When you think of travelling you often think of a relaxing holiday by the beach, staying in a hotel, taking time for yourself before going back to your busy lifestyle. But travelling is often more than that. Travelling is exploring the country you’re in, experiencing it like a local, trying new things and going off the beaten track.
You’re reading this because you want to travel, like a traveller and not like a tourist. In this blog post, I’ll teach you 10 things you need to do if you want to travel like a traveller and not like a tourist. Let’s get started!
Travel With No Map
When travelling it’s often the safest option to just plan your whole trip out without leaving any time for spontaneity. But by doing so it’s hard to actually fully experience the place you are visiting. Try to visit as much as possible with no map, go off the beaten track because most of the time, that’s where you find the hidden gems, the hidden local restaurants on the side of the road. Of course, it’s good to know what the main attractions are but you’ll definitely have a better experience when walking around with no map.
And if you want to travel with a map, avoid walking around with a big travel guide book or a map in your hand as these things often make a local spot a tourist from miles away.
Eat the Local Food
Don’t go to McDonald’s or any main chain restaurants when you’re travelling, try and find local restaurants instead that are on the side streets, or ask a local what place they recommend eating at. The best typical and local food can be found and tasted in the small restaurants. By doing so, you are also supporting the local economy! Make sure to avoid the touristy traps as well!
Stay in an Airbnb
Hotels are a great option when taking a holiday to relax when you want no worries, no stress and all-inclusive. But if you actually want to travel like a real traveller you have to live like a local. So try renting an Airbnb instead! It’s like having your own apartment or house for the time you spend there. You can even cook your own food and you have much more independence. Most of the time they are even cheaper than hotels if you stay in one Airbnb with multiple people.
Stay Longer in One Place
I would say that spending at least 7 days in a certain area is enough time to fully immerse yourself in the culture, make sure to always spend enough time when you visit and not just rush through and to only have time to see the most touristy attractions. This way, you’ll get the know the place so much better and before you know it you won’t even need to ask for directions anymore.
Another way can be renting a car to get around easier! Roadtrips are always fun and make great adventure and memories.
Avoid the Luxury
Taking a 2-hour train ride in the heat, eating some local food on a plastic stool on the side of the road or walking around a local market. These small experiences often make great memories and stories to tell. Try to travel by avoiding what’s luxury. For example, avoid eating at a 5-star restaurant or renting a fancy car to get around.
Use Public Transport
Most big cities offer public transport such as subways, trains and buses. As a traveller, you should definitely prioritize those modes of transports over taxis or Ubers. Of course in some Middle-eastern/Asian countries, the taxis are so cheap that it is a good way to get around. But say you are travelling to New York, taking the subway will be so much cheaper and it’s a good way to actually experience the daily life.
Inform Yourself
What are the cultural laws in the country you’re about to visit? What are their beliefs and religions, what are you allowed to do and what actions are frowned upon. Make sure to do your research properly to be able to fit into their culture. Especially if you’re visiting a sacred or religious area lookup beforehand what you should wear etc… You should always be prepared.
Learn the Language Basics
It’s important to always know the basic words of the national language when travelling to a new country. Simple words such as hello, thank you, please, how much, where is etc.. are fairly easy to learn and have a big impact when speaking to a local in the area. They will appreciate you so much more!
Don’t Look For Recommendations Online But Ask Locals
Instead of basing yourself on reviews, you find on Tripadvisor or Yelp try to ask locals what they think instead! As the reviews online are from people that are not from the area it is hard to base your decisions on their opinion. Of course, you can do some research to find the overall rating but if you’re hesitating just go for it!
Do some research on Google, read other people’s blog posts and travel guides to get even more info if needed.
See For Yourself
Often you read a lot of negative opinions on other countries and cities. They say that it isn’t safe enough to travel to, the people aren’t nice, it’s full of tourists, there’s nothing to do there. I say screw those negative opinions and go explore and see for yourself. Often, you’ll be surprised in a good way and realize that all these prejudices that have been told to you by the media etc.. are false.
For example, when I travelled to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, I was quite sceptical because I read a lot of people were saying that it wasn’t safe to travel there, that there’s a lot of theft, don’t go to the favelas because they are too dangerous. But once I was actually there, it was the opposite and I came back with a different outlook. Of course, I’m not telling you to travel without taking any precautions. You always have to still make sure you’re safe, especially when you’re travelling alone. But don’t necessarily base yourself on what the media says about a certain country or city.
P.S I wrote this blog post to give my own opinion on travelling. I don’t want to bash the way you travel, I am just giving my own tips and don’t intend on spreading hate. There’s is no wrong way to travel.
How do you normally travel, would you consider yourself as more of a tourist traveller or a traveller? Comment below! Share this blog post with all your travel buddies!
