[workin' on my travel writing!]
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To many travellers, “tourist” is a dirty
word. The mere thought of organized bus tours, posed photo opportunities and
cheap souvenirs is enough to turn their stomachs. We think that everyone
travels differently, and if those bus tours are what gets your adventurous
spirit going, then tour away! There is something to be said, however, for
exploring your new surroundings as an insider, blending seamlessly into local
life and observing the culture from within. Here are 5 ways to ditch the
tourist mentality and live like a local.
1. Throw away your guidebook
While your Lonely Planet may tell you
important info about local customs, currencies and safety concerns, it also
highlights the major tourist attractions in the area, with some “off the beaten
path” options scattered about. Who wants to show up to that temple only to meet
up with every fanny-packed Canadian in a 10km radius? Your best bet? Chat up
the owner of your accommodations or a local business owner for the best-kept
cultural secrets. And if there is a big tourist hotspot you want to hit, they
can recommend the best times to visit to avoid the crowds.
image by Angelo Juan Ramos via Flickr
I know how comforting it can be to see the
big golden arches when you are completely flustered by your destination
(cultural differences, language barrier), but stop and think before you dive
face first into that Big Mac. You can eat that at home! Being abroad is an
opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and try new things. Head over
to that street food cart. You may not know what they are serving up or how to
ask for what you want, but you’ll be surprised how far a big smile can go when
dealing with language differences. The best case scenario, you’ll try a new
food and be proud of yourself for experiencing a new culture. Worst case? You
spit out the food, and are now equipped with a hilarious story for your friends
and family about how you accidentally ate beetles in Bangkok.
3. Like home, but different
If you want to experience a culture like a
local, think about what you do at home, and adapt. Experience how people go
about their daily lives in a different country. Go to the grocery store, see
what foods they have that are different or the same as at home. Go see a movie
even if you don’t speak the language. Sit at a small café, listening to
snippets of conversation and watching as people walk by. Learn a bit of the
local language, or take a cooking class to create a famous cultural dish.
Sometimes when travelling, you need to just slow down to be able to absorb the
experience.
4. Life is a runway
Take to the streets to see what fashion
trends the locals are following. Treat yourself to a new outfit at a trendy
boutique and strut your stuff with the best of them. Nothing says tourist more
than an “I HEART OKTOBERFEST” tee. Plus, North America is often a few months
behind other countries trend-wise, so when you come home you’ll be looking
fashion forward, and have a souvenir you won’t be embarrassed to wear.
image by Elinnea via Wikpedia
5. Talk, talk, talk
Nothing immerses you more into a country’s
culture than speaking with its people. While making sure you are safe and
trusting your gut instincts, sometimes it pays to strike up a conversation with
a friendly shop owner or vendor at a local market. They’re often the best
sources for well kept cultural secrets, folklore, and even great restaurants
that most people walk right by. They can help you learn the language, and if
you’re lucky, might even invite you over for dinner or to a cultural
celebration! This is very prevalent in India especially. You never know when
you’ll be the guests of honour at an Indian wedding, or cast as an extra in a
Bollywood movie!
While people travel for different reasons and
with different agendas, one fact remains the same. Travel is an escape from
your reality and a departure into a different culture. While some people rush
around to check things off of their sightseeing list, and some people choose to
travel slow and take it all in, the real thrill is in the unexpected adventures
and experiences of the journey. By living like a local, you can make the most
of your trip, learning new things and making memories that will last a
lifetime.
