While organized tours and resort vacations have their place in our vacation book, getting into the heart of a new location is one of the most exciting parts of traveling. But if you don’t know anyone in a foreign place, how do you do it? We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to live like a local no matter how long you’re visiting.
Rent an apartment
Instead of staying in an expensive hotel in a touristy location, try renting an apartment in an up-and-coming neighborhood to get a more local feel. From taking a morning stroll for coffee to checking out area shopping and restaurant options, you’ll get a day-to-day feel for the location that’s tough to recreate at a hotel.
Eat With
No need to make reservations for the hottest new restaurant when you can eat with new friends instead. EatWith connects food lovers with hosts, people in a particular area who enjoy cooking and welcoming travelers and locals alike into their homes for a home-cooked meal. Explore more than 150 cities with each host sharing their own specialty.
Alternative Tours
Skip the big city tour bus and try a hyper-local version. Sites like Vayable, and WithLocals let you find tours led by locals and search by experiences. From biking tours to club night excursions, you’ll come away with a unique look into your adopted home. Withlocals tours are private and each activity is 100 percent customizable.
Couchsurfing
The website, known for matching local hosts with travelers seeking accommodation, is also a convenient way to connect and hang out with someone. You can search for a host willing to grab a coffee or join in on events happening in the Couchsurfing community no matter where you’re sleeping at night.
Read This Next
Eat Like a Local
Food & Drink
Oct 2, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 27, 2024Earn a Free Night with BWH Hotels This Spring
Earn a free night with BWH Hotels this spring by being a member of its Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Through May 5, BWR members who stay two nights (do not need to be consecutive) at BWH Hotels properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will earn one free night to be used for stays through Aug. 25. Register for the promotion prior to the completion of your first stay online or with the hotel directly. The awarded free night is eligible at any Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and members can only earn one free night via the promotion.
Sponsored Content
Discover Nashville Neighborhoods
Whether you are interested in music, art, history, food, sports or fashion, Music City has something for everyone to sing about. Nashville is accessible, friendly and authentic, with diverse neighborhoods, a storied musical heritage and a creative culture that energizes the city.
Products / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
ShareThis