What Locals Wish Tourists Knew Before Booking a Trip

We make a lot of choices while traveling. Major ones like where we stay, how we get around, and where we spend our money can affect a place and its residents. These choices can drive up housing costs, displace locals, and chip away at the culture we came to experience.

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So here are some steps we can take to protect the places we visit and help the local economy thrive:

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Do Your Homework Before You Book

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Before you commit to a destination, spend a little time researching beyond the Instagram highlights. Find out which places are struggling with overtourism. Cities like Venice, Amsterdam, and Bali regularly hit capacity. Instead, look into less-visited alternatives that still deliver incredible experiences.

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Also, check when peak season and cruise-ship days fall so you can time your visit to avoid contributing to overcrowding. That way, you’ll have a better experience, and it will put less strain on locals, too.

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Support Local Businesses

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Your biggest lever as a traveler is your wallet. Choose locally owned restaurants, tour operators, guides, and independent stores so your money circulates in the community. Look for sustainability certifications from organizations like GSTC, EarthCheck, or Green Globe, and be wary of vague "eco-friendly" claims before you book your stay.

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If you use short-term rental platforms, seek out listings run by local families rather than investment properties. These properties pull housing off the market and increase rental rates for locals.

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Move Like a Local

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Skip the rental car when you can. Choose cheaper, lower-emission options like buses, trains, biking, and walking. They might be slower, but they’ll help you notice things you’d miss behind the wheel, and save you the stress of traffic and parking.

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Respect Local Residents and Wildlife

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Learn a few phrases in the local language, ask before photographing people, and dress appropriately at cultural and religious sites. Put the vlog camera down occasionally. Avoid unethical wildlife tourism activities like elephant riding or tiger petting. Be present, be respectful, and remember that the community existed long before you arrived.

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Share Your Experience With Others

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After your trip, make sure you leave honest reviews for operators who genuinely support their communities. If you are comfortable, share your experiences on social media to help other travelers make thoughtful choices too.

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