I think one of the things that sets Nick and I apart from other tourists when we travel is that we don’t base our trip around what the guide books say we should do. We make a list of things we want to see and do, but if we don’t get to all of them, it’s not a big deal. Travel for us is much more about seeing a place like the locals see it, experiencing a city like its residents would and really being in the moment while there. When you start to travel like a local, you’ll experience a place so much more and will leave with a new found understanding of the difference between being a tourist and a traveler. There are a lot of easy ways to do this, so the next time you’re traveling, try these tips to travel like a local and you’ll enjoy it so much more!
Keep a list of local favorites.
When we know we are headed somewhere in the year to come, I start saving spots I see on people’s Instagrams accounts or when I read a blog post from a local. I keep them in a folder on my computer and when the trip gets closer, I go back and search through, finding the ones that we really want to try. I’ve found some of the best local restaurants (like Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria) in Barcelona or local off the beaten track spots (like sunrise at Lanikai Beach on Oahu) by doing this.
Don’t miss the outer neighborhoods.
One of the things a lot of travelers do is stay right in the tourist zones in cities. And yes, sometimes that makes things easier but staying in an outer reach neighborhood like we did in Amsterdam or in an apartment like we did in Paris allows you to really see the city where the locals live. You will have better local restaurants nearby and a more genuine feeling.
Use public transportation.
When we travel around a city, we do as the locals do, at least we try to. That goes for public transportation too. If you’re in New York City, use the subway or hail a cab but if you’re in India, grab a tuk tuk. Usually using the local form of transportation will be quicker and cheaper than what most tourists are using.
Ask a local’s advice.
Some of our very best memories of traveling, whether they be restaurants or experiences, come from local’s advice. Like when our guide in Iceland pulled off on a side road and took us to an incredible stone quarry off the beaten path or our hotel reception’s recommendation for dinner in Barcelona. Local’s are always willing to share their home with visitors, all you have to do is ask!
Julia says
I think public transportation is the most tried and true one. I always see all of these fashion blogger attending Paris fashion week and talking about the “French experiences” they have here while being driven around in their big black cars. Truthfully, you have not had any semblance of a Paris experience if you have not set foot in the metro! 😀
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Casey says
Totally… you really haven’t experienced a place and seen it like the locals do until you immerse yourself into their public transportation systems!
Jalan2Liburan says
Public transportation is always a good idea, and for me join the free walking tour as well, sometimes the local guide gives some insights like where is their fave restaurant or coffee shops 🙂
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Casey says
Totally! And that’s a good suggestion too… I’m not a real tour person but you’re right, they might have some good insights!
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
YES! I did an all-inclusive resort vacation in Mexico with my in-laws, and after just one day we were hungry for some local food and local experiences. We asked the concierge where he and his family liked to dine, and we went there– off the beaten tourist path of course– and had the best meal of the entire vacation.
Casey says
That is exactly why I’m not a fan of the “all inclusive” vacation… you only see such a tiny sliver of what a place has to offer!
Sara says
Great advice!! I tried to live like a local as much as possible while I was in Ecuador. I only really visited the city center a few times in my month there! And public transportation definitely gives you a local’s point of view of the city, as well as a cultural experience.
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Casey says
Oh yes… it gives such an insight into local cultural experiences and how people live!
Megan Thudium says
Inspiring! Live like the locals. I always enjoy the experience when I travel.
Casey says
Yes… I enjoy my trips so much more when I try to fit in with the locals instead of visiting only the tourist spots.
Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki says
Asking for tips from the locals has always sent me to the best places! They always know the hidden gems of the area:)
Casey says
Us too! And they are usually also some of our favorite memories from our trips!
Kristin says
Definitely YES to public transportation. Easier on your wallet, forces you to actually research where you’re going and what’s around it {including reading up on how safe the neighborhood is}, and shows you how good public transportation is in some places. If I lived and worked in Seoul, New York, Paris, Beijing, or Tokyo, I wouldn’t own a car – the metros are that good. The DC metro system is pretty good, too.
Casey says
Totally… I like your point about forcing you to research. That’s so true!
MAEMW.com says
Yes yes yes yes. Thank you. Awesome post.
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Casey says
Thank you! 🙂
Megan MacNee says
I completely agree! From local bloggers to public transportation it can make a huge difference. I particularly love asking locals for advice. We had a night in Old San Juan where each stop we asked a local on where to go next. It turned into an amazing night.
Casey says
Totally! It always ends up being the best spots where the locals tell you to go!