9 ways to blend in with the local scene

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9 easy steps you can use to blend in as a local when you travel.

 

  1. Research before leaving
  2. Learn as you go
  3. Listen
  4. Observe
  5. Ask questions
  6. Put your phone away
  7. Take public transportation- it is your best friend
  8. Shop Local
  9. Practice makes perfect perfectly funny stories when mistakes are made.

Research before leaving-

If this step scares you, you are in the right place. Our site is designed for those who prefer not to spend hours upon hours researching various locations. Instead, we provide you with all of our hours of research and personal experience in one easy to navigate site. I love the research side of travel but totally understand most people don’t.

Learn as you go/flexibility-

No amount of research will prepare you for everything and that’s totally ok. In fact, these unpredictable moments along the way often end up becoming some of your best travel moments. Never be afraid to adjust your expectations or plans based on new information. The most applicable research is personal experience and while preparation is absolutely important it isn’t the end all be all. Flexibility in new environments is far more endearing than rigidity and will lead to a more understanding travel environment.

Listen-

It is hard to learn as you go if you aren’t willing to listen. Listening also requires you to be quiet and this is why we find listening to be one of our greatest travel skills.

Observe-

This goes hand in hand with listening. Take a step back and observe how locals interact or handle situations. This will allow you to avoid 90% of the classic “touristy mistakes”, which locals often find super annoying. We find this is especially important as Americans traveling throughout the world.

Put your phone away-

This simple act makes you much more approachable and engaging. Putting your phone down makes all the above steps easier and more enjoyable. Plus, you will see so much more of the world you are exploring without your face in your phone.

Ask questions-

This is a bit trickier than the other tips because if used incorrectly it can make you the one of the most annoying tourist stereotypes. You absolutely should NOT be asking any questions if you haven’t done the 5 steps above!!!! Asking questions works well in coordination with the other steps and when used correctly it will lead to a wealth of information that you won’t find on any page on the internet… not even here.

Take public transportation-

Just do it!! Trust us!!

Shop/eat local-

Don’t fall into the trap of only looking for the familiar. Use all of the above steps to guide you to new experiences. People love to share their favorite spots in their city but you have to put yourself in a position to be on the receiving end of those tips. Don’t miss out on an amazing suggestion because you refused to put your phone down or you weren’t flexible enough to adapt to a new plan.  Usually when we are traveling, I have already done research and selected a few delicious local restaurants for us to potentially visit. After a few rounds of beers/cocktails, we will ask the bartender where they love to eat in the city/what restaurant shouldn’t be missed. 8 times out of 10 one or more of their recommendations is on my list and that is where we head.

Practice-

Travel near and far- make it a point to practice all of the above points in your own city or town. If one of the above suggestions makes you more uncomfortable than the others, make sure to practice that one the most. Perhaps public transportation is most foreign to you. Find your nearest public transportation option and use it. Combine it with the research step by planning a dinner at a new restaurant using public transportation. Sounds like a great date night to me!!
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