There’s a difference between checking into a place and truly experiencing it. The best travel memories rarely come from the guidebooks. They come from the hole-in-the-wall café, the unexpected street performance, the local you shared a story with.
To travel like a local is to go deeper. It’s to belong, not just arrive.
Skip the Chain Hotels
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, boutique stays, or Airbnb-style rentals. These spots not only inject money into the local economy but also put you closer to the rhythms of real life.
Learn Key Phrases
Even a few words of the local language—”hello,” “thank you,” “delicious”—go a long way. They open doors, start conversations, and show respect.
Eat Where the Crowds Aren’t Tourists
If a restaurant has a laminated menu in five languages, walk away. Find where locals line up. Ask your host, a cab driver, or your barista where they eat.
Walk (a Lot)
You see a city differently on foot. You notice details, smell street food, and find little shops you’d never spot from a cab. Walking creates space for discovery.
Ditch the Itinerary (Sometimes)
It’s tempting to cram every landmark into a 48-hour window. But leave room for spontaneity. The magic often happens when you get lost or say yes to something unplanned.
Support Local Makers
Skip the souvenirs made in factories and buy from local artists, chefs, and markets. Not only is the product more authentic—your money supports real people.
Blend In, Don’t Stand Out
You don’t need to pretend you’re from there, but avoid being “that tourist.” Dress modestly where appropriate. Be curious, not judgmental. Listen more than you talk.
Final Takeoff
Traveling like a local is about presence, humility, and connection. It’s about letting a place shape you, not just checking it off your list.
So next time you go somewhere new, remember: don’t just visit. Belong.