So you’ve decided on your next destination. Congrats! Now what? Instead of going for the “default” touristy trip why not try to spice it up and travel like a local?

We’ve all experienced the “touristy” way of traveling – lonely plant (or Google) in one hand and a bucket list of all the “top places” in the other. But sometimes when we go to the “best” places we miss the “real”, actually fun places. Without a doubt, the best way to get to know the true character of a place is to travel like a local.

Disclosure: some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission (for which I’m deeply grateful) if you click and make a purchase.

Traveling like a local is a great way to have an authentic experience, submerge yourself into new cultures, and practice conscious tourism. Don’t get me wrong – I love going to all the “must-see” spots a new destination has to offer but if you have enough time, or visiting a place for the second time it could be a whole new, amazing experience.

Here are a few tips on how to easily travel like a local:

Where

1. Sleep like a local.

Try to avoid big modern brand name hotels for a few reasons. First of all, they most likely have a generic design that won’t give you the real sense of the place. Furthermore, they are probably located in the middle of highly concentrated tourist areas and also host a lot of tourists just like you.

Tip: Instead try booking a smaller boutique hotel or even an apartment.

You can find great options for apartments, B&B or hotels on booking.com. Always use the filter options to find the best match for you.

2. Stay where the locals do.

Try to avoid the super touristy areas but don’t go too far. On one hand, highly touristy areas will probably have the ‘tourist-trap’ restaurant and special high priced stores. Also, the bar crowds there will probably be folks just like you. But on the other hand, only residential areas probably won’t have all the Immediate necessities for you like a convenience store, café, etc. Also, you don’t want to waste precious vacation time on commuting to the center, right?

Tip: try searching for cool/bohemian/grungy/young center-adjacent neighborhoods.

When

3. Go when the locals do.

The ‘high season’ is when the greatest number of people visit a place. That means fully booked places, higher prices, hard-to-find reservations, crowds, and lines everywhere, places filled with tourists and tourist-junk sellers bringing their A-game on every corner.
The reason people usually go in the “high” season is the weather but weather is such an unpredictable bastard, especially in tropical areas. I’ve been to Australia, Brazil, and Thailand (twice) off-season and had amazing weather and I know people who were there at the “right” dates and had purring rain.

When you travel off-season you get a less expensive, less crowded vacation. Except for the weather, it’s good to check the availability of all the facilities (pools, restaurants). Some countries, like Greece, shut down a lot of restaurants, bars, and pool facilities off-season.

Tip: try going just before or just after the recommended season and do some serious praying to the good weather gods to be on your side.

What

4. Rest like a local.

Weekend where the locals do. Go to a local park or garden for a walk and some sunshine. You’ll see all the locals there and it’s a great excuse for a Saturday picnic with some local produce.

Another great way to get acquainted with local cuisine and mingle with the local crowds are local (weekend) markets. Some destinations have special weekend markets (flee market, flower market, book markets). you don’t have to buy anything but it sure is a good way to kill a couple of hours wandering around, nibbling on some goodies while browsing for finds.

Tip: check the city’s internet guide to find out about special upcoming weekend events.

5. Shop like a local.

Go to the local supermarket. I have a confession to make – I absolutely love doing this! I have a strange fetish with supermarkets – Weird, I know… but as a huge foodie, I just love seeing all the local brands. Just to see the local Chips flavor in every location is worth it… (Have you tried the Thai seaweed Pringles? Or the Chili & chocolate flavored potato chips?)

Tip: grab a local beer or wine, some cream cheese and chips for your next weekend picnic…

6. Eat like a local

At least once on your trip, avoid brand name restaurants and probably all the ones on the “best restaurant in the city” guide.  While wandering the streets go into a “ma and pa” kind of joint and check out the local cuisine. Added bonus: Supporting family-owned small restaurants is also a good contribution to the local economy.

Trust me, the McDonalds here is the same as it is next to your house.

Tip: It’s no shame to ask for a recommendation of their “signature” dish or local beer/wine. I love trying the local food and drinks wherever I go. I usually get surprised for the best.

How

7. Talk to the locals.

This is probably the best tip I can give you. Talk to your cab driver, the waiter, the person next to you on the bus or at the café.

Who knows better about local life than a local??

Ask about what places they recommend to go to and also when to go (what nights are the “hottest”- when is it local band night? Tango Tuesday or Samba Sunday?)
Start conversations with locals the same way you would at home by showing respect and interest in their life and culture.

8. Act like a local.

Educate yourself about the langue and local customs. Try to learn a few phrases in the local language. Especially greetings and basic manners. You don’t need to be fluent or even saying it exactly right. The fact that you’re making an effort will be surely appreciated by the locals – especially if they don’t speak English. Don’t be shy or self-conscious to try – Even if you don’t get it right- it’s a great ice-breaker!

Tip: Try the Duolingo app (for iPhone/Android) to learn some key phrases and your favorite dishes in advance.

Aside from the language – try to find out if your next destination has special customs or religious beliefs. If you need to cover up before going to a holy place or take off your shoes somewhere you should show respect for the locals and do so.

9. Live like a local.

Although you’re a tourist in a foreign country try to do some of the things you would “normally” do back home. It may sound strange but if you want to live like a local, you have to live like locals live.

Catch a movie in the local cinema or go for a run. I try to go for a run in every new location I get –  it’s such a fun way to discover the city and also to shake down your running routine. If you’re not much of a runner – start your day at the local café. Just take it easy, enjoy your morning coffee and, my favorite, some people watching (Seeing what the locals are eating and wearing is a great way to get to know a place).

10. Get around like a local.

Walk. Just walk as much as you can. If possible, skip taking a cab/metro/bus.
Of course in big cities using the metro is the most time-saving way to get from one place to another but being underground or driving through the city at 50 km/h will cause you to miss the city surprises – the small alleys, quaint cafes, and dainty shops to look into or pop in.

Tip: If you have to take some kind of transportation try using the bus instead of renting a car or grabbing a cab. It’s a good opportunity for some more people watching and it will also make you an eco-conscious traveler.

11. Wanderlust like a local.

Just wander around. Aimlessly. Close your map (or Google map) and just go where your eyes take you … Look at the people and look at the buildings.

Tip: look up. I once took an architecture tour in my hometown- the guide stopped at some point (a street I probably walk a thousand time before) and told us to look up… You’ll be surprised at what you discover!

12. Be a tourist.

After all, you are traveling in order to discover new places and see new things. Tourist attractions are a part of the package. No matter the cost or the number of people – you won’t want to miss the Colosseum or ‘Arc de Triomphe’.

Enjoy being a tourist because being a tourist can be awesome. The best part of being a tourist? Tourists don’t care. They don’t care who sees them, what are they wearing, what they eat, or how funny they look trying to take a thousand pictures with them “holding” the Pizza tour with their hands.

Have any other good tips for traveling like a local? Please share with me in the comments below!

Disclosure: some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission (for which I’m deeply grateful) if you click and make a purchase.