Unlock the Secrets to Vacationing Like a Local Anywhere You Go
Photo by Content Pixie on Unsplash
As a woman and single mother, I find that travelling is one of the most nourishing acts of self-care. Whether I am escaping to a quaint New England coastal town or planning an adventure abroad, the most fulfilling trips are the ones that leave me feeling connected to myself, the destination, and the people.
Every trip you take offers tremendous life experiences. But one thing I learned that can throw off your sense of presence is feeling like an obvious tourist.
Yes, by definition, you are a tourist when you travel. But that doesn’t mean you need to look or act like an outsider. These essential tips will help you travel like a local while nourishing your well-being, confidence, and curiosity.
Stop sticking out like a tourist and learn how to blend in with the locals, no matter where you travel.
Research With Intention, But Stay Open to Serendipity
Well-being starts with feeling safe and prepared. Before you go, explore your destination through the lens of a local:
Follow local creators on Instagram or TikTok
Look up small businesses or wellness studios in the area
Research cafés, bookstores, and things to do that align with your vibe
Create a loose itinerary that allows space for rest, slow mornings, and unexpected detours. Traveling intentionally doesn’t mean overscheduling—it means allowing space to truly feel the place.
Pack Your Hobbies and Passions for the Trip
Solo travel is empowering, but it doesn't have to feel isolating. Seek out spaces where your interests naturally connect you to like-minded locals. Love yoga? Sign up for a class. Into journaling or poetry? Drop into a creative workshop.
This not only supports your mental wellness but also encourages organic connections, often with others on a similar path of exploration. You might just meet your new bestie! Or at least you’ll pick up some unique recommendations for food, drinks, and things to do around town.
Eat Where the Locals Dine
The best meals often come with a side of local flavor—literally and emotionally. Skip the guidebook restaurants and instead:
Ask locals or Airbnb hosts where they love to eat
Explore weekend farmers markets or tiny cafés
Use Instagram location tags or food bloggers to find hidden gems
Eating where locals eat is a powerful way to feel immersed, safe, and satisfied, all while supporting the community you’re visiting.
Use Public Transportation and Move Through the City Like You Belong
There’s a unique perspective that comes from simply walking or taking the local bus through a new place. There’s no better way to see the city than how locals do. Public transportation offers a grounded, mindful way to explore:
Observe everyday life without rushing
Discover cozy corners and calm cafés
Feel more in rhythm with the city’s natural pace
For women travelers, this can be a great way to explore without the constant logistics of rideshares. Just stay aware of safe routes and travel during well-populated hours.
Speak the Language and Get Connected
If you're traveling somewhere where English isn't the primary language, learning a few basic phrases does more than help you order lunch. Speaking exclusively in English is the number one way to stand out as a tourist. Brushing up on the lingo shows respect and mindfulness, both key to intentional travel.
Apps like Duolingo or Google Translate can help you feel more confident, while locals will appreciate your effort to connect on their terms.
Travel with Intention, Confidence & Ease
You don’t need to “look like a local” to feel like one. The most rewarding travel experiences come when we move slowly, stay curious, and prioritize meaningful connection over checking off a to-do list.
Blend in, not to hide, but to immerse yourself fully. Give yourself the gift of presence. That’s the entire point of travel, anyway.
Here’s to feeling grounded, glowing, and connected, wherever you go.
