What does it mean to travel like a local? It means that you’re experiencing a destination in a more authentic and less-touristy way. You’re uncovering the hidden gems and insider favorites throughout your trip. You’re getting to know the heart and soul of a place. It’s a rewarding way to go deeper during a vacation. Here are RedWeek’s tips for escaping the ordinary on your next getaway.
Learn The Lingo
No matter where you’re traveling, each destination has its own unique phrases and shorthand. Before your trip, do a little research on how residents refer to different neighborhoods, public transportation, and other quirks of language. Once you know some of the slang, you’ll be able to keep up better with the locals. And of course, if you’re visiting a place where English is not the primary language, it’s a good idea to at least learn the basics of the local language: “Thank you,” “Please,” “Good morning,” etc. If you want to get even more ambitious, download a language app like Freestyle Languages for a crash course.
Use Public Transportation
Public transportation isn’t just a budget-friendly travel option. It’s also an ideal way to explore a destination — and some destinations are simply easier to explore via bus, subway and light rail, often getting travelers to places that are less accessible by car. While you’re on your way you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery, rather than worry about traffic and following directions in a new area. Don’t be intimidated. Public transportation is easier to use than ever. There are many apps that can help you use local transit, including Moovit and Citymapper. One more bonus: public transportation is more eco-friendly, ensuring that these locales will be available to enjoy for generations to come.
Explore Local Cuisine
Food & drink is one of the easiest — and most fun — to really get to know a destination. Make an effort to get out of your comfort zone. Avoid the familiar chains you know from back home and seek out the cuisine that is unique to the destination, whether it’s Po’ Boys in New Orleans or poi in Hawaii. You may find your new favorite dish! You’ll also get off the beaten path a bit, discovering unusual spots and mingling with the locals. Wondering where to start? Eater.com offers insight into the culinary worlds of dozens of destinations.
Find The Festivals
Local festivals can you give an authentic flavor of a destination in one tidy package, from cuisine to music to arts & crafts. Be sure to check the events calendar before you leave for your trip to see what’s happening in your chosen vacation spot while you’re there, from something as straightforward as a farmer’s market to a big outdoor music fest. Soon enough, you’ll be immersing yourself in local culture, all in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. A few upcoming ideas: the Vail Wine Classic in Vail, CO, the San Diego County Fair in San Diego, CA, or the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco, CA.
Get To Know The Locals
Don’t be shy! One of the best methods to get to know a place is to get to know the locals. Ask questions, engage in conversation, chat it up! Most people are excited to share their tips for how to experience their hometown, giving you dos and don’ts that you won’t find in any guidebook. Whether you’re talking with your Uber driver, a waiter or waitress or just someone you meet on a hiking trail, you’re sure to pick up some valuable info for the rest of your trip.
Go Where The Tourists Aren’t
“Overtourism” has been a buzzword for several years now, with popular attractions being mobbed by tens of thousands of visitors daily. Of course, you’re going to want to check the big names off your bucket list — who goes to Paris and doesn’t visit the Eiffel Tower, after all? But be sure to seek out those lesser known, more under-the-radar destinations. RedWeek boasts inventory in some spectacular spots that you may not have considered: Gatlinburg, TN, Williamsburg, VA, and Big Sky, MT, among them. Wherever you end up, you’ll be able to do find under-touristed experiences by asking locals one simple question: “What’s the best thing to do here that no one else knows about?” You’ll get all kinds of answers and in no time be armed with an itinerary that’s packed with hidden gems.
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