Want to know one of the biggest travel hacks no one ever talks about? Live like a local when traveling.
Have you ever heard the saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”?
This is the best way to discover hidden gems and unlock unique local experiences that you otherwise would have never had.
When you’re visiting a new place, it’s easy to fall into tourist traps and spend lots of money on trinkets and tee shirts that hold no real value.
Take some time and see how the locals are living and how they go about daily life. It will completely change the way you travel.
So, if you’re ready for authentic experiences for your next trip, keep on reading!
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1. Research Before You Go
Before you embark on your adventure, it’s always a good idea to do some research on the place you’re visiting. This is the time to learn about your destination’s local culture and customs.
Taking the time to learn about neighborhoods and the best places that locals typically hang out (or avoid) will do you a world of good.
Also, what local language is spoken? And how do you say basic phrases and greetings in this foreign language?
Believe it or not, locals appreciate it when you attempt to speak to them in their native tongue, even if you’re not that good at it.
This is, hands down, the easiest way to connect with the people who live there, and they’ll be more willing to help you out during your stay.
I often think back to a trip my friends and I took to the Dominican Republic in 2018. Near our Airbnb, there was a small cafe we visited regularly.
We’d order things in broken Spanish and try to have small conversations with the workers.
When I tell you these people LOOKED OUT for us for the duration of our trip!
They helped us navigate the city’s hectic public transportation system and gave us insight on which markets and shops they frequented in Punta Cana.
You can also follow local blogs or social media accounts for the place you’re visiting. Also, I always recommend finding Facebook travel groups and interacting with other users to learn about a specific place.
Ask questions and get insight because I can guarantee you, someone has been to the place you’re visiting and can give you some great travel tips.
2. Stay in Local Accommodation
If you really want to live like a local on your next vacation, ditch the resort hotels and opt for something more homey.
For this reason, I’m a huge advocate of house-sitting or staying in a local Airbnb.
With house-sitting, you can stay in someone’s home for free in exchange for taking care of their home and pets.
There’s truly no better way to live like a local than by actually living in their homes and exploring the new city around you.
I have an entire blog dedicated to getting started with house-sitting, so be sure to check it out here.
If you’d rather stay somewhere where you don’t have to care for pets or someone’s home, finding an Airbnb that’s away from top tourist spots is the next best thing.
This is what my friends and I did on that trip to the Dominican Republic.
We booked a condo in a safe residential neighborhood (we even had a personal security guard that patrolled the exterior), and the bus stop, convenience store, pharmacy, and local shops were all within walking distance.
We were also within walking distance to the tourist area, but you would have never known due to how peaceful our little neighborhood/street was.
It’s also worth noting to find an Airbnb hosted by locals if you can. The man we rented from lived there and gave us so much advice for navigating the city.
He even picked us up from the airport then took us to the local grocery story to buy food for the week!
📌 Related: Ultimate Guide to Becoming a House Sitter & Traveling the World
3. Use Public Transport
It may be tempting to use Uber, Lyft, and the like to get around the place you’re visiting, but you’ll soon notice how quickly the expenses add up.
If you’re visiting somewhere that is known to have a lot of tourists, ridesharing companies will usually jack up the rates, and especially during peak seasons.
To combat this–and to really get the local experience–opt for local transportation. Ask yourself how the locals get around in everyday life.
Do they use buses, trains, or subway systems? Do they use bicycles, catch rides on motorbikes, or walk most places?
Finding out these things will help you get around more efficiently and cost-effectively. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get to experience the city from a different perspective.
You may even make lifelong friends in the process! You never know where a friendly conversation at a bus stop can take you.
4. Shop and Eat Where Locals Do
One of the best kept secrets of living like a local is discovering where to eat and shop. If you do nothing else, make sure you do this tip!
Talking to locals will give you the inside scoop on the best family-owned restaurants to eat at and the best markets in the area to shop at.
Tourist spots can have good food and markets, but more times than not, things can feel a little generic. Usually these spots offer familiar, convenient, and more standardized items that you can get anywhere in America.
