Here is How to Travel Like a Local -You can Do Any Destination Like a Local!
When we first visited Nairobi as a newlywed couple, along with our first baby, it was a journey of self-discovery. We very quickly learnt to dress for the season and respect the local customs. Despite being neighbours Uganda and Kenya are so different in weather. It was freezing over there. On this trip, we also continued the lessons on how to Travel Like a Local in any part of the globe.
See, both Paul and I were already frequent travellers and fliers! And we got to share experiences then and build on them since. Our then 3-month-old baby, started her life as a traveller too! 😊
We have since been to various destinations. From Seeing iconic sights like the Taj Mahal and the Mughal monuments, to the London eye and Big Ben, to the Equator in Uganda. Over the years we have developed some great and some not so great travel habits. So, we now share our expert tips on how to do any destination like a local!
One thing we must emphasize is that you definitely pack your manners and travel etiquette when you go to any destination be it local or international.
It’s absolutely Important to…
#1. Research and Plan your Itinerary.
Isn’t it always what comes first? Not so much. I know lots of times we chose the destination based on what’s on offer. Then we kinda google and do some homework on what we could do over there…Fess up, you have done this too, right?
Well, guess what, on our honeymoon, we knew exactly where we were going in advance. Yet we didn’t do our homework, we packed all the wrong kind of outfits. I specially packed all them little minis, shorts, short skirts…And boy was it cold in Nairobi, esp. in the evenings.
We ended up going on a shopping trip and I and baby daughter had our wardrobes replenished with wintry outfits. And good job we did, because 6 months later, we were on a flight to UK…Hello British winter!
#2. Travel like a local – Hire a Car, Take a Road Trip.
Yes, to see any destination like a local, how about you do a self drive. Take a day and hire a car.
Get your mobile sat-nav to do its job, use apps, we listed a few in our resource right here and get to see scenery off the tourist beaten track.
For more tips on how to travel in any destination like a local, dive into video below.
How to Travel Like a Local Anywhere in any Destination, Our Expert Tips:
There are lots of places, hot spots and off the beaten track spots in any destination, where you can get a real sense of what the locals like to do in their free time.
Whatever you do to get a real feel for living authentic, one thing is for sure. Doing or travelling London like a Londoner or Paris like a Parisian Frenchman can be a heck of a lot of fun! For life is what You Make it!
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Pauli & Syl Kalungi
Email: support[at]Juleskalpauli.com
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Great tips Julie. You definitely have more fun if you take a little time to research the area you are going. Renting a car and go to those out of the way places can be fun too.
Very true Angela and we do have a ton of fun that way 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Julie
I am so glad you mentioned to pack your manners. Coming out of an airline family and working for an airline myself I have been all over the place. There have been times I have been embarrassed to be an American. I can see why the term ugly American was coined!
Thank you for these tips. Every time I head out to a different country, I do my research on the do’s and don’ts, their culture and their norms. I would want to explore like a local, and be respectful of the people and the country I visit.
Glad you got value and agree Annemarie 🙂 Happy travels
Online research helps a lot! I also like to use Facebook groups.
Yes Facebook groups have become seriously awesome for helpful tips too krystal. 🙂
Very helpful tips! Thank you for Sharing. I’d love to plan a trip!
How can we help Melissa? That Trip is waiting
Great tips! It is important to be prepared on vacation and do your research so you don’t look like an obvious tourist. I would love to hire a car on my next trip. What a good idea!
For real Kait. Tourists stand ut like sore thumbs and they are dressed down walking leisurely when everybody is suited up for work…stand out yes they do!
So many great tips! I love to really see the areas that I’m visiting. Sure gives you a better experience!
Talk about it Rachel 🙂
What a helpful tips! I would love to travel abroad but need more time to settle all things before that.
Wow whatever rock your boat Kelly 🙂
This is so good! Europe has been on my travel bucket list for frikkin ever, but I don’t want to do just the tourist spots. Saving this for my future trip 😀
Frikken get to Europe already Ashley and enjoy the destinations like a local 🙂
Wow amazing tips! I think the best way to feel the place is to do what local people do.
Yes Courtney, esp. if you take your persona security serious and thus be safe! 🙂
Great tips. I definitely would feel out of place, but I’d do my best to try and fit in and respect the culture.
Some really great tips. Especially about the road trip. I am currently taking driving lessons just for this main purpose for my daughter and I.
ow good luck with the driving and enjoy lotsa mom-daughter road trips 🙂
Loved this post… this comes handy at a time I am preparing to travel and organize myself as a good traveler 🙂
Hey Amna,
Glad you got value and have a ton of fun on your travels 🙂
Some cool ideas here – traveling like a local heightens experience! Thanks for the share!
You are most welcome Chondra 🙂
[ Smiles ] Planning your itinerary makes a lot of sense; because if you don’t, you will be find yourself in some very unpleasant circumstances.
Yeeeess Renard, thats the sauce. Research, check, research some more 🙂
agree with this. I always try to immerse my self in a community to really understand their culture. And yes I do a few of these things really makes you feel as if you live there 😉
Hey Ian,
Thats the best way to travel and we are glad you do agree 🙂
Also if you have friends in the country, you can arrange a road trip with them…. I’ve done it in Germany and Belgium and it was the best.
Hey Elizabeth,
Thats absolutely the way to save on any trip period. Apart from flights if needed, you can have a ton of fun and a fraction of the cost!
Superb great list. Truly helpful and amazing. A must read and follow for everyone.
Hey Ron,
Glad to be of service, and that you like our list on how to travel lie a local 🙂
I always have a rule of thumb when traveling abroad – You have to adapt to the locals, don’t expect them to do that to you, just because you are a tourist in their country. I also research about their culture to know more about their do’s and don’ts and what they consider to be taboo. Dressing appropriately is to be considered seriously.
Totally agree with you. And thats why we say pack your manners.com 🙂
These are some incredible tips! I always love traveling abroad, because I was raised abroad and it’s so beautiful to me, to be able to experience another countries food & culture.
Hey Tiara,
Kindred soul right here. We love experiencing new Cultures, foods, activities and such 🙂
Great tips. Packing your manners should be a must in life all the time. 🙂 I would love to travel abroad, but I don’t think it’s in my future. 🙁
Yes Tonya,
So many of us leave our manners and simple courtesies behind when we go on Holiday or a trip. We hope you find the time and resources to take a trip every so often.