Community-Focused Travel

By Emma Gregg

How to plan a post-pandemic vacation that supports local communities in meaningful ways.

As the world’s travel destinations prepare to welcome visitors again, you can take steps to become a good guest. Everyone has special memories of favourite vacations, and very often, they’re all about people. Travel brings people together, after all. What better way to reconnect with those closest to us than by spending precious days with them, doing something incredible? And where better to find new friends than somewhere inspiring, among fellow adventurers and locals?

While quality time with family and friends is a gift, there’s another important human dimension to our trips. Every traveller is a guest. Whether we encounter our hosts face to face or simply pass through their home patch, we affect their environment and their lives.

HIKING THE CHOQUEQUIRAO TREK NEAR CUSCO, PERU

© G ADVENTURES

Most of us are eco-conscious these days. But what if you’d like to take things further? What can you do to ensure your trip has a positive impact on the local community you’re visiting?

There has never been a better time to consider this and act. All over the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has hammered communities which rely, to a lesser or greater extent, on international tourism. When we get back on the road, we can help businesses and individuals recover.

An all-important first step is to choose your destination and operator with care, being mindful of differing economic circumstances and priorities. Here, the advice of a travel advisor that works closely with local communities is invaluable. Some destinations have been harder hit than others, and are desperate for visitors. If you’re making a list, you might want to put these at the top. Well-informed advisors also know which operators have been particularly supportive of disadvantaged communities during the crisis. In parts of Africa, for example, safari companies with no guests to look after used their vehicles to transport much-needed supplies to remote villages instead.

CYCLO TOUR TRAVELLERS IN CAMBODIA

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Next, consider the health and safety protocols for your journey and destination. You’ll want to follow them to the letter, to avoid putting locals and others at risk — not to mention yourself. How else can you be a thoughtful, respectful guest? As a rule of thumb, think local. Prime yourself in local customs, ready to step outside your immediate bubble. Try seeking out small, family-owned restaurants that prepare distinctive dishes using home-grown ingredients. The breakfast at your hotel may be tempting, but how about grabbing a pastry at that café down the street instead? Chances are, you’ll get all the local gossip thrown in for free.

LUNCH AT A SUSTAINABLE COFFEE FARM IN CHACHAPOYAS, PERU

© G ADVENTURES

When the urge to shop kicks in, hunt down locally made gifts that help support artisans and keep craft traditions alive. Keep an eye open for local charities, too. And when you’re ready to explore, hire local guides and drivers who know the best cultural sites and wilderness areas. Clear-thinking, communityfriendly tour operators such as G Adventures make it easy by doing the hiring on your behalf. Finally, remember to express your appreciation. Try learning a few phrases in the local language, such as “How delicious!” or “That’s beautiful!” and “Thank you!” The gentlest virtue — a readiness to smile and show gratitude — goes a very long way.

SHOPPING FOR LOCAL SOUVENIRS IN A MARRAKECH SOUK, MOROCCO HIKING

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