No matter how far-flung your destination is, traveling like a local can help you get the most out of your time away from home. Immersing yourself in a new place and taking in its culture just requires a little planning and a flexible itinerary.
Here are some tips for traveling like a local wherever you may find yourself, including learning basic phrases, picking the right place to stay, avoiding tourist traps, finding the best restaurants and staying open to surprises.
Learn basic phrases
There’s no better way to travel like a local than to memorize some basic phrases in the local language – you can even keep these phrases written in a small notebook or on your phone for easy access.
If you’re not sure where to start, some useful phrases include:
- Hello and goodbye
- Yes and no
- Please and thank you
- Nice to meet you
- My name is...
- Excuse me
- Where is...
- How much does this cost?
- I would like to have...
Where you stay matters
When traveling like a local, where you stay matters. Choosing accommodations in a less tourist-focused area can allow you to have experiences you might miss out on otherwise. Consider staying away from the city center or in a more residential area.
When planning your trip, if you have an eligible Citi card a travel website like the Citi Travel® site can help you find the right hotel or resort with over 1.4 million options if you have an eligible Citi credit card.
Stay away from tourist areas
A big part of traveling like a local is getting away from tourist areas. Instead of joining a guided tour or spending your time waiting in line at popular landmarks, dig a little deeper to discover the hidden gems. Visit local street markets and fairs, chart your own guided food tour or plan a day trip to take in the natural beauty of your location. Consider traveling in the off-season, which can help you avoid big crowds and inspire you to do some creative planning.
Find restaurants full of locals
The locals always know the best spots to eat. Skip the more obvious bars and restaurants and instead look for ones full of residents.
Eating with the locals and sampling the regional cuisine can be one of the best ways to experience the culture and history of a place. Remain flexible, ask for recommendations and stay open to trying new things.
Ask around
Talking to locals is probably one of the best ways to travel like one. Locals know their city or town better than any travel guide or website – ask them about their favorite things to do on the weekends, best neighborhoods to visit, foods to eat and natural wonders.
Be spontaneous
Traveling like a local means you don’t always know exactly what you’re doing until you reach your destination.
Start with a loose itinerary but adjust it if adventure presents itself. Stay flexible – don’t be afraid to change your plan if someone points you to something you’re interested in.
