Travel fuels my soul like nothing else. From the moment I click "purchase" on my ticket to the bittersweet moment I pack my bags to head home, I become a heightened version of myself. The thrill of discovering new places, people, and cultures is intoxicating. But as much as I love to explore, there’s always a part of me that craves something deeper than the typical tourist experience. I want to feel a place, to connect with it as if I’ve lived there for years. Over time, I’ve discovered a few essential strategies that make my trips feel more authentic, and I'm sharing them here with the hope they'll inspire your own journeys.
Stay Put and Get to Know Your Neighborhood
Rather than jumping from hotel to hotel, I like to plant myself in one area for most of my trip. This allows me to feel like I’m part of the neighborhood. Whether it’s greeting the barista at the corner café each morning or picking up fresh groceries from the local market, staying in one place helps create a rhythm that feels wonderfully local. I often opt for accommodations in residential areas where I can walk to everything. I prefer a cozy apartment within walking distance of local spots over a large hotel that requires a car ride. Being immersed in the day-to-day life of a neighborhood—hearing kids play, and smelling meals being cooked next door—gives me a real sense of what life is like for the people who live there.
Shop Local, Cook Local
Speaking of groceries, the local market is one of my favorite places to explore when I travel. There’s something incredibly revealing about the way a community shops. What items are on the shelves? What’s the most popular local snack? I encourage my kids to pick out a few mystery items—things we don’t recognize—and we make a promise to cook them when we get back to our place. It’s a fun challenge and an adventure in itself. Plus, you get to taste the region's flavors in a truly unique way.
Hit the Ground Running
When I land in a new city, I waste no time. As tempting as it is to crash after a long flight unless it’s bedtime in my destination’s time zone, I lace up my shoes and immediately hit the streets. For me, there’s no better way to shake off jet lag than by diving headfirst into the energy of a new place. I’ll pull up Google Maps as a safety net, but I don’t plan a specific route. Instead, I wander. Wandering without an agenda lets you see the little details you might otherwise miss—a local bakery with a line out the door, a hidden park, or an unexpected street performance. The serendipity of it all can lead to magical discoveries.
Build Connections with Locals
Connecting with locals is one of the best ways to get an insider’s perspective. Whether it’s a friend of a friend or someone you meet while traveling, those moments of human connection are priceless. Thanks to my work in tech, I’ve been lucky enough to make friends worldwide. I’ve experienced Barcelona, China, and other destinations through the eyes of the people who live there, which made each trip even more special. In fact, one of my kids even ended up living in Barcelona after an internship that was arranged through a local connection. You never know where these relationships might lead!
Rediscover the Travel Agent
Surprising, right? In this era of DIY travel booking, the travel agent may seem like a thing of the past, but they are still a hidden gem. On a recent trip to Paris, a travel agent landed me perks I would never have gotten on my own—room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and insider tips on where to eat that made me feel like I’d cracked a secret code not to mention the cheese plate that was waiting for me in my room after my flight! A good travel agent has relationships with hotels and local businesses that make your trip extraordinary. Just don’t forget to chat with the hotel staff—they often have unique recommendations, and you’ll be treated like a VIP.
Learn the Language (At Least a Little)
Even a small effort to speak the local language goes a long way. Before heading to Italy with my kids, we spent months practicing simple phrases: how to say hello, ask for directions, order food, and find a restroom. When we arrived, even my shyest child confidently spoke Italian, complete with hand gestures! It was a proud moment when a shopkeeper rewarded their efforts with complimentary treats. You don’t have to be fluent—just a few key phrases can open doors and create moments of connection that make your trip even more memorable.
Embrace Conversation
I’m the person who talks to everyone—the hotel staff, the taxi driver, the shop clerk—and while it sometimes embarrasses my kids, it’s always worth it. Yes, there’s a chance I’ll butcher the language, but what’s the worst that could happen? A rolled eye? I can handle that. More often than not, my curiosity leads to excellent tips and recommendations that aren’t in any guidebook—like the cheese guy who tipped me off to a hidden wine cellar where $100 bottles were sold for $30. Then, that wine guy led me to the best chocolatier in the city. These moments are the kind of travel magic that makes a trip unforgettable.
Tap Into Your Friends’ Knowledge
Before I travel, I love to chat with friends about their experiences. You’d be surprised how often someone has hidden gems to share. On a recent trip, a close friend who is an architect gave me an incredible list of must-see sites. His suggestions turned our trip from good to extraordinary. Don’t hesitate to tap into your network—sometimes, the best insights come from the people closest to you.
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