Not quite Starbucks - A local food stall in Madagascar

The concept of eating and shopping locally has been embraced here in the UK.

But do we apply the same principles when we’re on holiday?

One of the most exciting things when you’re away is sampling local delicacies and dishes. It’s an added part of the cultural experience, whether it’s pasties or cream teas in Cornwall, gelato in Italy, or black pudding in Bury. Such culinary adventures are not just fun and delicious they can be the most ethical option too.

Wherever you’re staying on hols – whether it’s Totnes or Thailand – spending your money in local restaurants and shops ensures that the area you’re visiting really benefits financially from your stay. While tourism may be bringing money into an area, most of the income it generates, especially in developing countries, tends not to stay in the area.

This happens because many tourists favour familiarity and often spend their money in fast food restaurants and buy food and drink made by the big brands. In Thailand, for example, it’s estimated that 70% of all money spent by tourists leaves the country. Visiting local shops and eating local food is one way to counteract this trend and ensure that your money directly benefits the communities you’re visiting.

Eating local is ethical for other reasons too. It cuts down on food miles and can even cut down on packaging too; buying locally made ice-cream in a cone from a local vendor has no wrapping compared to buying a branded ice-cream or lolly.

The local ‘catch of the day’ is often a favourite feature of the holiday menu. Unfortunately, demand for local seafood can cause problems because of overfishing. Happily, armed with a bit of knowledge, you can still enjoy fresh fish. Downloading Marine Conservation Society’s www.fishonline.org  guide will help you make sure that you make the most ethical fish choice, wherever you’re holidaying.

Tips for buying local

• Buying goods from local artisans is a great way to support local artists, support the local economy and ensure that traditional artistic skills remain profitable.

• Many British hotels and B&Bs now advertise the fact that they use local ingredients in their menus and breakfasts.

• If you’ve got a sweet tooth, choose freshly made cakes, crepes or ice-creams instead of packaged, branded treats. The UK also has some great regional desserts. Search them out, and favour fruit desserts made with local fruit in season.

• If travelling overseas, instead of buying branded fizzy drinks to quench your thirst, try fresh juice from local fruit.

• Be brave! Trying local delicacies might be daunting, but you could be surprised. If your hotel only provides ‘tourist’ fare, then venture out to local restaurants, food markets and cafes. Ask around for recommendations and to find out what the local dishes are.

• Swap branded instant coffee for local ground coffee in countries where coffee is a local crop.