Something I would add is to prepare by looking up a little of the colonial history of each country. It’s not only American corporations that are harmful. For example in Aruba, there are many Dutch people running tours and lodges. The Dutch community within the Caribbean side of the Dutch Kingdom tend to segregate themselves from the local community. That income often goes to fostering elitism such as private Dutch schools but also to buy up properties to rent out to tourists. Such activities have detrimental effects on our community, both in the short term and long term.

Related to this, I would like to add something to your point about art and souvenirs. Become the production of artisanal products was practically destroyed by colonialism and imperialism, there is very little of it left in the authentic sense. A lot of ‘local’ art marketed toward tourists are not local at all; they are largely made by Dutch people or other privileged immigrants who are not dependent on it but who do such activities as a hobby or for side-income. The people who really need income are the ones who sell souvenirs. See, those souvenir stands by the cruise port used to sell vegetables and local food products such as meat and fish. Capitalism wiped that out, and now the owners of those stands are left with very little options. Please support them, and encourage them to offer locally produced products as well. But keep in mind that for locals to produce artisan and art products is in itself also very expensive. It’s expensive for both producer and seller to invest in this.

Please continue this conversation! The best way to support local economies is to talk to local people about it.