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.
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