Traveling isn't just about ticking off famous landmarks, it's about immersing yourself in the place you're visiting. To truly connect with a destination, you need to think and act like a local. Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Stay in Local Accommodations
Where you stay plays a huge role in how your trip shapes up. While big hotels are always reliable, there are some other options like Vrbo that can make your stay even more memorable.
Renting a House, Condo or Apartment with Vrbo
When planning a longer stay or traveling with family or friends, renting a house or apartment is often the best way to go. Vrbo has consistently been my top choice for finding the perfect home-away-from-home, whether it’s a cozy cabin, a spacious beach house, or a stylish city apartment. This option is particularly great for those who want more space, privacy, and the comforts of home while on vacation.
Why Choose Vrbo for Your Rental
Home Comforts: With Vrbo, you can enjoy the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen, a comfy living room to relax in, and outdoor spaces ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Local Insights: Many Vrbo hosts provide excellent recommendations for nearby restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems, adding a personalized touch to your stay.
Unique Properties: Vrbo offers a wide range of properties, whether you’re looking for a trendy loft, a rustic cabin in the woods, a beachfront getaway with stunning views, or a secluded rural retreat.
Finding the Perfect Spot:
Location Variety: Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of a city, the tranquility of the countryside, or the charm of a coastal town, Vrbo has a rental to match your needs.
Amenities: Ensure the rental includes essentials like Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer, and perhaps even a pool for added luxury.
Parking: If you’re driving, check if the property offers convenient parking.
Budget Friendly:
Splitting the Cost: Renting a house or apartment with Vrbo can often be more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms, especially when you’re traveling with a group. By splitting the cost among friends or family, you get more space, shared living areas, and the added bonus of potentially staying in a unique property for less than the price of a standard hotel.
While Vrbo has always been my preferred platform, I’ve also heard positive experiences from those using Airbnb. However, I’ve found Vrbo to be particularly reliable when it comes to finding that perfect place to stay.
Pro Tip: Always check reviews for cleanliness, location, and overall guest satisfaction before booking. Look for places with highly rated hosts for added peace of mind.
Find the perfect vacation rental on Vrbo. Visit Vrbo
Hotels for a Comfortable and Convenient Stay
Sometimes, the comfort and convenience of a hotel are exactly what you need. Hotels offer a range of amenities, from room service to concierge services, making your stay as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or a more budget-friendly option, hotels can provide a reliable and comfortable place to rest after a day of exploring.
Finding the Right Hotel:
Affordable Hotels: These budget-friendly hotels provide the essentials for a comfortable stay without the frills. They offer clean rooms, basic amenities, and convenient locations, making them a practical choice for travelers looking to save on accommodation costs.
Mid-Range and Budget Hotels: For travelers who want comfort without breaking the bank, there are plenty of mid-range and budget hotels that offer clean, comfortable rooms with essential amenities. Many of these hotels also provide complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking, making them a convenient choice for those on the go.
Luxury Hotels: If you’re looking to splurge, luxury hotels offer top-tier amenities such as spa services, gourmet dining, and stunning views. These hotels often have exceptional service, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
Best Picks: When choosing a hotel, look for places that have received high ratings or awards on travel sites like Expedia.com or Hotels.com. I have always had excellent experiences at Holiday Inn Express and Hyatt Regency hotels.
Pro Tip: For a special experience, ask the hotel if they offer any local tours or special packages, such as a private dinner or wine tasting. This can add an extra touch of luxury and enjoyment to your stay.
Find the perfect hotel on Expedia or Hotels.com and start planning your stay.
Eat Like a Local
To truly experience a destination, you can to eat like the locals do. This means stepping out of your comfort zone, skipping the touristy restaurants, and diving into the authentic flavors of the place you're visiting.
Street Food
Street food is often the heart and soul of local cuisine. It's where tradition meets innovation, and where you can find some of the most authentic flavors at an affordable price. Whether it’s tacos from a street vendor in Mexico City, banh mi from a stall in Hanoi, or dumplings from a night market in Taipei, street food offers a direct connection to the culinary traditions of a region.
How to Find the Best Street Food
Follow the Crowds: If you see a line of locals at a food stall, chances are it's worth the wait.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask a local where they like to eat. They can point you to the best spots that might not be in any guidebook.
Look for Freshness: Opt for stalls that prepare food in front of you. This ensures not only freshness but also that you can see the cooking process.
Visit Local Markets
By visiting local markets, you can learn a lot about a place's culture and culinary traditions. From the vibrant spice markets of Marrakech to the fish markets of Tokyo, each market you visit offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of the locals.
What to Do at Local Markets
Shop for Fresh Ingredients: Even if you’re not cooking, buying fresh produce or local delicacies gives you a taste of what’s in season.
