There is nothing worse than feeling like an outsider or foreigner when you go on vacation. Even so, all too many people arrive in another country and subconsciously act in a way that simply screams foreign tourist. This is not only bad for your overall travel experience, but it costs you a great deal more money than the alternative form of traveling.
Smart travelers have learned (often times the hard way) that it pays in many ways, and not just financial ones, to travel like a local. Besides saving money and experiencing the real country to which you are going, you just may end up with some friendships that last far longer than your original trip does, even for a lifetime. Follow five helpful tips to start traveling smarter and to feel like you belong in your chosen destination.
1. Preparation is the Key to Traveling Smart
The difference between a person who travels prepared and one who does not is much like the difference between a person who has a large umbrella with them versus the one who lacks one in a torrential downpour. They my both get wet, but one is far better protected than the other. There is no reason to be the person caught without an umbrella on your trip when you can simply do a little research before you leave. Thanks to the Internet, this is now easier than ever before.
Something that may not come immediately to your mind includes checking online for recommendations or warnings about the place you will stay before prepaying and arriving to find out that it was really something a hundred years ago. You should also learn as much as you can about the customs, traditions, history, social taboos, and even geography of the place to which you are traveling before you arrive. Your trip will go much more smoothly, and also turn out to be far more meaningful, if you have some appreciation for the lands and people around with which you will be spending your vacation. This will also save you embarrassing and likely costly mistakes along the way.
2. Avoid the Touristy Places in Favor of the Local Hangouts
Touristy places generally were set up to part you from your hard-earned money. Sometimes they are worth seeing, and sometimes they are merely boxes to check off on a page. Either way, the places to which the locals themselves go and recommend are the ones that you really want to see. This includes more off the proverbial beaten path types of destinations such as local music scenes, popular open air markets, and locally beloved restaurants, pubs, clubs, views, or bars. These are the places that make up the local culture and real life in any case. Chances are good they are also considerably less expensive, sometimes even 30%-50% less.
3. Stay Like A Local
This means avoiding expensive, overpriced hotels in favor of local houses or apartment rentals. Locals in many countries simply do not stay in hotels when they travel around their own nation or region. As an example, in Europe the local Europeans know how much smarter (not to mention cheaper) it is to rent an apartment, house, farmhouse, or other local dwelling as opposed to an overpriced and probably cramped hotel room. For a lower price or the same amount as that tiny hotel room, you can have a several bedroom apartment or house, complete with a sitting room and a kitchen that will allow you to cook and eat in as many nights as you would like, making it a double-edged sword. Now that’s smarter and more economical.
4. Make Friends Wherever and Whenever You Can
There is no better, not to mention more fun, way to travel than by making friends with the locals. This is not so difficult as you might think if you put in some time at each town or city you visit and frequent the same restaurant, grocery store, or watering hole a few times. Besides getting to better understand and enjoy the area, you can make some friendships that will make it easier (and give you a good reason) to come back.
These local connections will also further help you to learn what are the best places and events that the online guides may not know or share with you. Some of them may even offer for you to accompany them to such events, giving you an even better local connection to the places you visit and activities you undertake. Why pack in so many places on your trip that it all feels like a blur when you are finished, when you can go to fewer locales and actually enjoy the time spent and people met to take home some wonderful and personable memories?
5. Learn A Few Words of the Local Language
Just because English has become the de facto “Lingua Franca” of the world does not mean that you should not make the effort to pick up even a few local words and phrases. Apart from helping you to find important places like the bathroom, supermarket, bank, and bus stops far quicker, it will likely assist you in securing better quality goods and services at fairer, more local resident prices. Most peoples in the world appreciate when you make an effort to learn even a little of their language. This immediately puts them in a better disposed mood towards you just because you cared enough to try.
Heather says
Love this article, in part just because of the gorgeous photos (and lovely quotes) and also because of the great tips!
Linda Carver says
Take a Raincoat. You never know when you will need it.
Jeanne Hammer says
I love travelling! I get a bit intimidated by other languages but I love to try!
paula brown says
Make sure you check the weather , have enough spending money, and check on your transportation to get around once you get their.
Patricia C says
Put an unblown ballon around your luggage handle to make it easier to spot
Cheryl Burns says
Great travel tips, I could have used these on some earlier trips
Rosanne says
We travel a lot internationally. I can always tell an American by the way they dress. I call it “the uniform” -jeans, tennis shoes, windbreaker or cap,” Dress like the locals and take off the clothes you’d wear to work in the yard and dress it up a bit while on a plane.
bo says
Pack light – your bags aren’t gonna carry themselves
kelly says
roll up your t-shirts to save space in your bag.
stacie says
Prepare and research BEFORE going somewhere.
Carla says
Roll your clothes so more fits in there.
Patricia C says
My top travel tip would be to make sure you have an adapter plug to be able to charge your phone in different countries
Cheryl Burns says
I am so ready for a trip!!
