't want to accidentally offend by not dressing appropriately.
And it's not just clothes! Simple things like learning basic greetings or knowing what gestures are okay (and which ones are a big no-no!) can smooth things over immensely.
Then there's dining etiquette – have you ever wondered whether it's okay to slurp your noodles or if you should finish everything on your plate? A quick check can save you an awkward moment and show you appreciate their traditions.
Stay & Eat Locally
Now, let's talk about supporting local businesses – this is such a vital part of being a responsible traveller! Instead of just hitting up the same old international hotel or restaurant chains you could find anywhere, why not opt for local hotels and eat at local spots? That way, your money genuinely stays in the community you're visiting.
And here's the cool part: choosing local doesn't mean you have to compromise on a premium experience. In fact, it's often the opposite - talking from my own experience! These local places can often offer even more supreme customer service and authentic food experiences that you just won't find anywhere else.
Buy Locally
Same goes for shopping - cheap mass-produced stuff is a big pet peeve of mine. Please resist the temptation of buying one-dollar-worth souvenirs (even and especially when pressured by local pushy salespeople). Instead, identify what and where you can buy some unique souvenirs from local artisans. If bargaining is part of the culture, do it respectfully!
It’s also worth exploring community-based tourism activities, like staying in a homestay or joining a cultural workshop. We often try to include such unique experiences in our clients’ itineraries for a reason. You're directly contributing to the people who live there.
At the end of the day, it's all about making your trip not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with and benefiting the people who call those places home.
Respectfully Engage with Locals
Try to learn basic phrases, as even a few words in the local language ("hello," "please," "thank you") can go a long way in showing respect and fostering connections.
Be natural and open to interacting with locals, asking questions, and learning about their lives and perspectives. Approach your travels with an open mind and be ready to challenge preconceived notions.
Attend local festivals, markets, and events to immerse yourself in the culture. When in doubt ask - sometimes participating in certain religious ceremonies may not be possible or appropriate.
Take Pictures Considerately
Be aware that some places or people may not wish to be photographed. Always ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, especially children. In some cultures, taking photos of women can also be seen as rude and inappropriate.
Never take or share photos that exploit or romanticise poverty. No matter how “exotic” their lifestyle can look for us, this is their daily life, and they wouldn’t like to be treated as some exhibits. Remember that people are not tourist attractions.
Avoid Over-tourism
Yes, this is a real problem in many parts of the world, and while I strongly believe that tourism can be a great force for good, it also has its darker sides. What we all, both travel industry professionals and travellers, can do is twofold.
First, you can consider visiting popular destinations during the off-season to reduce crowds and lessen the strain on local infrastructure. It’s a win-win, as often prices will be cheaper for you and you will enjoy the place with fewer people around.
The second strategy is to venture beyond the main tourist attractions to discover less-visited areas. This one comes with more experience, as I appreciate that most people will usually want to see all the country’s landmarks before embarking on the off-the-beaten-track places.
Integrate these practices into your travels to enjoy richer experiences and contribute positively to the places you visit.
Partnership for Positive Change
We're proud to partner with The Travel Foundation, an independent charity dedicated to making tourism a force for good. They work across more than 25 countries, helping local communities thrive and improving the management of natural environments. Discover how your travel choices can help preserve the natural environment.
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Feel inspired about making a positive impact? Let's chat about your next adventure!
