What’s your favorite thing about traveling? Obviously we all love seeing the landmarks and locations we’ve seen photos of time and time again. But when you come home, what are your favorite stories from the trip? Sure, it’s great to say ‘I saw XYZ while in ABC,’ but the memories that really stand out are the stories. And I’ve learned usually those stories come from the moments when I vacation like a local.
When I know I have a trip coming up, I like to spend a good chunk of time planning our trip. I start with creating a list of landmarks and things on my ‘must-see/must-do/ list, but then I dig in to the items that really make the trip memorable. I find ways to make my trip unique. Ways to experience life as a local.
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Here are a few of my favorite ways to vacation like a local:
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- Choose vacation rentals over hotels :: I love hotels. I do. But I really love booking a vacation rental. 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.
What would you add?
Or what is one of your favorite travel memories?
find more of my travel tips here
on me:
dress {under $25, comes in 10 colors} :: shoes {use code ChloeArnold for a discount}
blazer sold out, similar here and here
on caleb:
sweater :: pants :: shoes
on Cayson:
sweater :: jacket :: pants :: shoes
*Photography by Anastasia of Abramova Guendel
Those are some great tips as I too prefer to travel like locals do. I always try to travel in of season, mostly to avoid high cost and crowds. I agree with you. I love to walk as much as I can when in a new destination. There is a lot one discovers on foot. Also, traveling in public transport is so much more enjoyable than a clinical cab ride. My Tip – eat where the locals do. The food is mostly cheap and delicious.
I absolutely agree with choosing vacation rentals (or even homestays) over hotels and using public transportation such as subways and buses over taxis. Also, visiting the local markets and speaking to the local to get advice on the best local hangouts, especially bars and restaurants or cafes, is something I enjoy doing as well. I also usually make it a point to learn the language basics such as hello, how are you, nice to meet you and thank you.
Vacationing like a local is indeed an interesting concept. For me, it works in some places and doesn’t in some places. In some places I do want to be a tourist and check those boxes, but then, there are places where I want to be a local, and immerse into the authenticity of the place. I felt that when I was in Malta – it was beautiful experience staying in an Airbnb surrounded by locals who would sit outside and chat across the street with neighbours! As you say, it was perfect for me with my kid as I could make some home-made stuff for her to eat! Ofcourse, I totally choose to walk whenever I can as long as possible, much to the plight of my co-travelers! Haha!
One tip I always do as you mention, travel off-season. So much cheaper. But also more chances of meeting locals instead of tourist trap season. However now I got very young children, that’s all going to change…dam the schools here in the UK! :P I always stay in Air BnBs whenever I can, another great way to meet locals.
I understand your point ab out choosing rentals over hotels to get into local neighborhoods. But sometimes I really do not want to do my own cooking and cleaning. After all, it is a vacation. But we have chosen rentals for longer stays. Local markets and public transportation are great ways to meet locals. And get to areas you might not otherwise see. We also sometimes like to wander without a map and get a little lost. We carry our offline map app so we can get back. And don’t do it after dark when we might not be safe. But we have found some great local spots this way.
I agree that the travel stories are way more memorable than seeing the well-known landmarks. I travel full-time so I am lucky that I get to travel more like a local. Visiting the local markets and taking public transportation as you said are two things I always try to do. I love the hustle and bustle of the local markets and feeling like a local by getting around the same way the locals do. I also really enjoy visiting parks. It’s a great way to see daily life wherever I am.
I always travel off-season and its wonderful without too many people around. Things are cheaper but the only downside is not all things are open off-season. As for staying, I still prefer to be pampered in a Hotel. I am all for travelling with public transport – A very good way to see the local way of living too.
We’re very similar in doing a trip plan. One thing I can add is that I personally choose the place which is more accessible to nearby tourist spots as well. That way, I can make most of my time and the rest of the stay would be spent in the most popular landmark of the place that I’m going to visit.
I definitely want to travel off season, but it’s not an option at the moment. Also, I like to ask servers, receptionists, or locals on the street about off-beaten places of interests. But it upsets me when they say they’re not originally from the area, so they don’t really know.
These pictures are SO cute!!! And I’ve always been too nervous to try an airbnb. You really like it? Is it as safe and guaranteed?