Travel That Makes a Difference: Where Your Dollars Really Matter

Written By Krista Nannery

December always nudges me to look outward a little more. Maybe it’s all those years in Catholic school — from kindergarten straight through college at Notre Dame — where reflection, service, kindness, and showing up for others were woven into daily life. That mindset has stuck with me, and this time of year I naturally find myself asking how I can do a little more good.

One thing travel has taught me after visiting 75+ countries is this: your dollars don’t land in the same place everywhere. In some destinations, most of what you spend disappears into multinational hotel groups, foreign shareholders, or cruise lines where very little stays local. But in others, your hotel night, your dinner out, your guided tour — those things matter. They pay employees, fund conservation, keep small businesses alive, and help families build stability.

If you want to travel in a way that actually supports communities (without feeling like you’re forcing “voluntourism” on yourself), here are the destinations where your presence — and your spending — genuinely moves the needle. Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

Nepal: Tourism as a Lifeline

Nepal relies on tourism in a very direct, very human way. Most trekking companies, boutique hotels, cafés, and driver services are locally owned. Your dollars pay salaries, support families, and help rebuild a country still recovering from major earthquakes. Even a simple tea house stay in the mountains has real economic impact on the people who run it. Check out this 10 day Nepal itinerary here.

Rwanda: Travel That Funds Conservation

Rwanda is one of the best examples in the world of tourism done right. Gorilla permits, national parks, community projects, and locally built lodges work together to protect wildlife and develop rural communities. When you travel here, you’re not just sightseeing — you’re directly supporting conservation and job creation in one of Africa’s most forward-thinking countries. Check out this in-depth exploration of Rwanda.

Cambodia: Keeping Small Businesses Alive

Cambodia’s tourism sector is still dominated by small, local owners — restaurants, boutique hotels, guides, craftspeople. The country took longer to rebound after global shutdowns, so every traveler helps. And yes, Angkor Wat is astonishing. But the impact you make in guesthouses, markets, and social enterprises? That’s where the real magic is. Honestly, my time in Cambodia is something I will never forget. Man’s inhumanity to man. Here’s a six day combo of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Peru: Empowering Communities in the Sacred Valley & Amazon

Peru’s tourism economy has deep local roots. Drivers, guides, Amazon lodge staff, cooks, porters, weavers — many families depend on visitor income. Whether you’re exploring the Sacred Valley’s Quechua communities or staying in an eco-lodge along the Amazon, your dollars support livelihoods and cultural traditions that have existed for generations. Aqua Expeditions has a history of giving back to its partner communities and has a beautiful Amazon cruise for you to consider.

Jordan: Tourism as Stability

Jordan depends heavily on tourism to support a population that’s welcomed waves of refugees over the last decade. Many desert camps, guiding companies, transportation services, and boutique hotels are Jordanian-owned and genuinely benefit from every visitor. Petra and Wadi Rum might be the stars, but the impact is widespread and immediate. Check out this hiking tour of Jordan.

Sri Lanka: A Country That Needs Travelers Back

Sri Lanka has weathered more than its fair share of crises — economic, political, and natural. Tourism is one of the fastest ways to help stabilize the country. Most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are locally owned, and the ripple effect of visitor spending is significant. I spent a week in Sri Lanka before I moved back to the US and I really loved it. Plus, it’s an easy destination to combine with the Maldives! Check out this private 10 day tour of Sri Lanka.

Belize: Locally Owned, Locally Run

Belize punches way above its weight when it comes to locally-owned tourism businesses. Jungle lodges, dive shops, guides, restaurants — so much of it is Belizean-run. If you want to support local communities while also having an incredible adventure, this is an easy win. Check out this 10 day ultimate Belize tour.

Namibia: Community-Based Tourism Done Right

Namibia has one of the world’s strongest models for community-led conservation. Many lodges operate as joint ventures with local conservancies, where profits fund schools, healthcare, and wildlife protection. When you stay here, your dollars have a direct, traceable impact. Ready to give Namibia a go? Try this eight-day exploration.

Laos: Slow Travel with Real Local Benefit

Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations and one of the places where your spending goes straight to small businesses. Boutique hotels, cooking schools, river cruises, artisans — most are Lao-owned. A little goes a long way here. I love Laos — it’s such a beautiful country. Luang Prabang is my favorite place. Here’s a rare tour that is entirely Laos-focused.

Albania: Tourism That’s Transforming a Country

Albania is still in the early stages of its tourism boom, which means the vast majority of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants are owned by Albanian families. Your visit supports a country that’s rapidly developing new opportunities for its younger generation. And hey, you can easily combine with western Greece. There’s a ferry from Albania to Corfu!

How to Make Your Impact Even Larger

No matter where you go, here’s how to ensure your spending helps the people who actually live there:

  • Choose locally owned hotels and restaurants

  • Buy crafts from artisans, not factory resellers

  • Visit destinations beyond the hot spots

  • Stay longer — “slow travel” keeps more money in local economies

  • Book experiences that pay fair wages (I vet these for clients)

You don’t have to overhaul the way you travel. Sometimes the simplest choices make the biggest difference. Can I help you think through your next trip? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad, and have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My background and 20 year career in the investment management industry have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation to anyone looking to plan their next trip.

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Krista Nannery
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