Enjoy your holiday like a local: 8 useful tips for visiting places in the most authentic way and feeling part of the travel destination

Travelling over the years I have certainly learnt one thing: I really like to spend my holidays like a local. I like to immerse myself in the places I visit as authentically as possible, far from pre-determined patterns. On the other hand, I do not like ‘tourist’ experiences. Sure, sometimes the ‘tourist village’ is the only option to visit a specific country or even the obligatory solution because it is cheaper.

In any case, I do not really like the typical activities of tourist entertainers on the beach and I have always kept away from such activities. Nothing bad of course, but simply not for me.

DIY trips, on the other hand, are the perfect opportunity to appreciate places in more original ways, without the filter of big organisations. That’s how you really discover the local culture, without failing to savour the most genuine gastronomy. The truly priceless feeling is that of being completely immersed in the surrounding environment, living like a local. Moreover, in simpler settings, outsiders are generally treated with more kindness.

But how can you try as hard as possible to experience your holiday like a local? Here are some tips

Walk around the city

Walking is certainly the first thing I recommend! Only in this way, by looking around as you walk, can you arrive at your destination better immersed in the reality of the place, like a local.
By walking you will also save taxi fare and you can discover little hidden corners that you would not have seen if you had taken the car.
I like walking a lot and I often go ahead without a precise route to follow. I don’t count the kilometres and as long as I am not very tired I continue. A little physical activity is always good, especially with all the delicious food and wine I eat when I am on holiday!!!!

Staying in a flat

Finding a place to stay for the night is one of the first things to do. But if you want to experience your holiday like a local, I advise you to avoid business hotels. Instead, opt for a smaller accommodation: rent a small flat or even a room on AirBnB, it is definitely the best option.

Being able to cook and use local ingredients makes you feel like you’re at home, a home away from home… and you’re within walking distance of the city streets, without having to leave a room and find yourself walking the corridors of a big hotel.

Travel out of season

To visit popular tourist destinations, travelling out of season is definitely preferable, especially if you want to feel like a local and go unnoticed as a tourist. There are fewer people around, prices are more affordable and you will be treated better.

I noticed this trend in Paris, a city I visited four times at different times and on which I ‘’ran‘’ this test.
In the summer, for Christmas and Valentine’s Day there are far too many people around! Hotel prices are sky-high and Parisians treat anyone who doesn’t speak perfect French, like pushovers.

In contrast, spending a romantic weekend in Paris, choosing March or going in October is a great idea… even better if you don’t choose a weekend. There are fewer people around, the prices are still high but almost acceptable and the treatment is much better than during the high season!

Use Public transport

Besides being a cheap way to get around, public transport like buses and subways involve you in the locals’ routine.

The only caution: check the route well before getting on and avoid rush hours so as not to get caught up in the crowds of people going to work.

​

Ask advice from city residents

Relying on people who live in a city on a daily basis is a great way to feel like a local! When I go to a restaurant to eat, I sometimes let the waitress choose the dish to order directly. She usually advises us to try the chef’s specialty or a dish with seasonal ingredients.
Other times I have asked locals what to do on the weekend or in the evening after dinner. If you have chosen a friendly person, he or she will gladly help you by giving you the best directions: these are suggestions that cannot be found online and you will have the opportunity to visit non-touristy places!

Adapt to the language

Learn a few key phrases in the local language, it will help you not feel like a fish out of water when spoken to. I’m not saying you have to be fluent in every language, just a few common words like greeting and parting phrases, the names of typical foods etc. These little things alone will make a huge difference.

If the language is difficult, get help from technology, use translation apps. Once, in a somewhat critical situation in a municipal police station in Croatia, I used an instant translation app to make it clear what I needed. And it worked!
My interlocutor (who did not understand a word in English) was extremely friendly to me. I had found the right key to communicate and he felt very helpful!

Safety is the first thing!

Not all cities are the same, there are safe countries (tending to be Europe) where taking public transport, walking alone in the street and renting a flat is easy and involves no risk.

There are, on the other hand, countries that are much less safe, where you have to be alert and carrying out the most common activities can become dangerous and where it is really inadvisable to venture out alone on the street!
Always inform yourself well about the place you want to visit in order not to risk putting yourself in danger and read these safety tips!

Spero che questi piccoli accorgimenti ti possano essere utili quando programmerai la tua prossima vacanza, soprattutto se anche tu vuoi sentirti parte della destinazione e sentirti come uno del posto, proprio come piace a me, per immergerti completamente nella cultura locale!

Do you want to ask me for advice, share your opinions, suggest something to do or see, or simply… say hello?

Leave me a comment below or,

I’ll be waiting for you on my FACEBOOK page LETYGOESON

on the INSTAGRAM profile @letygoeson

Or follow me on Pinterest so you will not miss any of my travel articles, itineraries, tips, and food recommendations.

See you there!