After a trip, what are the moments you remember the most? While visiting famous landmarks is always a good idea, it’s usually the experiences that turn into memories I cherish most. And usually, those memories come from when you experience the area like a local! So here are 10 ways to travel like a local!
10 ways to vacation like a local:
- Choose vacation rentals over hotels :: I love hotels and sometimes they are the easy button. But whenever I get the chance, I will always choose a boutique hotel or a vacation rental over a big chain hotel. I love the personal touches they add – it really gives the extra local flair. I usually start by searching airbnb and homeaway. If I find a home I love I look for keywords in the description. Most of the homes are actually managed by Property Managers and can be rented outside of those websites for far cheaper. There is something about coming home to a proper apartment, kitchen and real home base that makes traveling so much easier. ESPECIALLY when traveling with kids.
- Find the local markets :: Ask your hotel or vacation rental manager for local market suggestions. This way you can either pick up snacks, breakfast or ingredients for full meals during your vacation. Not only does this help you save money, but it also helps you see how locals live. What do they really eat? And ask your host what items they recommend you pick up at the market! I’ve tried some of the most surprising, delicious items from recommendations!
- Take public transportation or walk :: You get to see so much more when you walk a destination! I love finding small streets covered with tiny restaurants or boutiques.
- Ask the staff :: Again, start by asking your host where to go, what do to and what to see. Especially in your neighborhood. But even ask your servers! Ask them what to order, where to go, what to do after you finish dining! They always know the best secrets!
- Study the language :: At the very least learn hello, good bye and thank you. If you at least try to speak the local language, you will find everyone to be so nice! You just have to put in the effort!
- Dress like a local :: American’s are notoriously under dressed and can make us stand out when traveling. Do a little research before you go and see what the locals wear. I love turning to Pinterest and searching “Paris street style” or whatever the destination is. I’ve found the better you dress, the better the service you receive! Sometimes simply trading out sweats for jeans or a sports team tee for a solid tee can make all the difference in the world.
- Utilize social media :: Search hashtags and locations before your trip. I love seeing what others have done in cities I’m headed to- both locals and tourists. You can find everything from gorgeous photo locations and amazing restaurants to hole-in-the-wall secrets small, must-hit boutiques.
- Travel off season :: Sure- the weather might not be as perfect, but you can see what real life is like for the locals, prices are lower, and destinations are far less crowded!
- Linger a little longer :: When possible, I will always choose to spend more time in one destination than a couple days in multiple destinations. If you do have limited time, at least try to linger a little longer in a cafe and people watch- really watch the locals and the culture around you. When I first started traveling I was always on the run from landmark to landmark. Slow down, enjoy the moment. Watch the locals. Intentionally look for locals and just witness their daily life.
- Try the local cuisine :: My diet is 90% vegetarian, but when traveling I really do my best to try eating what the locals eat- even if it’s just a couple of bites. You never know when you might find your new favorite dish or sauce!
BONUS
Hire a local guide :: Go checkout airbnb experiences or simply use google to find other private guides. We’ve done group tours, private tours, private chefs and more. We LOVE hiring locals! You get to learn more about the area, more about the people who actually live there and often get to see hidden gems!
What would you add?
Or what is one of your favorite travel memories?
Photography by Magda at Katie Donnelly Photography
dress Elie Tahari :: Trench Sezane
Thanks for sharing these great tips. Whenever we travel, I like to get as much of the local vibe as possible. I want to feel like I live there rather than just being a visitor.
Traveling like the locals is the best way to travel and explore the place. I always ask and research well before going to the place.
Great tips, I haven’t tried to dress like a local but that would be a cool idea. Thank you for sharing!
traveling off season is what we usually do, avoids the crowd and the high rates
This sounds like a lovely way to travel. We like to avoid the touristy stuff and travel off the beaten path. Makes it so much better because you can enjoy truly local foods, etc.
I love to try the local cuisine when I travel. That’s a big part of the fun.
We travel a lot and I love to try the local food – it is what a lot of my research goes into! ha!
I am routing for tip number 2. Local markets are the best to feel the pulse of the place. You can get authentic local food too here.
These tips are excellent. Sometimes you’ll enjoy a vacation more as a local than a tourist.
It is indeed nice to vacation like a local. You get a more unique experience than being all “touristy” I agree with you about finding the local markets. You will learn a lot about a place there. Most often hidden gems and food discoveries can be found at the local markets too.
Choosing a short-term rental is a great idea. It makes it feel more like a home than a bare hotel room for sure! ~J