How to be a more ‘Thoughtful Traveller’

In 2021 the tourism industry saw a 61% reduction in export revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic.?

Just one year later, by 2022 international tourism had recovered 63% of pre-pandemic levels, UN Tourism . However, it’s difficult to turn away from the insufferable number of job losses and forced business closures that the tourist industry had to endure. This impacted the travel and tourism industry on a global scale, leaving many local businesses that were dependent on the tourism industry at risk.?

That’s where The Thinking Traveller came up with a wonderful idea to create The Thoughtful Traveller Day on August 12th, 2022.?

So what is this day so special?

The Thoughtful Traveller Day began as a way to encourage tourists to give back to local businesses including cafes, restaurants, shops and markets as a way to boost the recovery of the tourism industry.?

One way you can support local businesses whilst travelling is to search for the best Google reviews and recommendations of where to eat, shop, stay and travel locally. Take a look at some travel tips that we have shared with you below! ????

?? Eat Local

When it comes to enjoying your meals abroad one of the top tips given is always to eat local. Dining at independent restaurants rather than large chains or hotels can not only save you money, but also give you a more authentic experience with an insight into the local culture and regional dishes. In fact, there are many culinary traditions that one should take into account when travelling too.?

If this sounds like your type of culinary heaven then why not read Travel + Leisure Co. ’s interview with Rick Stein where he shares all his best tips on how to find a great restaurant on vacation.?

???? Stay Local

The travel industry is great at promoting more affordable getaway packages on sites such as Booking.com offering accommodation from independently owned boutique hotels through to igloos!

For those more inclined to want to save a little when travelling, it may be a wise idea to embrace the ‘mi casa es su casa’ mentally. Sites such as Couchsurfing International and bewelcome are ideal for those travelling on a shoe-string budget looking to save more for bigger adventures.?

?? Shop Local?

For those of you more sustainably-minded, shopping locally can be a great way to reduce your impact on imported goods and increased carbon emissions all whilst supporting the local economy. So how do you know where to shop?

As Sustainably-Chic mention, there are four great ways to shop locally whilst travelling:

1. Use Google Maps or TripAdvisor to find those lesser-known ‘hidden gem’ businesses?
2. Try using the local language when searching for local goods or markets
3. Jump ahead to find local business on social media platforms such as Instagram
4. Ask a local for their recommendations on where to shop local

??Travel Local

Renting a car, booking tours through local guides and immersing yourself into the local transport system are just a few of the ways you can travel local when visiting somewhere new. Companies like Airbnb have invested in new projects such as Airbnb Adventures whereby you can stay, shop, eat and travel all within their platform to grasp a better understanding of what it means to live like a local.?

Would you give it a go to try sand surfing in Dubai or segway tours in San Francisco?

So before you book your next getaway, remember to be that thoughtful traveller and give back to local communities and businesses. Keeping their doors open allows our next generation to discover the world of cultures and people that the travel and tourism industry can take us to.?

More help on how to be a more thoughtful traveller

For further information on The Thoughtful Traveller Day, check out The Thinking Traveller website or contact Twenty-Two Business Support and Development Ltd ? to speak with us today.?