I’ve always found that the most transformative trips aren’t the ones spent racing around to check every landmark off a list.
They’re the slow, immersive adventures that make you feel like you truly belong—at least for a little while—in a brand-new place.
There was a time I traveled to Barcelona with an itinerary so jam-packed that I almost forgot to breathe.
All I did was sprint from one tourist attraction to another, eating quick bites along the way and barely speaking to anyone who lived there.
I came home with the pictures, but not the real memories.
Since then, I’ve learned the magic of traveling like a local. Below, I’ll share eight habits that have helped me do just that—so you can feel more connected and at ease wherever you go.
1. They do a bit of homework—but not too much
Whenever I’m heading somewhere new, I do read up on the culture, common phrases, and a bit of local etiquette. But I’ve learned not to overplan every second.
A little research goes a long way in helping you blend in.
You want to know how locals greet each other (handshake, kiss on the cheek, a nod?), what public gestures might be considered rude, and whether there are any unique holidays happening during your visit.
However, I try not to let my research become a restrictive to-do list. Most locals don’t follow a strict itinerary every single day, so why should I?
I’d rather explore a neighborhood at my own pace than rush to see every museum mentioned in a guidebook.
By striking a balance between curiosity and spontaneity, you’ll open the door to experiences that can’t be captured in any brochure.
A little structure is fine, but leave room for surprises—those are often the best parts of any trip.
2. They learn a few key phrases in the local language
I’m not exactly a linguistic genius, but I’ve discovered the power of a simple “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” in another language.
Even if you mispronounce a word or two, locals usually appreciate the effort.
In many places, attempting to speak the native tongue breaks the ice in a way that reading from an English menu never can.
I remember stumbling through a few lines of Italian while looking for directions in Rome. The woman I spoke to chuckled at my accent but then spent the next ten minutes marking my map with her favorite coffee shops.
No one expects you to have perfect grammar or a wide vocabulary. But a handful of common expressions—like how to greet someone politely or how to say “delicious”—can transform how people respond to you.
It’s a small gesture that shows respect for local culture. And trust me, you’ll cherish the look on someone’s face when they realize you’ve made an effort to meet them halfway.
3. They immerse themselves in local transportation
I used to think that sticking with ride-sharing apps was the simplest way to get around. But whenever I take the bus, train, or even rent a bike, I discover a layer of the city that cars often zip right past.
Public transportation is like a living, breathing snapshot of local life. You see the morning commute, people juggling grocery bags, or teenagers laughing loudly with friends.
Yes, it can be crowded or even chaotic, but that’s part of the authentic experience.
I love watching the city roll by from a tram window. Some of my favorite memories are from random conversations sparked by a shared route or a missed stop.
Sure, you might get lost, but sometimes getting lost is how you find the most memorable street food or stumble upon a quiet park you’d never see otherwise.
Besides, using local transport often saves money. That extra cash can go toward something more meaningful—like a local cooking class or a handmade souvenir from a family-run shop.
And once you’ve navigated a foreign bus system, you’ll feel a little braver the next time you step into unfamiliar territory.
4. They don’t limit themselves to the top-ten tourist sites
I used to think I’d “waste” my trip if I didn’t see every major landmark, but it just left me exhausted. One day, I realized that immersing myself in a place goes beyond iconic monuments.
Some of my most cherished moments have been in out-of-the-way neighborhoods or small towns on the city’s edge.
Wandering aimlessly, I’ve stumbled into hidden bookstores, quirky art galleries, and cozy cafés where locals linger over long conversations.
Funny enough, it was during one of these off-the-beaten-path walks that I realized I’d been holding myself back in life by trying to fit everything into a neat little checklist—both on and off the road.
That’s why I ended up taking Rudá Iandê’s “Free Your Mind” masterclass.
The course challenged me to confront my fear of missing out and reframe what “achievement” really means.
Instead of obsessively trying to do it all, I discovered the power of letting new experiences unfold naturally. The exercises there prompted me to release some long-held limiting beliefs—not just about travel, but about my own potential, too.
