6 Ways to Travel Like a Local

[@jerryhorn4697]

December 2023: I was in Strasbourg, France, on holiday. One day, I went to the launderette at the end of the block from my hotel. The clothes washers and dryers were very high tech and confusing. I struggled to make sense of the instructions. A local woman approached me and said something in French. Not knowing what she said, I replied, "Bonjour madame. Je suis le tourist americain. Je parle un peu francais." Pointing at the printed instructions, I said, "Je ne comprends pas." She smiled and with a combination of French language and hand gestures, she taught me how to use the washers and dryers. A memorable and delightful travel anecdote.

[@yaowsers77]

if you're in a city, go do laundry! i had the loveliest conversation with a local in london on a quiet sunday morning. the laundromat was a bit out of the way for tourists and looked more like a locals' spot. it was great!

[@woltersworld]

How did i forget this one. I have met so many people at the laundromat from all over. Awesome tip

[@acuriouscompass]

It really depends on the local culture. As a Greek, laundromats are not at all prevalent here. Only recently has a franchise of laundromats appeared in the country, mostly in Athens and touristy areas. Most people in Greece do their laundry at home. It is often perceived that not having a washing machine at home may indicate financial hardship. I'm not saying that this is right, just that this is the prevailing mentality in Greece. The first time I ever saw a laundromat was when I moved to the UK to study. I had never even heard of such a thing before! On the other hand, if you want to live as a local in Greece, grocery stores and cafes are the place to go. For a Greek, coffee is the most important thing, even more than food, and that's where you'll find us, sitting for hours on end, chatting with our friends. That's the truly local thing to do here :D

[@yaowsers77]

@@acuriouscompass haha I definitely go to the grocery stores! I love seeing what other countries have and where things are placed 😊 but that's a good thing to know about Greece and laundromats. Have to pack accordingly then!

[@WeightlessBallast]

Good advice. Did that in Travemunde, actually went to get a haircut while the laundry machine worked.

[@yaowsers77]

@@WeightlessBallast my plans were to get some breakfast next door but it was closed 😔 luckily the lady was in the mood for a chat! Lol she was planning on getting breakfast too 😁

[@donaldlewis567]

Grocery stores are awesome! Affordable good food and a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

[@woltersworld]

We love going to them 😀

[@gumerzambrano]

The food in Japan is pretty cheap so getting your own groceries would only waste time

[@donaldlewis567]

@@gumerzambrano it’s more in the spirit of seeing what the locals eat that we enjoy :) But you are right the food in Japan is very reasonable for prices. It’s our favorite country to visit!

[@BinishAhmed-e4l]

👍👍

[@acuriouscompass]

I love visiting grocery stores and supermarkets wherever I go. Observing what is on the shelves, which brands and products are available, and which ones are popular gives me so many insights into the country and its people.

[@thegunslinger1363]

When I was in Iceland last year. The locals really appreciated it when I said thank you in Icelandic.

[@woltersworld]

I know you made theor day.

[@lonniechildress6661]

Go in the “Off season”

[@woltersworld]

True. Easier to meet and hang out with locals. Good call

[@sunflowerfields4409]

I was in Amsterdam and I said "thank you" when I purchased something. (my pronunciation may not have been stellar but I tried) The person responded with "I feel seen" He was so happy that I tried.

[@sincyplansdisney]

Playgrounds are also great. We always make sure to visit a playground for our kiddo and it’s a great time meeting other local parents.

[@Zralock79]

I totally agree with the one you were talking about: go to the places that are not for tourists. I did this in Venice, Italy and I was so happy. You know how it is going in Venice... thousands of tourists, no empty space, overcrowded. But if you take a turn anywhere out of the "straight path to St.Marco square" you can get yourself to some parts of the city that are still beautiful but without any tourists. I've found a pretty small street/canal that was totally empty (no people) just like 100 meters next to the main tram station. Just do not follow the directions to your final destination and make a detour. Yes, you will need to walk much more... but it will be worth it. Trust me!

[@alexlindquist2986]

All great advice! One that is sort of an extension I would add in is to attend community events the locals love. In Sweden and New Zealand, I went to local hockey and rugby games respectively . In Iceland, I saw a show at a local theater. In Norway, I went to a Christmas pinnekjøtt (stick meat) party. Met all sorts of amazing people. And throughout the world, never underestimate the local Irish pub!

