🌍 How to Choose Ethical Travel Experiences That Respect Local Cultures

Travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about how we show up in them. As a travel advisor and group trip planner, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful choices can turn a vacation into something meaningful. Whether you’re booking a family getaway, a girls’ trip, or a big adventure, here’s how to make sure your travel experiences uplift local communities and honor the cultures you’re visiting.

🧭 1. Book Local, Not Just “Popular”

It’s easy to default to big-name tours and chain hotels, but locally owned businesses often offer richer, more authentic experiences—and your dollars go directly into the community.

Lately, I have really been appreciating Project Expedition for booking local tours. They have transparent pricing and clarity around who is operating your tour. I feel confident that I'm supporting small-businesses that have been operating in the area for years.

View tours & excursions where ever you're headed next.

Tips:

• Look for tours led by local guides or cooperatives.

• Choose boutique hotels or guesthouses with community ties.

• Ask your travel advisor (hi, that’s me!) about vetted local partners.

👉 I like to pack a travel journal like this one to jot down local recommendations and a pocket-sized phrasebook (like Lonely Planet) to connect with guides and hosts more respectfully. You can usually find books like this at your local used bookstore.

🛍️ 2. Support Artisans, Not Souvenir Factories

Skip the mass-produced trinkets and seek out handmade goods. You’ll get better quality, and you’ll support real people—not just tourist traps.

El Mercado in San Antonio, Texas

On our last trip to San Antonio, we did this by visiting La Vallita, a small village of artisans on the Riverwalk. I bought the most beautiful earrings from a copper artist and wall art for our home from an artist collective. We still made a visit to El Mercado downtown, but skipped out on the "Made in China" stuff and opted for handmade leather goods.

Tips:

• Visit local markets or artisan collectives.

• Ask vendors about their materials and process.

• Be mindful of cultural symbols—don’t buy sacred items as decor.

👉 I use a foldable tote for market hauls and packing cubes to keep fragile items safe on the way home.

🐘 3. Avoid Exploitative Wildlife and Cultural Experiences

If an experience feels “off,” it probably is. Think twice before booking animal encounters or performances that seem staged or disrespectful.

Austin Zoo is a small animal rescue where you can get super close to or interact with animals - on their terms.

My heart broke in Cancun. My daughter and I booked a dolphin experience and in

interacting with the animals, I noticed raw spots on their noses and scratches on their fins in the places we were being told to touch them. I now read all the reviews and look through photos of all the animals we will be interacting with before booking any excursions that involve them. I was a big fan of Blue Lagoon Island in the Bahamas. Their animals were well taken care of the handlers were STRICT with people.

We avoid cultural appropriation and exploitation by confirming that any cultural rites we witness or participate in are done BY the community (ie avoid temazcal purification ceremonies not performed in a living Mayan community).

Tips:

• Skip elephant rides, dolphin shows, or photo ops with sedated animals.

• Avoid tours that treat cultural rituals like entertainment.

• Choose experiences that are educational, respectful, and community-led.

👉 Binoculars are a must for ethical wildlife watching and eco-friendly sunscreen is necessary for protecting reefs and rivers.

♿ 4. Ask About Accessibility and Inclusion

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a travel essential. Whether you're plus-size, neurodivergent, or traveling with mobility needs, you deserve experiences that fit.

As a plus-size woman, I really love flying on Southwest. They have never charged me for an extra seat and I usually don't even need to ask for it. When choosing a hotel, I love finding unionized locations so I can trust in the safe working conditions for the employees. My biggest tip - email the hotel or tour operator ahead of time and see if they can accommodate whatever will make your trip easier. Do you need a bidet? A ground-floor room? A driver who allows you to sit in silence? Most places will help you if they can.

Tips:

• Ask hotels and tour operators about seating, walking distances, and bathroom access.

• Look for companies with inclusive hiring practices.

• Advocate for yourself and others—your feedback helps improve the industry.

👉 I adore Loop Switch Earplugs because they allow you to change the settings based on your needs at the moment.

✈️ Travel That Feels Good

When you choose travel experiences that support local communities and respect cultural boundaries, you’re not just a tourist, you're a guest. And that shift makes all the difference.

If you’re planning a trip and want help finding ethical, inclusive, and unforgettable experiences, I’d love to help.

Let’s travel better - together.

—Kyleigh

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.