You’ve probably heard it before – “Don’t travel like a tourist, travel like a local.” Sounds cool, but how do you actually do that without, well, getting totally lost?

Here’s my guide to experiencing the heart of your destination, not just the highlights.

1. Do Less, See More

You don’t need to hit every museum, palace, or Instagram hotspot. Slow down and let a city reveal itself. Spend a morning people-watching in a café. Wander without a map. Some of my best travel moments happened in alleyways I wasn’t meant to find.

2. Learn a Few Local Words

You don’t need to be fluent, but a few simple greetings in the local language go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and it often leads to better service, better conversations, and better memories.

3. Eat Where the Locals Eat

Skip the main square with tourist menus in 5 languages. Ask your host or hotel concierge where they go for lunch. In Lisbon, I found the best custard tart in a corner bakery without a single English word on the sign. Still dreaming about it.

4. Use Local Transport (At Least Once!)

Whether it’s Japan’s bullet trains or a rickety tuk-tuk in Bangkok, using local transport gives you a new lens on a city. You’ll overhear conversations, see places you wouldn’t on a tour bus, and often get there faster, too.

5. Hire a Guide (But the Right One)

The best local guides don’t just rattle off history – they tell stories, share opinions, and show you places you won’t find online. I work with on-the-ground guides in dozens of destinations – just ask, and I’ll match you with someone amazing.