Sustainable Ways to Support Local Communities Anywhere

Simple, intentional choices that support people and places

Travel is choiceful movement.

Where you stay, who you book with, what you buy, and how you engage all shape your impact and global footprint.

I learned that early on, without fully realizing it, on my first solo international trip to Cuba.

Travel as a Declaration

When traveling to Cuba, visitors must declare one of twelve approved reasons for entry. One of those reasons is support for the Cuban people. At the time, I selected it because it aligned with how I wanted to travel, but I didn’t understand how seriously I would eventually take that declaration. Supporting the people isn’t a concept specific to Cuba. It’s a global practice.

In Cuba, I stayed in an Airbnb hosted by Niurka and her husband. I expected lodging for a week that I only paid $300 for. What I actually received was great care and kindness.

I was completely off the grid for most of that trip. Niurka and her husband, a taxi driver, translated for me, helped me call home when necessary, coordinated with tour guides, and made sure I was safe everywhere I went. I’m talking like when I wanted to go to a beach two hours away, I expected them to drop me off. After about fifteen minutes at the beach, I looked around, and Niurka was right there—far enough to give me space but close enough to keep an eye on me. Transportation, communication, and the ins and outs of navigating a new place were all handled by people who seemed to genuinely care about my well-being and whether I enjoyed my time in their country. That experience singlehandedly reshaped how I would forever think about travel.

Experiences Over Attractions

On that same trip to Cuba, I chose experiences that were simple, affordable, and gave me a glimpse of local life: a horseback riding experience, cigar rolling classes, and a salsa dancing lesson. Each one immersed me in the culture. Each one directly supported someone financially. Since then, I’ve carried that same approach everywhere I go. I choose experiences that aren’t expensive, but they are meaningful, and the money goes where it matters.

  • Cooking Class in Jacaltenango

    Food is a shared language. Learning to cook local dishes in Guatemala, like pepián, tostadas, and rellenitos de platano, offered insight into family traditions, and the idea of meals as a community practice.

  • Walking History in Nassau

    Exploring the city on foot reveals a history of the city you might miss from a distance. Captain Ron frames familiar landmarks and expands on the culture of the Bahamas through food tastings and compelling stories.

  • Market Day in Chichicastenango

    Market day happens twice a week and offered a window into commerce as culture where textiles, food, and ritual coexist. Purchasing directly from vendors supports livelihoods and preserves living traditions.

  • Maasai Village in Maasai Mara

    The Maasai people believe there is strength in unity and order. A visit to their home is intriguing, yes, but entrance fees honor cultural autonomy while supporting community initiatives like childhood education.

  • Cigar Rolling in Havana

    Yadira was a young woman when she landed a job at cigar factory. By the time I met her, she was skilled at the craft, highlighting the patience and pride behind this iconic export. This experience centered both labor and legacy.

  • Kobetough in Nairobi

    Beadwork production in Nairobi shows how collective artistry sustains families and preserves cultural design. Supporting cooperatives ensured income remains within the community, plus these craftswomen enjoy inspiring creative liberties.

  • Weaving in San Juan La Laguna

    Weaving demonstrations reveale how the colors, patterns, and techniques of Mayan textiles symbolize ancestral knowledge and tradition. Each piece reflects identity, environment, and continuity across generations.

  • Horseback Riding in Viñales

    Traveling through Viñales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by horseback is an exciting and thoughtful way to reduce environmental impact. Local guides shared agricultural practices shaped by the land and years of tradition.

Carrying Intention Across Borders

Supporting local communities means choosing experiences that directly benefit the people who live there. It might mean buying handmade goods, opting for locally owned accommodations, or participating in cultural experiences that reinvest in the community.

These are small, everyday decisions that make travel more sustainable. They help preserve traditions, support livelihoods, and ensure that tourism contributes to local economies instead of displacing them.

These moments are where mindful travel becomes tangible. Travel sustainability is about paying attention. Asking questions. Observing how things work before engaging. Thoughtful travel requires humility as much as intention.

Why It Matters Wherever You Go

Supporting local communities while traveling strengthens economies and deepens your personal experience.

You learn faster by participating. You understand more by investing your time, attention, and resources. You’re invited into moments that you may not ordinarily find on a curated itinerary.

Across countries and cultures, these are often the experiences that remain in your heart and memory longest because they were immersive and authentic.