I love ‘touristy’ attractions. You can’t visit Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower or go to London without Big Ben. Sightseeing staples are always high on my list but I also want to experience the local favorites. That means trying food that natives eat, shopping where they would, etc. So how can you see the town through the eyes of a local? Try these ideas…

Visit A Grocery Store

Unless you were planning to cook a few meals during your trip, a local market wouldn’t be high on your radar. Why not take a quick peek of your destination’s food culture? You may find fruits and vegetables you’ve never seen before. The cost of wine might be cheaper than water. Maybe all the customers have bought a spice that’s not popular at home. All these new findings give you fresh insight.

The cleanest subway system I’ve ever seen – Hong Kong.

Use Public Transportation

Taking an Uber everywhere you go is convenient. However, taking the bus and train can expose the city’s sociological culture. Growing up in New York City, I can get through two chapters of a book while a teenager dances his heart out right next to me. But I’ve seen the eyes of countless tourists light up as they hear “It’s Showtime!” right before the buskers begin. Something so normal to me is a novelty for someone else. One that they couldn’t get from Lyft.

Take a Language Class

If you’re planning a long term trip, I’d recommend a language exchange or class within a couple days of your arrival. Even if you have no desire to be fluent in the local tongue, picking up some everyday phrases from native speakers will help ease culture shock. It’s also a great way to meet people. A language exchange provides the friendly atmosphere to ask locals where to eat, shop, and hang out. These gems are hard to find in a guidebook or TripAdvisor forum.

Volunteer

Lending your time and talents to a community outside of your own is a rewarding experience. Especially if it’s tailored to your interest. Finding the right organization will require lots of research ahead of time. You want to be sure you are contributing to an organization that’s consistent with your ethical compass. Here’s an article from Nomadic Matt’s blog with helpful advice on this topic.

How do you get the local feel during your travels? Comment below!

Hello! I’m Sophia, a native New Yorker, and Flight Attendant. My blog is the perfect blend of my two passions: media & travel. I’m so excited to share my travel tips while documenting what I learn along the way. Stay tuned, this is going to be interesting…