Carla W. says
Don’t overpack so you have room to buy some good souvenirs. Take things that can be mixed matched so you are not taking too many clothing items. buy travel size hair products.
Amy Tolley says
make a list and check everything twice get organized the day before
sherri chastain says
i always bring a trash bag to put my dirty clothes in
Paula Adams says
I enjoy travelling and have dreams of international travel one day in the future. But small things that can go wrong give me anxiety when travelling, so it really pays off to be prepared like this article advises!
Gloria Tiner says
LEARN TO PACK ONLY WHAT YOU REALLY NEED AND DO NOT CHECK BAGS UNLESS IS NO OTHER OPTION/
orchidlady01 says
My sister and I travel together and we have found the best places to go as well as local restaurants by talking to local people.
sherri chastain says
bring snacks , ice chest with drinks it will save money
Amber Deuel says
Traveling with kids, make sure you are prepared if they get sick along the way!
Terry Poage says
I love to go to Gatlinburg Tennessee !!!
sherri chastain says
i research online for the best hotels, restaurants,musuems, beaches, and more, look at the reviews .plan ahead
Cheryl Burns says
Call me a cab and let hit the airport I am ready for a summer getaway
Barrie says
We stay in bed and breakfasts to meet the locals and find out the hidden gems that tour books don’t mention!
Melanie K. says
Being prepared is definitely a top tip. I love to travel!
Carla W. says
Get sample shampoos & conditioners & take those instead of travel size ones. Saves space.
Kevin L. BRUTON, Esq (@okiwa002) says
I would do so by packing only essentials, taking pictures with my mobile, and consulting with friends that live in the area about best eating and viewing destinations in the area if possible.
Dotty J Boucher says
I do research about the place that I am visiting so I know what to pack in my suit case.
janet aycock says
awesome tips
orchidlady01 says
I always research wherever we are going and find the places that are not normal tourist attractions. We’ve seen arboretums and fish hatcheries this way.
Shauna Comire says
It’s always good to have a general itinerary, but always leave yourself wiggle room to change up your plans!
Eddie Dick says
make a list of what to bring.
James Garvey says
traveling light is the key to traveling far
Dotty J Boucher says
These are all great tips, I definitely enjoy meeting people where ever I go
James Garvey says
hostels can be a good savings depending on location
Paula Adams says
I always try to leave some room in our suitcases to provide room for local purchases while travelling. Or take along an empty duffel for carry-on during the trip home.
Carla W. says
Never keep all your money in the same area.
Paula Adams says
If we ever make it to retirement age, we hope to do some extensive travelling around the U.S., and maybe even a trip or to overseas. Right now there can be anxiety over travelling with little ones, so I always appreciate Travel Tips!
Paula Adams says
One day I want to be a seasoned traveler because we have so many places on our “bucket list”. So I want to learn how to be a cool, calm, and collected traveler rather than being stressed by airplane travel, lost luggage, etc.
Carla W. says
Pack lightly.
sherri chastain says
check travel groups/cities you will be traveling to, on social media for the best places to visit and stay at it can save you alot of money
Paula Adams says
Always a good idea to plan for the unexpected, with back-up plans for lost luggage, missed flights, or even a simple flat tire! Good planning can save a vacation!
Carla W. says
Travel with ONLY what you need.
Paula Adams says
If travelling to a place where I will want to purchase a few souvenirs, I like to take along a collapsible duffel bag to carry back my new goodies!
Carla W. says
Don’t overpack. Save room for purchases.
Carla W. says
Travel lightly. only take what you need & can be mixed & matched.
Paula Adams says
Relax and Go With the Flow is my best advice. Puts you in a frame of mind to relax and enjoy!
Paula Adams says
I always seem to pack more clothes than I really need, so my best advice is to travel light, taking only the things you know you’ll need!
Carla W. says
Only take what you REALLY need. No over packing!
Levi Kangas says
Put bottles of shampoo and such in ziploc bags as backup protection against spillage.
Paula Adams says
We always have snacks, water, batteries, emergency kit, etc. in the car with us, no matter where we gol
Paula Adams says
Take along one set of clothes for everyone that can be easily hand-washed and drip-dried overnight, thus providing extra clothes when needed.
Carla W. says
Roll your clothes so more fits in there. And that way you have room for purchases.
Mindi Eden says
Pack light & explore your destination online before going!
Paula Adams says
Invest time researching your destination and get educated on the best places to check out while you’re there!
Carla W. says
Search to find things to do that are inexpensive.
Carla Williams says
Take mixed & match items so you don’t have to take so many items
Paula Adams says
If you can swing it, try to travel off-season to minimize crowds and possibly cost!
Carla W. says
Pack as lightly as you can to save room for purchases.
Paula Adams says
Before departure, visit the dollar store and buy a few things for the drive/flight/destination: mini-tissues, antiseptic wipes, snacks, bottled water, toys/activities for the kids, sample-size shampoos, etc.
Carla W. says
Hide money in different spots in your purse.