Local restaurants and shops, on the other hand, are more authentic and the products are locally sourced.
Also, the service you get typically feels more personalized, the prices are usually more affordable, and your taste buds will be in for a treat!
So, get out of your comfort zone and don’t shy away from those “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants and local markets with family vendors.
5. Participate in Local Activities
There’s absolutely nothing like immersing yourself in the local culture of a place when you’re traveling.
Participating in local activities not only allows you to learn more about the area you’re visiting, but it also gives you a chance to meet and interact with new people.
Find out if there are any festivals going on or community events that you can attend.
Or maybe get involved by taking a local class taught by someone who lives there or scheduling time with a local tour guide.
Whether it’s a cooking lesson, a yoga session, or a jewelry-making class, schedule it into your visit and have fun doing something you wouldn’t normally do.
📌 Grab your Packing Guide Checklist! Scroll the picture below to get it : )
6. Connect with Locals
An excellent way to live like a local on your next trip is by actually getting to know the locals who live there. Feel free to strike up conversations with shopkeepers, baristas, or fellow diners at a restaurant.
Be curious about their way of life and ask questions. You’ll be surprised at how receptive they can be!
Another way to connect with locals is by using apps or platforms like Meetup or Couchsurfing.
These platforms allow you to meet with (or lodge with) locals who share similar interests and can recommend unique experiences or hidden gems in their city.
So, next time you travel, take the opportunity to mingle with locals. It will add a new dimension to your trip, and you’ll create unforgettable memories.
7. Embrace the Local Lifestyle
So, you’ve landed in your new destination, but now what?
The best way to fully immerse yourself in a new culture is by embracing the local lifestyle.
This will look like trying new food, adjusting your schedule to match local routines, and even dressing similarly to the locals (this will also help you not stick out like a sore thumb).
Are there local customs, greetings, or etiquette that you should be savvy to?
Take a little time before you leave out to research your destination’s local lifestyle. I promise you’ll have a much smoother trip if you do so!
📌 Related: Great Phrases To Learn for Your Next Trip Abroad
8. Avoid Tourist Traps
I generally have one cardinal rule when it comes to travel: avoid tourist traps like the plague.
Places that cater exclusively to tourists will have you paying an arm and a leg for the most basic items.
And you know what I’m talking about: those bright-colored shirts with the destination’s name plastered across the front or other memorabilia associated with the location.
A lot of things sold in tourist traps are mass-produced and don’t even originate from the country you’re buying them in.
Now, while these things are definitely OK to purchase (and let’s be real, sometimes super cute), I recommend finding those same items being sold by a local artisan.
9. Learn the Local History and Traditions
Learning about the place you’re visiting is a great way to enrich your travel experience.
By visiting museums, historical sites, or cultural centers, you gain a deeper understanding of the location’s past and what helped shape its present.
Reading books or watching documentaries about the area can also give you valuable local insights and context.
Most importantly, it’s so crucial to show respect for local traditions, religious practices, and historical landmarks.
Put yourself in the locals’ shoes–you’d want travelers who are visiting your country to respect and learn about your way of life.
This will not only help you connect with the local people and their heritage but also makes your journey more memorable and authentic.
📌 Related: 6 Exclusive International Travel Tips You Need to Know
10. Be a Responsible Traveler
Respect and mindfulness should always guide your travels.
Embrace sustainable travel practices, like reducing waste, conservsing resources, and leaving a light footprint wherever you go.
Also, show consideration for the environment and local communities you encounter.
Lastly, always try to support local business and artisans as best as you can, as they are the heart and soul of the places you visit.
By partaking in sustainable tourism, you can make such a lasting and positive impact on a community, and it will make your experience even more magical.
📌 This book below has really helpful tips about responsible travel!
Ready, Set, Go!
I hope this post gave you some great ideas on how to live like a local on your next vacation.
I’m excited to hear about your travel experiences where you’ve incorporated some of the tips mentioned above. Leave a comment below to share!
Safe travels!
Peace, love, and good vibrations. ̴(•◡•)̴♡
