Five Tips for Adding a Local Flair to Your Vacation
One of the best things about traveling is being able to experience that famous Instagrammable attraction you've been swooning over for months. But nothing beats a local experience that makes you feel like you're a part of the community and culture. Regardless of how often you travel, exploring the world and discovering new architecture, history, landscapes, and food is a truly enriching experience.
We've got you covered if you're looking to add some local flair to your next adventure. Our specialty is going beyond the bucket list and finding ways to connect you with the customs and culture of your destination. We're sharing our top five tips for traveling like a local. It's easy to do, usually cost-effective, and is a great way to enhance your journey and curate lasting memories.
Why Travel Like a Local?
Do you know that hole-in-the-wall cafe in your neighborhood that has the most delicious food only residents know about? What about that hidden park that has the best views of downtown? Maybe there’s a free stand-up comedy show at your local theater every Thursday. These are the kinds of things that make every place exciting and unique in its own way. Your next destination is no different.
The truth is some of the most interesting and intriguing locations, and activities are the ones you didn’t read about in the guidebook. Traveling like a local gives you a better chance of experiencing some of the things that truly make your vacation special and memorable. Following the tips below will give you a window into local customs and culture and contribute to the authentic vibe you’re looking for in your next vacation.
How to Travel Like a Local
Travel during the low season
One way to experience a local vibe is to travel to your destination in the low season or during a shoulder season. The low season is the time of year when your preferred destination is the least busy or popular. And shoulder seasons occur immediately before or after the area’s peak tourist months.
In some prominent and highly sought-after destinations and cities, locals may avoid busy tourist areas during the peak travel season. However, when traveling during slower periods, you’re much more likely to meet and connect with locals because you’re generally not surrounded by thousands of other tourists. Similarly, locals can sometimes be more open and friendly during low and shoulder seasons since visitors are not bombarding them at every turn.
Plus, Traveling during slower seasons is usually cheaper and less competitive when booking accommodations, tours, and more. However, if you’re only able to travel during high seasons, you might consider staying in a smaller nearby town after enjoying some sightseeing and activities in the primary tourist location. Distancing yourself from the visiting crowds puts you closer to authentic local experiences with the added benefit of introducing you to unique and charming destinations you may not have discovered otherwise.
2. Take public transportation
How many people can say they’ve ridden in the back of a chicken truck while traveling between villages in Guatemala? Maybe you don’t have to go that far, but you get the idea. Rideshares, taxis, and other services like these are generally convenient and affordable. Still, they won’t make you feel like you’re a part of the local morning commute.
More often than not, locals take public transportation like trains, metros, and buses while living their everyday lives. Depending on your destination, it may take more effort to figure out routes and schedules. But these forms of transportation are one of the main ways to immerse yourself in the local norms and experience that local vibe you’re looking for during your travels.
If you’re hesitant or skeptical about navigating local public transportation, consider starting with a simple transfer to only one or two attractions. As you become more comfortable, you can choose the modes and time frames best suited to your needs and preferences. As a bonus, public transportation is usually relatively cost-effective and sometimes even free.
3. Visit local markets
Nothing gives you a better finger on the pulse of a community than an open-air or local market. The hustle and bustle alone are both fascinating and exhilarating. Depending on your destination, many of these markets are not considered high-demand tourist attractions, so you’re much more likely to be surrounded by people living in the community or area.
You won’t be disappointed by the vast array of stalls and booths offering food, clothes, jewelry, furniture, art, and much more. And there’s no better place to try the local fruit, vegetables, snacks, and cuisines than a market. Because these local hubs generally cater to the town or neighborhood residents, you will also get an authentic snapshot of the goods and products characteristic of the local culture.
Engaging in the market experience gives the ultimate local vibe for less money than a five-star shopping center or restaurant. Plus, getting souvenirs from markets is usually more meaningful than grabbing something at the airport and has the added benefit of supporting local merchants. Remember to brush up on your bargaining skills before hitting the market, and always commit to paying a fair price for your one-of-a-kind purchases.
4. Ask for recommendations and advice
Don’t hesitate to ask your hotel front desk clerk, taxi driver, or casual passerby on the street if you have questions. Finding ways to connect with locals is often as simple as asking. If you don’t ask where to find the best place to eat, you won’t know the favorite local restaurant is two blocks away and upstairs on the terrace. And you’re probably not going to know about the secret hiking trail locals love unless you ask for their favorite things to do in the area.
Of course, there can be language barriers while traveling, so plan to use a translation app while exploring. Similarly, learning some basic phrases expressing courtesy and thanks will go a long way when interacting with locals. Strike up conversations, and you’ll be surprised how excited they are to tell you what they love about their community. And you’ll find hidden gems to tell all your friends and family about when you return from your journey.
5. Put down the guidebook and build in wander time
Unfortunately, most people have limited time to travel, and fitting in everything you want to see and do is important. However, if immersing yourself in the local culture is a priority, planning for some unstructured and unscheduled time during your trip is essential. If you give yourself time to wander around, take unknown turns, and connect with locals, you’re almost guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised by what you stumble upon. So be curious, be an adventurer, and let yourself get lost in the local wonder.
6. Eat with locals
We know you’re craving an authentic local experience, and we’ve got what you’re looking for with this bonus tip. There’s something special about breaking bread with new friends, enjoying rich conversation, and sharing laughs over the dinner table. Imagine arriving at your destination knowing you have a lovely dinner date with locals ready to share their meals, customs, and hospitality.
At Eatwith, we help connect you with local chefs who host an immersive culinary experience exclusively for you. Join locals in their homes, share stories, learn, delight in authentic cuisine, and experience your destination’s culture firsthand.
Browse numerous dining experiences worldwide and make a reservation for a joyful and flavorful affair. We can’t wait to see you at dinner and hear all about your travels!