How to Travel Like a Local
Your Guide to Cultural Immersion Before, During, and After Your Trip
Traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures isn't just a thrill — it's a chance to genuinely connect with the world. What’s more fun than letting your curiosity lead the way while you explore? This isn’t about blending in; it's about setting your travels apart by getting to know the people who call it home, the history they carry, and the landscapes, food, music, and art that make it one-of-a-kind.
Here’s your guide to meaningful travel that goes beyond the surface, connecting you to a world of rich experiences before, during, and after your trip.
Before You Travel
Pre-Travel Planning Tips That Are Way More Fun Than Packing
A little pre-travel prep disguised as entertainment can make a world of difference. Learning about a destination’s customs, history, and language isn't just fun — it makes your trip so much more rewarding. Below are some of our favorite ways to dive in before you hop a plane.
Read Books or Listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts About the Destination
This is our favorite way to enhance a great travel itinerary. Whether it’s historical fiction, travel memoirs, mythology, or any genre you enjoy, books set in your travel destination or written by local authors offer a deeper understanding of the culture you’ll soon explore firsthand. Audiobooks and podcasts make it easy to upgrade your commute, cooking time, or workout with stories that bring your destination to life.
Watch Films or TV Shows Set in the Destination
Just like books, films and TV shows have the power to transport us to new and exciting places. In this case, streaming services become your cultural passport. Search for local films or documentaries that explore the history, cuisine, or quirks of a destination. Our go-tos include travel shows like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations or Parts Unknown for cultural culinary adventures and Rick Steves’ Europe for more classic travel inspiration.
Learn Key Phrases in the Local Language
Sure, you can go far with charades and a friendly smile, but nothing bridges the cultural gap quite like speaking a little of the local language. Even in places where English is widely spoken, a few local phrases can earn you warm smiles and welcomes. Focus on greetings, ordering food, and asking for directions and how much something costs. Apps like Duolingo or podcasts like the Coffee Break series are great for brushing up in those pre-trip weeks. And don’t forget to download Google Translate — a lifesaver when you’re staring at a menu that’s all in Kanji.
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While You’re Abroad
Tips for Authentic Travel Experiences
Explore Local Markets
Local markets are like a city’s heartbeat — a vibrant, sometimes chaotic pulse that gives you a true glimpse into daily life. Picture yourself in a bustling Marrakech souk or a charming French farmers' market, where the air is thick with the scent of fresh herbs and sizzling street food. We recommend a morning visit on the first day of your trip — it’s the perfect way to get a feel for local ingredients, see what’s in season, and interact with locals. As you wander through stalls, chat up the vendors, sample those mysterious fruits, and test your bartering skills over handmade crafts. A locally-sourced scarf just has a better story than anything you’d find in the airport gift shop.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
For the most part, forget the guidebook’s “Top 10 Restaurants” list. The best food finds are often tucked away in tiny backstreets and bustling food stalls. Seek out where the locals actually eat — those cozy cafés, family-owned gems, and food stands that don’t have a single English word on the menu. Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations; most locals love sharing their favorite spots.
Pro tip: Keep it simple—look for the line of locals and the smell that makes your mouth water. For a truly unforgettable experience, sign up for a cooking class and learn the secrets behind that perfect bowl of pho or handmade ravioli from a local chef.
Participate in Local Traditions or Festivals
There’s nothing like dancing at a street festival in Brazil or lighting lanterns during Yi Peng in Thailand to feel like you’ve stepped right into a postcard. Check the local calendar before your trip and see if there’s a parade, ceremony, or cultural celebration you can attend. Just remember to do a little homework first — knowing why people are dancing with skulls during Day of the Dead makes the experience much more meaningful. Show up with respect, enthusiasm, and a camera with lots of storage.
Seek Out Local Music and Art
Whether you’re two pints deep in an Edinburgh pub listening to live folk music, exploring colorful street murals in Mexico City, or stumbling upon an impromptu jazz session in a Parisian park, local music and art scenes are where the magic happens. You don’t always have to splurge, either — many cities host free concerts, art walks, or street performances if you know where to look. Chat with locals or check out community boards to uncover those secret shows and pop-up gigs. Who knows? You might stumble upon your next favorite band in a cozy, packed bar thousands of miles from home.
Talk to People!
In the information age of 2024, striking up conversations can feel almost old-school. But trust us — your iPhone can recommend a lot, but you’ll really get to know a place through the people who call it home. Chat with your taxi driver, and you might get a few hidden gems for places to visit. Ask the shopkeeper what makes their products special, or make new friends at a neighborhood bar. Those spontaneous conversations can reveal more about a destination than any guidebook ever could—and you might even find yourself invited to a local event or family dinner if you’re lucky!
You might also consider staying in a locally-owned guesthouse or boutique hotel. Hosts often have the best recommendations and can introduce you to their favorite spots. You’re likely to leave with not only great memories but also some insider info — a true win-win.
Use Public Transportation
Forget the tourist bus — hop on local transit instead. Riding the subway in Tokyo, hailing a tuk-tuk in Bangkok, or catching a ferry in Istanbul gives you a peek into how locals actually move through their city. Plus, you’ll see so much more than the typical tourist highlights (and end up with some great stories, like that time you got off at the wrong stop and stumbled upon the best dumplings ever).
Take Your Time
Rushing from one tourist spot to another can make your trip feel like a checklist of photo ops. Give yourself permission to linger over your latte at a sidewalk café, wander through side streets without a plan, or just sit and people-watch. Plan a few “free days” where you have nothing scheduled — the best discoveries often happen when you’re not trying to squeeze in every sight. Let curiosity be your guide, and you might stumble upon a hidden garden, a quirky local shop, or the best sunset spot in town. The less you cram in, the more you’ll take away from your adventure.
When You Return Home
How to Keep the Adventure Alive
Journal or Reflect on Your Favorite Travel Moments
Before the post-vacation haze hits and you start confusing your travel memories with Netflix plots, carve out some time to reflect on your trip. Grab a journal and jot down your favorite moments. Think about all the little things that made your journey unforgettable — the combination of flavors in your favorite local dish, the kindness of a stranger who turned your day around, or the jaw-dropping view that left you momentarily speechless. Writing it down helps you process everything you experienced and keeps your memories alive. This is a great way to celebrate the new perspectives you gained, and document the moments that made you feel most grateful and alive.
Host a Travel-Inspired Dinner or Happy Hour
Bring a piece of your adventure back home by hosting a themed dinner or happy hour for friends and family. Recreate a favorite dish you devoured on your trip or mix up a cocktail you discovered in a hidden speakeasy. It’s not just a fantastic way to relive your travels — it turns your memories into a social occasion. Your guests will love hearing about your adventures, and who knows? You might just inspire them to start planning their next getaway.
Don’t Let Your Travel Photos Live Only on Your Phone
Your travel photos deserve more than being buried in your camera roll. Pick your favorites and bring them to life — create a digital slideshow to share with family and friends, or consider printing your favorites to frame or create a photo album or scrapbook. After all, who wouldn’t want a little reminder of that time you conquered a mountain or accidentally ordered fried crickets in Thailand?
Conclusion
Cultural immersion isn’t just about checking off tourist spots; it’s about diving deep into the heart of a place. With this checklist in hand, you’ll return home with more than just souvenirs—you’ll carry meaningful connections, unforgettable stories, and a renewed appreciation for the world’s incredible diversity. Happy travels!
Enjoying this content? Comment below to let us know what travel tips you found most helpful!