[@iamdavidrankin]

Before heading to a new city, I look up all the craft breweries and independent bookshops (the types of places I frequent at home) and mark them on Google Maps. Then when I get there, I can walk from place to place and see things I wouldn't normally see. Also to see the place like a local, it helps if you can stay longer in the same city, or at least go back a second time. If you just have a week or less, probably best to hit up all the must-see attractions the first time you go, then when you go back you don't have to hit up the "must-sees" and you can just roam around and do the types of stuff you do back home.

[@robertshaw7523]

Find a cafe and go there regularly. I befriended an espresso bar owner in Istanbul who invited me to the Blues club that he also ran.

[@iqrafatima4739]

Traveling around here and there, however traveling is just Love ❤

[@303mitch]

Stay in a city outside of the touristy area but close enough that you could get there if you want. This way, you can day trip into the touristy area but also get a taste for the local flair. Make sure you have your breakfast or dinner in the local town and then hop into the touristy area to do the thing you planned on doing

[@RehanSaab-v4v]

Traveling around here and there, however traveling is just love❤🎉

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

I am currently in Lima, Peru. My hotel is in the center of the old city, with a big market about 50 meters away, and lots of nearby restaurants where locals eat. A few tours I have taken include breakfast or lunch at little out of the way places - the avocado sandwich I had for breakfast a few days ago was amazing. I know a bit of Spanish and have had no issues. I have heard more Spanish speakers then English in my nearly 3 weeks in Peru.

[@flower-ss2jt]

I am a tourist on holiday sometimes and will never be a local - but as a tourist I learn basic language (like Good morning, Thank you, Please, Sorry). It is important to me to be polite to people (I live in a very touristy city and get fed up with people walking slowly across the whole pavement, or talking loudly, or not knowing any English and holding up the bus etc while they gesticulate). As a tourist I try not to behave like tourists in the town I live in! Always thank people in the language of the country, when they help you. Oh and also know about the politics/culture/religion/exchange rate before you go, and act appropriately to the countries norms.

[@nathanjw940]

I couchsurf and went to Praha I love hockey and got to watch the jargr team play I stayed in a very small farming village it took 40 minutes on a bus but there were zero tourists

[@TMD3453]

Great point about doing what you like to do. Also, go to plays, concerts and cultural events. Church or religious services too!

[@MirzaRehan-e4y]

Fabulous City

[@michielsworld]

This is why I'm always using Couchsurfing when I'm traveling. Staying with locals is the best way to really understand the culture of a country. Also hosts know the places where locals go, so you get to experience the country like a local.

[@PhantomOfDarkness]

I think you give yourself a great shot being able to interact with the locals if you go to restaurants/cafes/bars during the weekdays and when they first open, but aim to go places that are empty. a couple times as a solo travel I've gone into empty bars and cafes and some of the waitresses/staff end up having good convos without me having to initiate on my own, just being friendly smiling and looking someone in the eye goes a long way I feel. it was hard to think of something else because you basically mentioned all the best tips. make friends online, perhaps on twitter, instagram etc of the places you want to travel to and maybe plan a get together. then you can have a free tour guide for a couple hours and really feel like you're living among the locals.

[@joannunemaker6332]

The grocery store is my favorite place to go in another country. I like to see and buy local items. It fascinates me.😊❤

[@JayandSarah]

Better than the grocery store is to find the local markets and small shops. We wander all the nooks and crannies in small towns we stay in to always try and find that and support them over big grocery.

[@rebeccacollins1218]

When looking for that more-local place, rather than a hotel, consider a guesthouse or an apartment (you can reserve short-term on sites like Booking); the advantages are more features than a hotel (you can select one with a washing machine and kitchen - more motivation to do that local grocery shopping) and often a lower price...plus the intimacy at a guesthouse - due to the smaller size and any shared facilities - enables getting to know other travelers. Just be careful to read what is private and what is shared (bedroom? bathroom? kitchen?), so you can be somewhere that works for you. Also, instead of burying yourself in devices and apps (including travel guides and Google Maps), walk to explore where you are, which will free up your eyes to see those unexpected places (like that incredible photography gallery that was hidden among houses and local shops on a backstreet). And if the locals are celebrating a local or national holiday, join in (after first checking etiquette/what parts of it you can partake in).

[@rchambers6858]

I like taking public transportation, and not just the bus/rail link from the airport or the heavily trafficked line that cuts through the middle of the downtown. I find a far-flung park or restaurant and hop on public transportation to get there. Almost without fail, after leaving the immediate downtown area, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any other tourists.

