I appreciate this community and during times like these more than ever. There are moments of uncertainty and vulnerability, but through it all the collective response in supporting each other is incredible. I shared on Instagram this week on how to support small businesses and creatives and wanted to go more into detail. So before I talk about what travel content or anything else will look like on Bon Traveler these next few weeks, I first want to start here.
I asked a few different small businesses and creatives in the industry on how we could best be supported. So I’m compiling the list in one place. The best part is some of the ways are entirely free — just a few minutes of time.
For the time being, Travis and I are hanging at home and taking it day by day. We feel called to support our small businesses and creatives right now. I know personally as a small business owner, I’m feeling incredibly vulnerable. My experience is not unique to me, so I know how much support means on a community level. Just a simple note, a comment, or a shared understanding of this change has gone a long way.
So I hope we can rally behind our collective creators and local businesses during these uncertain times now more than ever. Sending love to wherever you are in the world now.
How to Support Small Businesses and Creatives
For Small Businesses
Consider shopping small before big.
It’s one of the easier of the ideas of supporting small businesses. Consider your smaller grocery stores before going to the big. The business helps immensely — they need the business too. Whether it’s a corner store, an online boutique, I always try to think who can I support local and small first.
Order delivery + takeout.
Let’s keep our restaurants going. One way right now is to order takeout or delivery. It’s an incredible way to keep local cafes and restaurants in business. Plus, it’s a welcomed change for the week!
Share the social love.
Have a favorite business that you know is open for takeout or has gift cards available (or other ways to support)? Shout them out on social. Let others in the community know. Spreading the word on social is a great way to keep word of mouth going for small businesses. On top of that, engaging with their content on social channels is gives hope and lets them know we’re all here.
Buy a gift card online.
Can’t visit yet? Support a store or restaurant by buying a gift card now to use later. The money will help them keep business afloat until they can open their doors again.
Check-in with your local businesses.
A quick note goes a mile. Asking a question like “how can we support you right now?”
For Creatives
Visit blogs to keep traffic up.
One of the most requested ways to support bloggers right now was to keep visiting their blogs (and from myself as well!). We make money from ads on our websites which is entirely dependent on traffic — how many people come to the site each day. For those of us in the travel blogging world, if travel content isn’t being searched for, our website traffic drops. In speaking to many travel bloggers, most of us have lost over 60% of web traffic in a week. Whether you pop on for a minute or two, this helps so much.
Consider one of their online paid resources.
Most bloggers and creatives like myself have produced paid products like Lightroom Presets or online courses. If you have been looking at presets or taking a course, now is a great time to support.
Engage with creative’s content on social, a comment goes a long way!
Speaking for myself, my spirits have been down but each note I get keeps pushing me forward. Engage with your favorite creatives’ content — spreading love and support is everything.
Shop local artists in your area.
I know just in Northern California we have incredible artists who are suffering right now. Looking for a new print? Consider one of their online shops. Purchasing handmade ceramics, home goods, and other things like this from local artists are great ways to support.
Lastly
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for those who have sent notes of encouragement and love to not only me but this global community of small business owners. We are grateful for your support.
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Flights
Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
2. Book Your Accommodations
Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Car
Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.
5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access
Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
1 Comment
It is very kind of you to write this post supporting small businesses! Thank you! 💛