That said however local travel experiences still exist, and are still important. So what is a local travel experience? It’s the experience we get when we travel for understanding, as well as pleasure. It’s what happens when we take an interest in the people who inhabit a place when we try to learn about their beliefs, their traditions, their culture. It’s when we look beyond the obvious, beyond what’s being marketed to tourists, and open ourselves to whatever little surprises our destination has to offer.

One of the first things to remember is to help the local economy. How? Support local businesses. When dining out, for instance, try that family-owned shop or hole-in-the-wall restaurant that you passed by while heading to your hotel from the airport. Not only do you get to help in growing their business, you also get to try authentic local dishes.

Strike up a conversation with the lady at the market, or the receptionist at your hotel. Be friendly, and ask questions about the place if they seem interested in talking. Get recommendations. Be flexible with your plans, and learn to say yes to invitations. Most people are all too happy to show off their countries, and would love to hear about your own!

We often have preconceived notions about people from other countries. Only when you travel, experience a country through its people, will you see things from a different perspective. Being with the locals allows you to see what their lives are really like, what their values are, and what makes them happy. It also gives you the chance to wipe away any stereotypes and misconceptions about your own country, creating an opportunity to move towards a more accepting and open-minded world. You’ll see that at the core, we’re not all that different, after all.

It’s hard to experience a place as a local if you’re only there for a day or two. Explore less, but more deeply. Build a routine. Shop at the markets, stop at the same coffee shop every morning. Be recognized. Not only will having a more stable routine give you a better impression of what it must be like to live there, but once people grow accustomed to seeing you around, they’ll be a lot more likely to reach out.

Forget about your itinerary. Wander past the main attractions to see what gems you’ll discover just a few blocks away. Find out where locals like to eat, drink, or get away from it all. Allot one day to visit a less touristy town. Who knows what quirks and charms you'll unravel in that road less traveled. Make your travel experience worth your while. Create connections, harbor understanding, and you’ll leave with more than just souvenirs, photographs, and memories. You’ll bring back friendships and cultural understanding that will be life-changing.

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