[@CricketTVHD]

I love to do grocery while visiting other places ❤

[@JoeF-nr6jq]

We really enjoyed going to local farmer's markets. It's easier to talk to people than in grocery store. The majority know some English or will get their child to translate. "Did you make this cheese? Where did it come from? Is it strong or mild?" Then they start telling you when they were in US and sharing stories.

[@alirazamalik459]

Beautiful home

[@bubba4072]

Great and helpful information, as always. Thanks, Mark👍

[@darlataddeo6376]

If you are lucky enough to have a foreign friend, go visit them! My BFF is German and I’ve been there many times, and have experienced life there as a “local”.

[@naseerhaider9595]

Informative video

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, great video

[@UsmanJutt-w2f]

Awesome ❤

[@angmut43]

When I go to different countries and cities in these countries, whilst I am a tourist I like to go just a bit outside of the main place I am in. Whether it be a train ride or bus (don't drive). Also after visiting the tourist places then go to other places in that area whether it be from people I have visited or people I have met along the way. I have managed to see almost 80% of Western Europe and as yet still haven't seen everything but whilst I have been to Stonehenge Eiffel tower colleseum in Rome I have also been to Verona and Bologna in Italy I have been to more places in Denmark than people I know who live there. Totally agree with the basic please thank you in local language When I was in Finland I took a day trip to Tallin and it was amazing. I also like to go to grocery stores as adhoc shopping can really add up as well as seeing the difference between your grocery store and where you are italy has wine near checkout go figure here alcohol is a separate store

[@Angela-t7y]

Wow awesome 😎💯

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, great tips

[@amberalihamdani3278]

Love it ❤️

[@Ibraheemmalik-kj1do]

Very amazing look 😊😊

[@gumerzambrano]

When I was traveling Japan I liked talking to locals and asking for their recommendations

[@AtifKhan-fw5jd]

Wow awesome 😎

[@malcolm4672]

Walk away from the center of a city, it is the best way to see the real parts of cities. That way you can go to the locals bars and meet them. As Mark says stay in smaller places, Bruges instead of Brussels, The Hauge in place of Amsterdam. Mostly look up, and around, keep your face out of your phone.

[@muhammadrazzaq3086]

Amazing

[@FewTechOfficial]

Wonderful

[@MirzaZahid-q4x]

Very nice ❤❤

[@maggiedevlin6187]

Great video!!

[@IrshadJani-m6e]

awesome❤

[@nomigondal3590]

Beautiful 😍

[@eher1]

I’ve had some great experiences meeting people on dating apps.

[@hadiakchalakya]

Very nice

[@MisbhaParveen-n5r]

Awesome

[@torstikinnunen3801]

Lunch restaurants that cater to the office workers are a good way to eat if you want to be more local. They're still on good locations near city center but the food is cheaper than in the touristy places. The food also tends to be closer to home cooking style, so you get an idea on what people actually eat. The local specialty is seldom part of the everyday diet.

[@annieferoz4146]

Good 👍👍

[@heidihubbell3504]

Look for places you want to visit, do the things you want to do when you visit and forget whether they are touristy or local sights. You are not local so why try being a local. Do what pleases you. The reason why you go on vacation is NOT to do the SAME Things you did back home. If I want to stay in a touristy a fairytale city instead of boring city where there are no sights and only locals live and work. Going to the gym, grocery store like Aldi, the bank or sit in a classroom I can do it at home. If you want to live like a local fine then spend a month in a country meeting locals and learning the language and doing day to day routine stuff his advice is great. I just like going on vacation and being a tourist. Enjoy. Oh yeah wear what you want too, who cares if you don't look like a local because you are not.

[@Toobaurooj-u6h]

Wow

[@theItalianshamrock]

I met alot of really nice locals going to gyms when traveling

[@EscapingtheEmptyNest]

I think you have to stay several nights to really get the local culture. We fell in love with Trastevere, and we only were there for 4 nights. We really want to go back

[@JayandSarah]

We travel the world full time as slow travellers. You need to live in a place for months to get the local culture. You will never, ever get a local culture experience on a vacation or short travel stint. We would say the minimum is about 6 weeks... to return to shops several times, cafes, and meet people... to get recognized around town as not a short term tourist and engage in conversation and experiences that people will not take the time to give you as a potential here for a few days and gone type traveller.

[@jorgealbertogarridogallard3622]

It depends on which city you are. In NYC, or Madrid, i felt it was easier than, for example, Paris or Cusco. Nevertheless, your advice is pretty sound, I'd add not to stay too much with your nationals as they would know less than an actual local. I mentioned Paris because it's pretty hard not to look like a tourist and Cusco because the actual spots where locals go are pretty much hidden.

