Practical and Easy Ways to Support Small Businesses When You Travel
Are you interested in supporting small businesses while traveling? Juli Hall joins us to share her best tips for accomplishing this!
Hello, World!
Here are some paid and free ways you can support local businesses on vacation!
Paid options:
1. Hire a local guide
This is a great way to see hidden gems wherever you go! It also helps the money you spend to go back into their city. A great way to find locals is to use Airbnb Experiences or receive referrals from people who have used local guides.
2. Dine at local restaurants
Eating locally is a great way to try authentic, fresh food! You can often meet the restaurant owners and connect with the people there. You can find these places simply by walking around the place you are visiting! You can also ask hotel staff or other locals you meet for recommendations.
3. Tip generously
Even when it’s not the cultural norm, tip generously! This money goes directly towards the people who are helping you. A lot of the time, an extra $5 can make a big difference. But also research the country’s culture ahead of time to know what is appropriate. Have small bills on hand to tip along the way!
4. Stay at local/boutique hotels
You can find these by researching on Google or travel sights. Look for places that might be off the beaten path! Breakfast is often included in boutique hotels. Sometimes it can cost a little bit more, but it’s worth it for the experience!
5. Shop at local markets
You can find local markets throughout the world! Make sure to look at the products to see if it says “Made in [a different country]”.
Free options:
6. Write a positive review
If you have a good experience somewhere, leave a review! This goes such a long way to help bring in new customers for these companies. Share a few details and some pictures to help with tourists doing research!
7. Tell your friends
Tell your friends about the great things you did on your trips! Refer others to the small businesses that you love! Keep a running list on your phone of guides or companies that you loved so you don’t forget.
8. Post about your favorite finds
Post on social media and tag the businesses you interact with in your posts or stories. This can make a business owner’s day! You can also follow their social accounts to show more support.
9. Comment on local services’ social media
This is a super simple way to show support for local businesses. Simply comment on posts from these businesses! Or repost their posts to your story! Tag them in your posts! This doesn’t cost any money, but shows support for small businesses.
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