We tend to visit the same old sites over and over again. Take your average traveler, for example; everybody wants to return to what they have seen, but very few have experienced it in depth. I feel the special individuality of each place we visit gets lost in all that repeated bombardment of our senses.
We’re so often hooked on a cookie-cutter experience and, therefore, can end up at some beach club anywhere across the world that has some overpriced cocktails and a DJ. Let’s talk about not just arriving somewhere and understanding through experiencing and becoming a part of the local world. Not just how to do it but also our personal stories, coupled with actionable strategies, illustrate why it is worth your time.
Get into The Local Community
Imagine you are visiting Mozambique and are on your way to this super fancy hotel where the idea is really for you to drink some overly-priced cocktails and look good in the photos for Instagram. Luckily, you get distracted by some locals selling their own handmade sculptures and start speaking with them. Soon, they recommended a hidden beach between Tofo and Barra, a place that few tourists notice. Your bag is filled with drinks, of course, some Tippo Tinto-their local rum-and 2M beer-pronounced “doish-emi.”
You arrive at a place with crystal-clear water, and the reefs are some of the most beautiful you have ever seen. You see starfish the size of your hand in different colors and seahorses, a rare sighting. You buy crayfish directly from locals who cook it for you right there, still fresh out of the ocean. You and your companions create one of those memories that are forever etched in your brain. That is the power of local engagement. This was a true story, by the way.
A quick, cordial “hello” in the local language will give you some idea of what to expect. And more often than not, you’ll end up being the one in possession of insider information, maybe even making new friends or visiting places with no travel guide lists. Always be open and respectful: locals usually like sharing about their culture, as long as it is genuinely done so.
Shop and Dine Locally
Another great way of truly experiencing local food is by taking a walk through the food market. You’ll be able to sample the local food there. Even fruits and vegetables this country does not have, let alone those that are unique. Consuming this new kind of food will admit you into the culture. Do not choose restaurants that are the most popular; eat with the locals.
The food is something they take a lot of pride in, and they adore it when people take an interest in trying to see how much they love their meals. Dining and shopping with curiosity- asking questions- allows locals to share stories that you would never know by eating in the same place or shopping in the same store without exploring it.
Stay in a Neighborhood, Not Just Hotels
Instead of your average anonymous hotel, make your reservation in a room abuzz with local activity. Can you envision yourself staying in a small apartment above a bakery in Portugal and smelling the heavenly smell of fresh bread every morning? Shop where the locals shop, eat where they would eat, and have a taste for something less touristy-life as it is lived by those who live there.
Be Spontaneous With Your Transportation
Renting the mode of transport, if you are brave enough, acts like a miracle for the kind of experience you have while traveling. Doing a road trip around Italy and renting a car can be a life changing experience. One thing to avoid is going to Italy and only visiting tourist destinations- a terrible mistake. The Italian countryside and small towns are magic. If you’re driving, stop in these small towns- better yet, stay overnight.
The locals welcome you with open arms because they don’t have tourists all day, every day. AND THE FOOD, OH MY GOSH, THE FOOD! For those desiring a bit more, how about renting a motorhome? Look up on Google, typing “motorhomes dealerships near me,” and you might end up cruising down coastal highways, finding tiny towns and secret coves- the most perfect views to wake up to that public transport can NEVER reach.
Study Cultures and Traditions Through Locals
Did you know about Japan having a thing like renting a middle-aged Japanese man? It sounds a little crazy and weird, we know. You could rent what is called an “ossan” for anything you need in Japan (nothing seedy, of course, and no touching), but they can tour with you to tourist sites, share words of wisdom, and teach you about Japanese culture. It is just one way to familiarize yourself with how things are done in Japan. It might just be the most interesting way of traveling if you ever visit Japan.
The next time you plan your holiday, carry these thoughts and tales over with you, and who knows where they shall take you? With an open mind and a strong spirit, you will make friends all over the world.
