Exploring the World Mindfully: Tips for Honoring Local Cultures and Communities

You may be familiar with the apocryphal story of how the Chevy Nova did not sell in Mexico because, in Spanish, “no va” means “no go.” While this account falls into the urban legend category, it’s a useful cautionary tale about how making cultural assumptions can land us in hot water. Which is agua caliente in Spanish, in case you need to know.

I’m fluent in several languages and, over the years, have visited 56 countries, living for extended periods in the US, UK, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, and Brazil. I’ve also volunteered in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, so I have a good grasp of how to honor and integrate into other cultures and communities.

Here’s a primer on how to do the same when you travel, respecting cultural traditions, understanding nuances, and fostering positive connections that promote responsible tourism and support local economies.

1. Choose destinations that need tourism. One of the easiest ways to support local economies is to travel to a location that can benefit from tourism spending. While you could argue this is true almost anywhere, African and South American countries are generally in greater need of American dollars than European nations.

2. Do a little research. What are some of the unique cultural attributes of the area you’ll be visiting? If you don’t already know, this is the time to research your travel destination. Locals appreciate the effort, and you will often be treated as a member of the family (or at least a good friend) if you show that you understand their history and customs, rather than just coming across as an American tourist.

3. Stay in smaller towns off the beaten path. Not only will you enjoy a deeper connection, you’ll skip the crowds and likely discover some fabulous places to eat and explore that those who only visit the better-known locations will miss. These lesser-publicized towns will also allow you to have a more relaxed visit, and their residents will appreciate your tourist contribution to their local economy.

4. Live like a local. If you’re going to stay in a small town, go all-in and skip the hotel in favor of a true local experience: a family-owned bungalow or beach house, depending on your location. While it may lack the amenities of a high-end Airbnb, the host will probably more than make up for it with delicious meals and perhaps a personal guided tour. What could be better?

5. Learn a few words and phrases in their language. Just about everyone speaks English these days, true. But people love the fact that you are attempting to communicate with them in their native tongue. Learn some key phrases before you go, and ask locals to tell you how to say words in their language. Due to the cultural immersion, you may even find you can soon have a simple conversation in another language!

6. Respect their rhythm and cultural values. In the U.S., we might take a “power nap,” but many Spanish-speaking countries take this to the next level, with a siesta. If you’re traveling to Costa Rica, Ecuador, or Spain, for example, expect this afternoon nap to shutter businesses daily. Siestas are also common in Italy, Greece, the Philippines, and Nigeria. The weather is hot, and taking a sleep break just makes sense. It also means stores and restaurants will be open later into the evening than typical for the United States, so you can become accustomed to a different circadian rhythm if your stay is long.

7. Shop local — and give back. Finding some great bargains at the local shops? Now take sustainable tourism a step further and donate clothing or other items you don’t need. We often don’t realize how much we have (or take for granted) until we visit cultures where even what we bring on a trip looks like immense wealth to them.

8. Act sustainably. You know the camping motto, “Leave no trace”? Apply this ethos to your mindful travel. Water is a precious commodity in many countries, and often electricity is as well. Using them conservatively shows respect for the culture and community.