If you’re someone who feels anxious unless you’re crossing items off a list, Rudá’s teachings might resonate with you. It’s surprisingly freeing to realize you don’t have to follow the same routes as everyone else, both in travel and in life.
5. They try local foods—and aren’t afraid of street stalls
I’ll never forget the day I mustered the courage to eat from a humble street food cart in Bangkok.
The cook smiled, handed me a bowl of steaming noodles, and I found myself immersed in an explosion of flavor I’d never experienced before.
Local eateries often offer the essence of a region’s culture at a fraction of the price of fancy restaurants. Sure, you might have to get used to unfamiliar spices or dining etiquette, but I find these moments unforgettable.
Sometimes, I like to ask for the server’s recommendation. Other times, I glance around and see what regulars are ordering.
And if you’re worried about cleanliness, pick stalls with steady customers—the locals know where it’s safe (and delicious) to eat.
Experimenting with new dishes can feel like exploring a different dimension of the culture. Plus, you’ll bring home a deeper understanding of local flavors—and maybe even a new favorite recipe to replicate.
6. They sync with local rhythms
One of the first things I notice when I visit a new place is the pace of everyday life. In some cities, people dine late into the night, while in others, shops close early so families can eat dinner together.
Whenever possible, I try to adapt to that local rhythm rather than forcing my own.
If the city sleeps late, I’ll plan to stroll at midnight. If businesses shut down in the afternoon for a siesta, I might take a nap or relax in a nearby park.
There’s a real charm in doing as the locals do. You see life as it naturally unfolds, instead of feeling like an outsider rushing to impose your schedule on a different world.
This mindset shift also helps me slow down. I’m no longer the stressed-out traveler, checking my phone every minute for updates.
Instead, I become a participant in the daily dance of the place I’m visiting.
7. They strike up conversations—and listen more than they talk
I used to be shy about chatting with strangers on the road. But over time, I found that a few friendly questions can open the door to amazing stories and genuine friendships.
When I visited a small town in Portugal, I befriended the owner of the guesthouse. He pointed me to a hidden hiking trail overlooking the sea.
That day turned into an impromptu picnic with his family, followed by hours of laughter and unforgettable views.
I’ve learned that when you’re open and curious, people often respond in kind. Ask how someone’s day is going, comment on a local piece of art, or compliment a small detail like a café’s unique décor.
It doesn’t have to be a deep, life-changing conversation—sometimes just a shared smile is enough to break the ice.
Listening, though, is crucial. People everywhere have stories to tell, and genuine interest fosters connection. You’ll pick up nuances of language, culture, and lifestyle that guidebooks never mention.
And you might gain a friend—or at least a friendly local face to wave to when you walk by.
8. They stay open to detours, delays, and surprises
I’ve had my share of missed trains and last-minute plan changes. It’s tempting to panic when something goes wrong, but I’ve learned that the best travelers adapt on the fly.
Locals don’t usually treat a slight delay like a crisis. They wait out the rainy afternoon in a coffee shop or take a leisurely stroll instead of fretting over closed attractions.
Following that example, I’ve discovered incredible side streets and spontaneous festivals simply by letting go of my rigid expectations.
When I visited Tokyo, I got lost navigating the subway. Instead of panicking, I took the next possible exit and wound up in a serene temple courtyard.
I spent an hour there, quietly watching the world go by—an experience I’ll never forget.
Embrace the unexpected. Yes, have a plan, but don’t let it imprison you.
Sometimes the best moments happen when you’re forced to find alternatives or take a path you never imagined.
Conclusion
Traveling like a local isn’t about disguising yourself or living out of a suitcase forever. It’s about shedding the frantic tourist energy and opening up to a more genuine connection with your surroundings.
When you research thoughtfully, learn a bit of the language, explore hidden corners, and embrace the local pace, you begin to see a destination through fresh eyes.
You’ll create memories that stick in your heart far longer than any postcard-perfect photo.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned here at DM News, it’s that meaningful growth often happens when we slow down and get comfortable being open to new possibilities.
So the next time you find yourself packing for an adventure, remember these habits. They just might turn your trip into something far more profound—and far more fun—than you ever expected.
