7 ways you can support local communities when abroad, according to travel experts
- More travelers want to give back to the local community as places face harm from overtourism.
- The rise in the digital nomad lifestyle and return to pre-pandemic travel means this issue is increasingly urgent.
- Travel experts weigh in on how to support the people of the place you’re visiting, from learning the language to keeping an open mind.
When planning a trip, you may research transportation, accommodations, activities and other experiences – but have you considered looking into how to support the community you’re visiting?
About 66% of the 30,000 American surveyed in Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022 said they “want to have authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture.” And about a quarter of respondents said, “they would be willing to pay more for travel activities to ensure they are giving back to local communities.”