When it comes to travel, there are basically two ways to go: You can see a place, checking off the highlights from the guidebooks; or you can live it, taking time at your destination to live like a local.
Of course, no one would suggest skipping a dream location’s must-see attractions (if you’re in Paris, definitely check out the Louvre!), but there is a lot to be said for taking a few days of your vacation to hop off the tour bus and dive in like you live there.
And you don’t need to have a friend in town to do it. These ideas will help you experience your destination like it’s your hometown. Plan your whole trip around them, or just use a few days of your vacation as a prime “live like a local” opportunity.
Slow Down
Even the busiest city dweller’s day is less hectic than a typical tourist’s jam-packed schedule. If you want to live like a local, slow down and savor your days, just like you’d do during a free weekend in your own hometown.
Skip the Hotel
If you want to experience the place like you live there, check out of the hotel scene and spend your time living where locals live. Websites like Airbnb.com and VRBO.com make it easy to bypass traditional hotels and stay in a home or apartment, which will help you create a more real-life experience.
Find a Hangout
Whether it’s a coffee shop or a local park, an everyday place where locals spend their free time is a perfect location for you to get a real feel for how locals live. Be sure to check out any bulletin boards on the wall while you’re there to see if there are grassroots events worth attending during your stay.
Strike Up a Conversation
While you’re at that local hangout, say “hi” to someone who seems open to talking (but remember to exercise caution when talking to strangers!). Ask your new local pals about the places no one ever talks about in their hometown — little-known sights, great shopping spots, or out-of-this-world restaurants — the things they make sure their own family and friends see when they come to visit.
Shop for Souvenirs at the Grocery Store
To live like a local, eat like a local! If you’re visiting a place with its own local cuisine, or an indie foodie scene like food trucks worth savoring, be sure to get out and try it. Then savor those memories by picking up some of the foods, sauces, and spices that you’ve tasted at a plain old grocery store. (Another great idea is to take a local cooking class so you know what to do with those ingredients when you get home.)
Experience the Daily Commute
If you want to feel like you live in a place, travel around it just like the locals do. If there’s a subway, take it. Grab a seat on a local bus. If everyone bikes around town, snap on a helmet and pedal away. Or simply put on your favorite walking shoes and stroll the busiest districts during the workday for a feel for how locals get things done.
Try Your Favorite Hobby in a New Place
If you have a hobby you’re passionate about, why not try it in a brand-new place? Join a pickup basketball game, take a one-day drawing course, find an open skate at an ice rink … you get the idea. To meet up with local people who love your favorite pastime too, start your search on a site like Meetup.com.
Interview Your Driver
You can learn a lot about a place by taking a cab, Lyft, or Uber and having a friendly chat with your driver. They can tell you a lot about local events, hot hangouts, and the trends they’re seeing from their spot behind the wheel.
With wide open eyes and an open mind, it’s not hard to travel like a local. Just take your time and explore.
What’s your favorite off-the-beaten-path travel tale? Share it in the comments.
Zazzle’s Lifestyle Expert is here to help create life’s best & most important moments. Discover unique ideas and endless inspiration to create meaningful memories with family, friends and your community.
