7 Tips for Experiencing Destinations Like a Local

[Anna Scott]

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When we travel to new places, it's easy to get sucked into tourist traps, ticking off the most iconic sights and dropping more cash than is entirely necessary. Admittedly, you may want to ensure you visit the spots that the place is known for. But more often than not these days, we also want a more authentic experience when we travel to exciting new destinations. Rather than being herded along with other tourists, there is a romance surrounding living amongst the locals, understanding their cultures and getting a real feel for the place. With our guide, you can do just that and get your bearings wherever you are in the world.

Live Like a Resident

The best place to start is by avoiding booking your accommodation at a hotel. Why not opt to rent a place for your group or, if you're travelling solo, renting a room in someone's home? You can do both with tools like Airbnb. By having your own flat or house, you get a much better sense for living in that city or town and cut yourself off from being treated like a tourist and having your every need catered for. If you choose to rent a room, you also have a great resource in your host, who can give you an honest local perspective.

Shop for & Cook Local Foodstuffs

Another perk of renting your own space is you'll have no other option but to cook for yourself. That, or dine out. However, dining out can prove expensive, which works in your favour for finding the lesser known restaurants and cafes that offer cheaper menu options. That said, with your own kitchen facilities, you'll be encouraged to also venture out to carry out your food shop. Visit supermarkets close by and peruse amongst other locals. You should also research any local farmers markets that might be going on. These allow you to see what's grown and reared in the surrounding areas and haggle like a local for the best prices.

Go on a Walking Tour

Such tours are a great way to get a sense for a place at the start of your visit. It also means you'll likely tick off those essential sights within one day and be ready to spend the rest of your time in the area doing your own thing and avoiding tourist infested areas. They're also a great way for mapping out the place in your mind and getting your bearings. There are also so many options available in terms of walking tours. Use sites like Discount Promo Codes and you can get great reductions on providers like Golden Tours and Attractiontix who host a range of tours and other amazing attractions.

Jeanne Menjoulet



Make Use of Public Transport

Taking public transport is a great way to live more like a local in a new place. It's likely a more affordable option than taking taxis everywhere and once again puts you at the heart of the locals. Enjoy the chatter about day to day life and, once again, get a better idea of the layout of the place. Especially in cities that also offer underground services, try and take the bus instead where you can so you can really see where you are amongst the chaos of the city.

Go for a Run

Don't want to skip out on your exercise whilst you're away? Another way to learn the area is going for a run. See cities and towns from a new perspective as you work up a sweat and you'll probably discover some hidden gems as you jog through side streets. You may even scope out where you want to go for dinner later.

Talk to Your Servers & Other Locals

Assuming, of course, you're in an English speaking destination, speak the local language, or happen across locals who speak English. Whether you're brave enough to strike up conversation with a complete stranger, or simply talk to wait staff and the guy making your coffee in the morning. Talking to the people who aren't trying to get you on side for a river cruise tour is a sure fire way to gain more knowledge of your destination and even gain some handy tips and recommendations. You might even learn about those holes in the wall that locals sneak off to for their quiet drink in the evening.

Learn a Bit of the Language

Following on nicely, why not try and pick up a bit of the local lingo? Learning languages definitely doesn't come naturally to everyone, but it's of use picking up a few common phrases. Locals will hopefully appreciate your attempts and if you're confident you may even avoid sticking out like a sore thumb. When it comes to speaking to locals, it'll also come in handy when visiting a non-English speaking country.

Living like a local in a new place and getting a real, honest perspective of a place needn't be difficult. Simply doing your research and making a few changes to your itinerary can throw you into the deep end and making choices fitting of a resident. When actively living like a local, you'll likely also find your holiday is more laid back and you'll discover more of those hidden gems you may not have otherwise stumbled across.