With overtourism being one of the travel industry’s most protested issues in recent years, being a conscious, responsible traveler and doing what you can to avoid contributing to gentrification should be at the top of every tourist’s mind.
Across the globe, the last two years have seen major efforts to combat overtourism. Disgruntled locals have taken to the streets, major attractions have set new visitation rules, and popular destinations have cracked down on foot traffic. Lesser discussed but also harmful, gentrification is another societal woe caused by visitors that burdens locals.
How To Be A More Intentional Traveler
To travel without contributing to gentrification, you need to think big. It’s about being intentional, conscientious, and responsible throughout your booking process and trip. Consider how your actions and financial decisions can better support the communities you’re visiting. On a broader scale, seek out local insights to gain personalized, well-rounded, and relevant insights into how your visit impacts the destination. Doing so can help you mitigate harmful actions, making your visit less likely to disrupt the culture, customs, flow, and environment of a destination and its communities.
Gentrification can be insidious, showing up in the small choices you make and don’t even think twice about. Actions like mindlessly littering, dressing immodestly in conservative places, and expecting locals to adapt their way of life to conform to your standards may come across as hostile tourist behaviors. Such actions can make locals uncomfortable or even feel out of place in their own homes. Notably, tourism requires balance, and destinations that welcome tourists also have a responsibility to extend their hospitality to those who arrive.
Do Your Research
Doing your research ahead of traveling is a major part of being a conscientious and responsible tourist. Confirm if the outfits you’re considering packing will be disruptive or disrespectful where you’ll be visiting. If traveling with a significant other, research whether public displays of affection are taboo in your destination.
Educate yourself on how tourists are generally received in the destination you’ll be visiting, and why. If you’re traveling to a place where locals have protested overtourism (Mexico City, Mallorca, Barcelona, etc.), research how you can mitigate your impact in that destination.
Support Small Businesses
Supporting small businesses is another major way to avoid contributing to gentrification when traveling. Opt for stays at independently owned accommodations, shop at boutiques run by local store owners, and choose excursions led by locally based tour guides. Shopping locally can help fuel your destination’s economy. In many places, even small purchases can majorly support independent artisans and market sellers when the U.S. dollar is converted into local currency. Go to them first before the big-box stores in your destination.
Tip Considerately (When Appropriate)
Look into the local tipping culture before you arrive, and be sure to abide by what’s appropriate during your trip. If customary, tip well – ideally to the worker(s) who helped you.
Weigh Whether You Want To Pay In USD Or Local Currency
Travel sources generally recommend always paying in a destination’s local currency. Cash is king in many places, and many establishments still prefer that you pay in cash. Still, depending on where you are, you may find that a number of businesses are cashless, only accepting electronic payments.
Electronic transactions via debit or credit cards generally make purchases easier when abroad. Sometimes shops may add fees and raise prices when paying in USD. Doing so may financially benefit the store owners or, at a minimum, cover the processing fees for your bank card. Whatever the case, feel free to ask the shopkeeper for clarification, if necessary, before completing your transaction, so you can make the best choice.
Accept And Lean Into The Local Flow Of Life
When on vacation, it’s easy to expect everything to revolve around your convenience and comfort. You’re a visitor paying your hard-earned money after all. However, keep in mind that you might be visiting a place where people don’t do things or live their lives in a way you’re used to. If that’s the case, practice adaptability.
For example, instead of being annoyed that shops aren’t open during daily siestas, embrace the afternoon for rest as locals do.
Make An Effort To Speak The Local Language
Being able to say common words and phrases in the language of the destination you’re visiting is an effort that you shouldn’t overlook. Even if only briefly and partially, speaking the language can showcase appreciation and respect for your destination and its people. At the bare minimum, learn a greeting (hello, good morning, good evening, etc.) and how to say please and thank you.