Try Prepared Foods: Many markets have stalls that sell ready-to-eat meals or snacks. This is a great way to sample a variety of local dishes.
Engage with Vendors: Don’t just shop—talk to the vendors. Ask about their products, the history behind them, and how they’re used in local cooking.
Eat at Local Restaurants
Look for family-owned establishments, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and places that focus on traditional cooking methods. These are often where you’ll find the most authentic and heartfelt meals.
Tips for Choosing Local Restaurants
Avoid Tourist Traps: Restaurants in heavily touristed areas often cater to international tastes, diluting the authenticity of their dishes. Walk a few blocks away from major attractions to find places where locals dine.
Embrace the Unknown: Don’t be afraid to order something you’ve never tried before. It might just become your new favorite dish.
Seek Out Regional Specialties: Every region has its own signature dishes. Research or ask locals about what you must try before you leave.
Explore Beyond the Guidebook
To truly experience a destination like a local, you need to step away from the well-trodden tourist paths and explore the hidden gems that don’t make it into the guidebooks. These are the places where the essence of a location is found—the neighborhoods, parks, cafes, and cultural hubs where locals go about their daily lives.
Wander Off the Beaten Path
One of the best ways to discover a new place is by simply getting lost. Wander through residential neighborhoods, take public transportation to random stops, or stroll down side streets and alleyways. You’ll often stumble upon charming boutiques, cafes, and picturesque scenes that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Tips for Exploring Off the Beaten Path
Use Public Transportation: Taking the bus, tram, or subway not only gives you a feel for the city’s layout but also exposes you to areas less frequented by tourists.
Walk, Don’t Drive: Walking allows you to move at your own pace and take in the small details that make a place unique.
Take Different Roads: When driving, avoid highways and opt for smaller roads instead. This not only lets you see more of the local landscape but also brings you through towns and neighborhoods that are often overlooked by tourists.
Follow Your Curiosity: If something catches your eye—a mural, a local event, or an intriguing shop window—don’t hesitate to explore it further. These spontaneous detours often lead to the most memorable experiences.
Suggestions for Finding New Places
Use Google Earth: Before your trip, spend some time on Google Earth to virtually explore the area. Look for interesting spots that aren’t highlighted in tourist guides, and mark them for a visit.
Throw a Dart at a Map: For a truly adventurous approach, throw a dart at a map of the city or region you’re visiting. Let it guide you to a random spot, then head there and see what you discover.
Navigate with a Paper Map: Ditch the GPS and try navigating with only a paper map. This old-school method forces you to pay more attention to your surroundings, often leading to unexpected and rewarding discoveries.
By embracing these methods, you’ll uncover parts of your destination that most tourists miss, allowing you to discover and enjoy the destination in a more genuine and unique way.
Connect with the Local Community
One of the most fulfilling ways to experience a destination like a local is by connecting with the people who live there. Locals can offer insights, stories, and perspectives that you simply can't find in guidebooks or online. Building these connections can turn your trip into a much more personal and memorable experience.
Participate in Local Events and Festivals
Attending local events and festivals is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture of a place. These events often reflect the traditions, values, and spirit of the community, and provide an opportunity to experience them firsthand.
How to Find Local Events
Check Community Boards and Social Media: Many cities and towns have community boards, either physical or online, where local events are posted. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are also great places to find out about events happening in the area.
Visit the Tourist Information Center: While these centers cater to tourists, they often have up-to-date information on local events, festivals, and gatherings that are open to visitors.
Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask locals about upcoming events. They can point you to the best festivals, concerts, or neighborhood gatherings that you might not find otherwise.
Volunteer or Take Part in Community Projects
Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with locals while giving back to the community. Whether it's helping out at a local farm, participating in a beach cleanup, or contributing to a social project, volunteering allows you to engage with the community on a deeper level.
How to Get Involved
Research Volunteer Opportunities: Before your trip, research volunteer opportunities in the area. Websites like Workaway, WWOOF, and local nonprofit organizations often list projects that welcome short-term volunteers.
Visit Local Community Centers: Community centers are often hubs of activity and can provide information on volunteer projects or community initiatives where you can lend a hand.
Learn the Language, Even If Just a Little
Making an effort to learn the local language, even just a few phrases, can go a long way in building connections with locals. It shows respect for their culture and can break down barriers, leading to more genuine interactions.
Tips for Learning the Language
Start with Basics: Learn basic phrases like greetings, thank you, and how to ask for directions. These simple words can open doors to deeper conversations.
Use Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise offer easy ways to pick up the basics of a language before you travel.
Practice with Locals: Don’t be afraid to use the language, even if you’re not fluent. Most locals will appreciate your effort and may even help you improve your pronunciation or vocabulary.