[@AyeshaArslan-j1w]

gorgeous

[@irshadbibi1515]

Nice ❤

[@aestheticvibes1517]

nice 👌🏻

[@daches24]

If you’re at all religious, go to a religious service at a local church or synagogue. Great way to experience local culture.

[@emdumont]

Excellent advice. Say "Hi!". Visit a grocery store. Yes!

[@adnankhalid316]

Good

[@donovanfoto3263]

Years ago, I got a Spanish/English dictionary from the public library and traveled to Tijuana every weekend. I wandered the streets, asking questions and learning. Eventually, I moved to Tijuana and got a job, selling things to tourists. That led to marrying a Mexican woman and having four children together. Definitely NOT a tourist after the first year. I learned so much about Mexican culture. I lived in a two room concrete block house with no running water inside and an outhouse next to the pigsty. I lived with prostitutes and drug traffickers and human smugglers in the same set of apartments.

[@TravelwithTravelarii]

Visit like a pro 😁 Great tips 👍

[@tayyabakamranwasimiqbal9176]

Traveling vlog

[@heathrunyon4036]

Good video

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@josephusanthonybumaat9690]

If you don’t live like a local, you are Finnished! 🇫🇮😂

[@dcan888]

Play Table Tennis in a local club.☺

[@caramia4789]

Love the cooking class that’s not the local cuisine idea.

[@SadafNaeem-ix3bj]

Niceee

[@daphnelovesL]

Is it Turku on English google maps?

[@woltersworld]

Should be Turku, but may show up Åbo

[@michaelz.7140]

I was a local in my hometown and never did this. :(

[@BoloH.]

Ha, Whisky Bar.

[@marcobiotic]

there’s nothing wrong in being a tourist. tourist top stops are that for a reason. the whole pretense schtick of trying to be a local is very antiquated. love where you live and enjoy your vacation for what it is, a vacation.

[@niall123]

100%. You're not a local, you're a tourist! Another thing is people often conflate tourist traps and very popular attractions. Tourist traps aren't worth visiting but the popular attractions are usually popular for good reason!

[@niall123]

I fully believe that to actual experience a place like a local you have to live there for at least a few months, work/study, pay taxes, commute, deal with bureaucracy etc. You're never going to have that experience as a tourist.

[@marcobiotic]

@@mementomori1022 🥱

[@sammymarrco2]

I think as a tourist we have to accept that you'll never be a local in some far flung country and they will will know pretty quickly that you're a tourist (even just how you dress can scream American). Local experiences are great don't get me wrong, but some more insular groups like the Danes and I heard the Fins as well will let you be because thats their culture.

[@JayandSarah]

If you stay long enough like 3 months, you get a good local experience if you are not in a tourist town in peak season. You can't do a "vacation" and ever expect to find yourself invited into some locals house in the mountains for dinner. It just doesn't work that way. And in tourist areas, you are just one more tourist, nobody there cares. If you stay long term, after your 15th time showing up in a cafe, they are more curious about who you are and what you are doing. That is our experience as full time slow travellers so far.

[@sammymarrco2]

@@JayandSarah exactly, I was referring to the one week (at best) tourist.

[@daviddesmond3152]

What comics do you read?

[@roblancs]

#1 Americans, use your inside voice!

[@shozabmirza5054]

Vvip❤

[@adi91216]

You will never be accepted fully as a local..but they will appreciate if you try their language.

[@MaZaCar_Xiaoyu]

If you wanna live like a local, wake up at 6am on Monday, hop on public transport & CLOCK INTO WORK. BINGO

[@yorgunsamuray]

I wonder if I could pull out a Kramer there. That one Seinfeld episode had Kramer go to an office for a visit, be mistaken as an employee there and start working without being employed.

[@giovannig2509]

Great experiences... But still you are not a local.. Tourists are tourists, there are just different kinds of them..

[@FlymanMS]

Just mix with locals without trying to be like them

[@woltersworld]

That works for sure. I have met a lot of people that way. Cheers

[@tsangdennis1953]

Locals don't travel. It's their daily life.

[@adamvoid555]

Labas, you should buy your kid another football t-shirt :)

[@alexRM58]

Well, you'll always be "like a local" and if you're not smart, you'll figure out as a freaky weird clown! Better to be yourself first, then be interested in local culture and habits don't trying to change it or pretending to push yours. At least, be a curious travelller, not a random tourist. Ciao 😉

[@IhtishamNawaz-o1t]

Wonderful

[@NawazChannar-o3u]

Good