Traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. Whether I’m jetting off to Europe or exploring a new city in the US, I love indulging in new foods, exploring breathtaking sights, and interacting with new people. While traveling is full of amazing experiences, there’s one thing that’s not so great: feeling like an out-of-place tourist. Of course, you’re a tourist when you travel, but you don’t want everyone to know that just by looking. From my own travels, and thanks to my adventurous sister, I’ve learned a few travel tips to blend in and have made my travels exponentially better. Here’s how to stop feeling like a tourist and live like a local when you travel.
Source: @meghandono
1. Do your research, but leave room to improvise.
Before traveling somewhere, you always research where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and of course, where to get the best coffee. The secret to researching a destination is to think like a local, not a tourist. Throw away the travel guidebook and take to social media for local recommendations. Look up local influencers and check out the latest posts from different places to find out what’s popular day to day. This will help you come up with your travel packing list, itinerary, and budget.
2. Stay off the beaten path.
Hotels are incredibly convenient, but most hotel chains are the same everywhere you go. When booking your trip, consider local lodging, Airbnb or VRBO accommodations, hostels, or room shares for longer stays. Once you find a place that interests you, search for that business or area on TikTok or Instagram to see real photos from past trips.
Source: @mariellehaon
3. Don’t leave your hobbies at home.
This tip is especially great for anyone who loves to travel solo. Find a place in your destination where you can pursue your favorite hobby. Sign up for an art class or a fitness class, browse the local bookstore, or grab a beer at a local brewery. This way, you’ll meet locals who share your interests with you. You might make new connections, get unique advice on food, drink and activities, and even learn the inside story of some of the best-kept secret spots.
4. Avoid tourist traps.
During my travels, I’ve visited a lot of cliché places like Broadway, Times Square, The Bean, the Hollywood Strip, the Eiffel Tower, etc. These are great places to check off your bucket list, but they’re not where locals spend their time. Think of the places you frequent in your city – art galleries, little boutiques, farmers’ markets, hiking trails – and explore the local options in your destination. You’ll experience the things you love from a whole new perspective.
Source: @gabrielegz
5. Eat where the locals eat.
If there’s a line at a restaurant, it might be really good or it might just be ranked #1 of the best restaurants in the city on Yelp. For the most delicious and authentic food, look for restaurants full of locals, not the ones most featured in travel guides. If you don’t know where to start, ask your Airbnb hosts or people you know, check out social media tags, or just explore. Some of the best restaurants I’ve tried over the years have been small, family-run restaurants that never make it onto travel sites (but deserve to be).
6. Use public transportation.
The best way to see a city like a local is to use public transport. Most big cities have extensive subway and bus systems that can take you almost anywhere in the city. If you’re looking for an alternative mode of transport, try renting a bike. Bike rentals are everywhere these days and will allow you to see the city from a whole new perspective. Not only will public transport save you a lot of money, it will also allow you to see more of the city and you might even stumble upon some hidden gems along the way.
Source: @chrissyford
7. Pay attention to local trends.
Of course, you want to look good while traveling, and it’s always good to let your style shine, but depending on where you’re traveling, you’ll need to be mindful of local fashion. For example, most Europeans don’t wear athleisure when they go out, and in South America, you won’t see many locals wearing shorts outside the beach. Wherever you go, dress respectfully, and if you’re worried about standing out, dress more conservatively.
8. Review commonly used phrases.
If you’re traveling to a country where English is not the first language, speaking only English is a surefire way to stand out as a tourist. Personally, I’m a big fan of Duolingo (not to brag, but I’m currently at 300 days in a row). It’s a great way to review useful phrases and quickly become familiar with a new language. You don’t need to be fluent, but taking your language skills a step further than a simple “hello” and “thank you” can make a big difference.
