Unique experiences while traveling are easier to come by than you might think. Instead of hitting up popular attractions when visitng a new place, immerse yourself in the culture. Connect with the people and history to gain a true experience of the locale. Off-beat adventures await you when you experience local life when traveling. Not sure where to start? These tips will help you get started living like a local no matter where you journey.
Research Before You Go
Planning a trip is an exciting time but don’t just center your itinerary around tourist hot spots. Research the city, town, or country you are traveling to and the customs, traditions, and laws. What is legal at home may not be legal in the next state. Find out what the locals wear. For example, some countries are more modest than others, so pack longer sleeves and pants rather than shorts and tank tops.
Dignity and Care
Treat the land as if it were your own. Practice the “leave no trace” principle by disposing of trash properly and not disturbing the environment. That means to observe wildlife and plants you may encounter, but don’t touch them or take them home as a souvenir.
Lead a sustainable travel lifestyle by considering your journey’s impact on the planet. Instead of booking a ride-share to get you somewhere, rent a bike or take the extra time to walk around. By traveling with dignity and care, you can leave the places you’ve visited just as they were before you arrived.
Learn the Language
No one expects you to become fluent in Spanish or Mandarin overnight but learning everyday phrases like “hello” and “thank you” shows natives your appreciation of their country. There are great mobile phone apps you can download to translate menus or directions for you, but remember you might not always have access to wireless internet.
Download Maps
Learn the major roads and intersections. This will help you with your sense of direction and in case you get turned around when exploring. Some map applications allow you to download map data to get directions in an area without relying on WIFI or cellular data.
Support Local Businesses
Hang with the locals in the morning at the farmers market or shop for souvenirs at vendor booths in the afternoon. When you support local businesses, your money goes back into their economy, not big corporations. The same goes for where you eat. Choose to dine at family-run restaurants rather than popular chains.
Plan Your Stays
Try to find places to stay in the heart of the city. This puts you within walking distance of landmarks, eateries, and shops. Hostels are a great option when it comes to immersing yourself in a new place. You’ll get to meet other travelers and trade information about where to go and things to do.
Hostels also give you a sense of community, especially on solo trips. There is also nothing wrong with choosing a hotel –– privacy and a hot shower are always welcome! Be sure to ask hospitality workers for their recommendations for food, stores, and excursions.
Eat Like a Local
Spend Time at the Park
Plan a picnic at a local park and people watch the families and friends around you. Parks are always popular among locals, no matter the city. When researching the places you are visiting, look up the popular parks and preservation areas. These places are less likely to be filled with tourists and will give you a peek into the life of a local.
Final Word
Be open and flexible when you travel. By allowing room for new experiences in your itinerary, you can have a more authentic experience. The best memories and genuine moments come from those unplanned stops. Lastly, don’t be afraid to try new things. Stepping out of your comfort zone will help you truly experience what it is like to live like a local on your trip.
Guest post written by Mariah Fenley
With a stethoscope draped around her neck and a passport in hand, Mariah embarks on adventures around the globe, seamlessly blending her love for medicine with her wanderlust spirit.
