A traveler is someone who wants to experience another culture and avoid tourist traps.If you want to embrace the traveler in you, focus on the culture of the country or city you are visiting and connect with locals for advice and new friends.Be open minded!You never know what will happen if you just say yes.
Step 1: It's a good idea to study your travel destination before you leave.
Knowing the history and culture of where you are going will help you connect with the locals, be more travel-conscious, and improve your experience overall.Look into local newspapers and documentaries if you can.
Step 2: Language basics can be learned.
It will improve your experience and help you bond with the locals if you know how to say "Hello," "Thanks," and "Where is the bathroom?" in the local language.You are showing the locals that you appreciate and value their culture by learning some language basics.Asking someone if they speak English.The person will appreciate you more if you speak in the local language rather than in English.
Step 3: To fit in, dress nicely.
One of the first things a local is going to notice about you is your clothes.Dressing to fit in can be dangerous.Pack appropriately if you research your travel destination.It is important to respect a country's culture or widespread religious beliefs with the clothing you wear there.It's important to wear appropriate clothing that won't make it obvious you're a tourist.If you are visiting a country where people dress modestly or formally, avoid wearing tank tops and flipflops.If you're in a country with strong religious beliefs, don't wear symbols that may offend its citizens.If you are traveling in Thailand, don't wear clothing that depicts the Buddha.If you have a tattoo of the Buddha, cover it.
Step 4: Don't stay at the big-city hotel.
Small countryside hotels are a good choice for bed and breakfast.Smaller-scale options are often more authentic.Ask the hotel owner or manager what they would do with a day off and they will tell you about the life of a local.For a closer connection to the local culture, try renting anAirbnb or couchsurfing.
Step 5: Don't do things just because they're popular in the city.
In any city or country you visit, there will inevitably be a must-see item.If you feel like you will miss out if you don't go, resist the urge to go and do these experiences.Don't hold yourself back if you want to experience something "touristy"Being a traveler is about being true to yourself.
Step 6: Ask the locals for their opinions.
You don't have to stop people on the street.To talk to a local.Ask the taxi drivers, hotel concierges, and bed and breakfast hosts where they recommend places to stay.The locals can offer advice on everything from food to nightlife.
Step 7: You can copy the locals.
It is best to find where the locals go and do.If you don't speak the local language, this can make your life more difficult, but it's the best way to have an authentic experience.If you see a lot of locals, you should know what they are doing.They could be going to a sports game or a festival.Ask locals to play pickup soccer.Sports are a great way to meet new people.You can go to a local musical performance instead of going to the opera or theater.
Step 8: You can participate in the local economy.
Don't buy souvenirs at tourist shops as they are probably not authentic to the region.Look for crafts made in the area.They may be slightly more expensive, but if you want a souvenir, you will be leaving with something much more valuable than a mass-produced trinket.
Step 9: Riding bicycles and hiking are free activities to try.
The need to do everything important in any given city is what leads to these types of activities being overlooked during vacations.Bike around a city and you can see the architecture and feel the life of the city.Hiking in forests and parks can be a relaxing way to connect with the culture.Some cities have bike sharing programs.You can pick up a bike on one side of the city and drop it off elsewhere.Do you know if your travel destination has this option?Local bike shops may sell bikes if you are going somewhere more rural.Do you know where you can find one of these stores?Make sure you bring the right hiking supplies and plan on being back in civilization at least an hour before sundown.
Step 10: Public transportation can be used instead.
Public transportation allows you to feel the ebb and flow of a city's culture.Try the subway system for a more realistic experience.You should get off if you see everyone taking the same exit.
Step 11: Be flexible.
You can follow local recommendations if you keep your planning to a minimum.You might have thought you were going to spend a week in a city, only to find out you want to stay in the countryside for five days.Minimizing previous plans will allow you to go where you want.This type of spontaneity can cost a lot.If you want a cheaper trip, nail down travel and hotel dates, but avoid planning things like tours or excursions, so you can follow local recommendations once you get there!Plans are for tourists and travelers.
Step 12: Let's say yes.
If you run into misfortune on the road, or if you make a new friend that is local to the area, they might invite you to do something with them.It can be as simple as dinner or as complex as travelling somewhere else, but if the offer sounds exciting, you might just find yourself on a trip of your life.If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, never go with them.Trust your instincts.If you feel unsafe, excuse yourself and stay in a public place until you can find a friend or police officer.If you travel with a stranger, always tell them where you are.Even if your new friend has not done anything to show they are trustworthy, you are better off than sorry!
Step 13: Travel alone.
Traveling alone and relying only on yourself and your friends will push you outside of your comfort zone.If you stay in contact via social media or messaging, you might be making temporary friends.A friendship can last a lifetime if you travel alone and meet someone else in a foreign place.
Step 14: Go on the train.
You are encouraged to look at the scenery on the train.Locals prefer trains over buses or planes, so make your way over to the food cart and start making friends.You never know if someone you meet on the train will change your plans.Ask locals where they are going, if they have any advice for things to do, and what their experience is in the area.
Step 15: If you can, drive.
Without relying on specific train times or airport locations, driving gives you more freedom to go wherever you want.You don't have to book tickets in advance or pay higher prices if you try to purchase a ticket the day of.Some countries require an international driver's license before you can rent a car.
Step 16: Stay away from the highways.
If you stick to small roads, you can learn a lot more about the place you are visiting and about local life.Don't be afraid to get lost if you ask for advice and directions.The best discoveries are the ones that are unexpected.