How do you feel like a local when traveling?

Ever get that itch, you know, the one where you really want to feel like you belong somewhere new, not just some tourist snapping pics? It’s totally possible! How? Well, it’s about soaking in the vibe, getting into the rhythm of a place.

For me, it starts with mornings. Seriously. Early mornings. I remember this one time in Rome, I got up crazy early – like, before the tourists were even stirring – and just wandered. The city felt completely different. Empty, almost. Just me and the shopkeepers setting up their stalls. Magic. So, yeah, embrace the morning. See what the city feels like before it wakes up completely.

Then, ditch the tour bus! Get out there and move. A run in a park, a meandering walk through a neighborhood… you see so much more when you’re on foot. Lost? Even better! That’s when the real adventures happen. I got totally, hopelessly lost in the backstreets of Kyoto once. Ended up having tea with this sweet old lady who spoke zero English. We communicated through smiles and gestures. It was one of my favorite travel memories. So, explore actively, get lost, get found.

And food, oh my gosh, the food! Forget those fancy tourist traps. Shop local. Find a farmers market, a little grocery store tucked away on a side street. Grab some cheese, some bread, maybe some weird fruit you’ve never seen before. It’s such a simple thing, but it connects you to the place in a really tangible way. I remember this tiny market in Barcelona… the smells of the spices, the chatter of the vendors… it was intoxicating.

Another thing I do is find a favorite spot – a cafe, a restaurant, whatever – and become a regular. Even if it’s just for a few days. It’s amazing how quickly you start to feel like you belong. Return to favorites. The barista starts to recognize you, you get a little nod from the owner… it’s like having a tiny slice of home away from home. Isn’t that what we all want when we travel?

Finally, and maybe most importantly, connect with people. Chat with the barista, ask the shopkeeper about their day. Even a simple “bonjour” or “buongiorno” can go a long way. I know, it can be intimidating, especially if you don’t speak the language. But trust me, a smile and a genuine attempt to connect are universal languages. You’ll be surprised how many amazing conversations – and how many new friends – you’ll have. Seriously, try it!