It’s not uncommon to feel a deep connection to the places we visit. Although we’re often only there for a short time, the memories and experiences we take from traveling are something that lasts forever. As such, vacationers often find themselves wanting to give back to the places they love. Perhaps they visited and saw a need they can help fill, or maybe they simply want to donate a little extra cash to help share the love.
Whatever the case may be, there are many ways we can ensure our visits to faraway places are done with care and consideration for the people and creatures that live there, here are six simple ways to give back to your favorite vacation destinations.
Support Local
Tourism is a business, and one of the best ways vacationers can give back to the destinations they love is by supporting the local economy. From dining and imbibing at neighborhood bars and restaurants to browsing unique goods at favorite stores and shops, keeping the cash flow local is the name of the game. Looking to book lodging and entertainment? Think small instead of big-name brands. The same goes for tours and excursions, spending with locally-run-and-operated companies helps ensure your tourism dollars have the greatest impact.
Leave No Trace
“Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints,” there’s a reason variations of this saying have such staying power, and the adage is especially important for vacationers to remember when they find themselves a visitor in someone else’s home. No one likes a litter bug, and travelers would be wise to “leave no trace” by leaving the places they visit better than they found them — that means always cleaning up after yourself, and sometimes others, while away from home, and bonus points if you sign up for an organized clean-up while in destination.
Make Donations
Whether monetary or physical, donations are a great way for travelers to make a positive impact on the locations they visit. From medical aid and school supplies to sports equipment and clothing, when donated through the proper channels, these items can make a world of difference for the people who need them. Vacationers with a soft spot for furry friends might find donating to a local animal organization or vet clinic is just their speed, while national parks and green spaces are always in need of a little extra TLC, and donating to these places is a great way to ensure they stay just as beautiful for future generations.
Don’t know where to give? Ask your travel advisor for recommendations.
Learn How the Travel Industry Is Giving Back on The Compass on VAX:
- Every Stay Gives Back
- Travel With Meaning
- Get To Know Young People Travel Global Edge
- It’s My Bag: Suitcases for Foster Children
- Field Trips for Shelter Dogs
- Powering Possibility in Habu
Tip Big
Money talks, and tipping is a tried-and-true way to say “thank you” for a job well done. Already common practice for Americans, many travelers cite leaving large tips for service workers and tour guides as one of their favorite ways to give back to the people and places they visit.
Leave Reviews
We live in an age of constantly shifting algorithms, AI summaries and quick Google searches, and for small businesses, a glowing review can make all the difference when it comes to people choosing between them and their competitors. With this in mind, taking the time to rate and share your experience on platforms like Google, Facebook and TripAdvisor is a simple way to give your favorite restaurants, shops and hotels the gift that keeps on giving — and it comes at no cost to you!
Show Respect
If there’s one thing you take from this list, let it be this: show respect everywhere you go. While traveling, and in everyday life, choosing to be kind and understanding makes more of a difference than you know, and the people and places you visit will be better for it. From learning common phrases in the local language and following cultural customs to being open to new experiences and embracing the local way of life, there are many ways travelers can put this practice into motion.
About the Author
comments