How to Blend In With the Locals

I’ve never really understood the fear travelers have of looking like tourists. If anything, being a tourist is something to be proud of—it means you’re adventurous and have put aside the time and earned the money to travel. And yet when I’m in a new city, like every other tourist, I’m always trying to hide the map in my hands or the fact that I don’t speak a word of the local language. While every destination has a different local flavor, here are some ways to fake that you’re a native no matter where you are.

Look the Part

Everyone knows that in cities like Paris or London everybody wears black, but what if your closet is full of brights and pastels? If you can afford it, buy a few key pieces when you get to your destination and you’ve had a chance to survey the locals. Of course there’ll be all kinds of tastes, but it shouldn’t be too difficult to notice some common threads. It’s important to look the part of a local not only for your own comfort but also because certain items communicate different things from one place to another. For instance, in New York City high heels are commonplace any time of the day for women (and in certain neighborhoods seen on men as well!) but in more casual European cities like Prague or Budapest they may seem out of place. Check local fashion blogs before you go—that way, you’ll feel less self-conscious while you’re out and about.

Use Local Media

Reading the New York Times religiously might make you a global citizen, but it won’t help you find where to get sushi in Paris’ 7^th arrondissement. Most cities have great magazines and independent weeklies where you can get a feel for the opinions and issues that are coming out of the area as well as the drool-worthy restaurants in town. Pick-up a copy of the local paper at a café, and while you’re there, use the (hopefully free) Wi-Fi to pull-up sites like Yelp and UrbanSpoon to find highly-rated nearby attractions. Looking for things to do? Keep an eye out at watering holes for flyers listing neighborhood openings and events. Social media mavens can also search for localized hashtags (e.g. #paris) on Twitter and Instagram to see what people around town are up to—then join them!

Do Your Research

Yeah, sometimes the best vacations are full of spontaneity, but when you don’t plan ahead, you can easily find yourself stuck in the touristy part of town and paying $4 for a bottle of water. Do heavy research on the different neighborhoods, shopping districts, and cultural attractions of your destination, and look for events happening during your stay where locals will be attending (i.e. not Oktoberfest). Is there an awesome weekly flea market on the outskirts of town? What about a concert at a small dive? You’ll have to do some serious digging to find these kinds of listings, and they won’t be on the news sites you’ve already visited. The number one thing every traveler needs to research, however, is transportation. You don’t want to get forced into a gypsy cab at the airport because you’re terrified of the subway.

Go Solo

Traveling on your own, or at least in a small group of two or three, is a more natural way to experience a city—you probably don’t spend very many of your days with a pack of strangers. Big groups stand out, especially in smaller cities, and are louder, easier to target and often cause much more of a disturbance. And there’s no better way to deny yourself certain unique  experiences than by being in a large group. By traveling on your own, or at least separating from the group for awhile, you’ll be more spontaneous and approachable and therefore more likely to meet other people doing the same.

Fake It

Even when you’re not carrying a camera and a map or wearing a fanny pack, locals can usually spot a tourist from a mile away by nervous body language.  But unless you’re in trouble, relax! Being hopelessly lost can be a good thing. You’ll have to ask a perfect stranger for directions. Most people consider it a compliment to be approached for directions and will gladly help. Otherwise, keep your head up, shoulders back, and don’t stand on the street corner looking frustrated. The best way to fake confidence is to keep walking briskly until you find a welcoming café or store where you can stop to consult Google Maps. Whatever you do, don’t walk and stare at your phone at the same time. People are a lot less likely to help you when you’ve just bumped into them.

Be Yourself