Traveling Like A Local
Travelling is a great way to expand your horizons and learn about unfamiliar cultures. However, sometimes feeling like a tourist can prevent you from truly digging deeply into the experience. Rather than visiting all the places most tourists do, eating at restaurants specifically designed for them or getting treated like an unwelcome guest, it is a good idea to spend some time learning how to travel like a local. These tips will help you immerse yourself in a foreign country rather than looking at it from the outside.
Know the enemy
If you want to avoid feeling like a tourist, you need to know what they do. When going to a specific country, conduct some online research to see the typical hot-spots. Some of them, you will realize, can be easily sloughed from your itinerary, while others might need to remain on, but with a more focused plan.
Rental by owner
Staying in a hotel is guaranteed to make you feel like a visitor. If possible, look for an apartment or house that is available for nightly or weekly rent to allow you access to a local residential community. Living amidst residents will help you get a sense for how they really live.
The right apps
Making your smartphone an educated travel guide can help you see the country with the right eyes. Getting apps designed for this express purpose - such as Local Eats and World Customs - will allow you to have local advice in your pocket.
Ask the right questions
Don't be afraid that asking locals for advice will make you seem like a tourist. Many residents are itching to suggest a favorite restaurant or scenic day trip. Letting them know that you are looking for deviations from the beaten path will help them tailor their advice to your particular quest.
