10 Secrets for Traveling Like a Local

Traveling is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It lets you discover new places, dive into unfamiliar experiences, sample different cuisines and meet wonderfully vibrant people. But not every trip is equal. Plenty of travelers miss those once-in-a-lifetime moments and unforgettable encounters because their noses are stuck in guidebooks or they stay clustered with other tourists at famous landmarks. The secret to truly life-changing, memory-making and beautiful travel is to experience a place the way locals do. The tips below, some more familiar than others, can turn your next trip into one you will never forget.

Look past the famous sights

Every city or country has a few must-dos — seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris or riding the ferry to the Statue of Liberty in New York City, for example. Yet many tourists overlook the neighborhoods, quirks and sights beyond those headline attractions. Some of the best memories come from wandering off the beaten path and losing yourself in the neighborhoods, cafes, shops and parks where locals actually live and spend their time.

Lower the camera

It is only natural to want to capture everything you see, taste and feel while traveling. But chasing the perfect photo, Instagram shot or Facebook post can sometimes make you miss what is really going on around you. Whether you set it aside for a moment or a whole day, lowering the camera or phone helps you absorb more of your trip and the place you are visiting.

Discover the city with a resident

Skip the double-decker bus tours and arrange an outing with someone who actually lives there. Sites such as Vayable link you with residents who lead genuine tours of their city or town. A local gives you a viewpoint you will rarely get from a mainstream tour company. They will also take you to their favorite places — a locals-only pub with cheap drinks, a hidden lookout with the best views in town or a beloved park far from the tourist traps.

Stay in a home or apartment

It sounds obvious and has been said many times, but it is important enough to repeat. You will never feel like a local while staying in a hotel, no matter how fancy or simple the room is. Skip the hotels and rent an apartment through Airbnb or give CouchSurfing a try. That way you can truly live like a local, buy groceries and cook your own meals and meet residents in and around the building. Pick a neighborhood well away from the tourist sights for an even more authentic stay.

Sign up for a cooking class

Nothing reveals a country, city or town quite like its food. And what better way to taste the culture of your destination than through a cooking class? These sessions teach you about authentic local dishes — pho in Vietnam or foie gras in France, say — and let you recreate those classics once you are back home.

Pick up a few key phrases

When you visit a place where English is not the first language, learning a handful of key phrases can help you get around and feel closer to the people who live there. Greetings, thank you, apologies, numbers, directions and food and drink terms are basics that are fairly easy to pick up. In most places, locals respond politely and warmly when they see you making an effort with their language.

Focus on experiences

Many travelers concentrate so hard on ticking items off a list that they forget to absorb the experiences around them. Throw out the bucket list, drop the to-dos and let yourself take in the moments, the people and the culture surrounding you.

Think about volunteering

There are plenty of reasons to volunteer, particularly while traveling. Whether you head to Uganda, Spain or Cambodia, thousands of reputable charities — Habitat for Humanity and the World Hunger Association among them — let you support a local community and meet other like-minded travelers. These opportunities also often let you visit parts of a country that the average tourist never sees.

Stay respectful and observant

This point is essential, yet sadly overlooked by many people traveling to faraway countries. Remember: you are a guest in someone else’s world, not the other way around. Respect local traditions, sights, sounds and tastes, and aim to understand rather than judge.

Also keep watching what the people around you do. What are they eating? Where do they go out? What are they wearing? Finding the answers to these questions will open the door to a more local, authentic trip.

Give everything a try at least once

The key to truly understanding a culture lies in its flavors. You cannot grasp the unique complexities and values of a destination without at least sampling its favorite or signature dishes. Food offers a window into a city’s history and a way to connect with the people who live there. If you are unsure where the best spots are, ask a local! Whether it is the person you rented a house from or the shopper behind you at the supermarket, they will be glad to help.

About the author: Claire Volkman is a social media journalist with a passion for food and travel. She’s spent time in more than 30 countries and hundreds of cities writing, photographing and immersing herself in all things food, wine and culture. You can find her favorite recipes on her blog, The Realistic Nutritionist. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ to keep up with her adventures.