Home > General Travel > How to Blend in With the Locals

How to Blend in With the Locals

By: Anna Martin - Updated: 29 Dec 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Locals Experience Friendly Cultural

Whatever destination you choose to visit experiencing a true taste of the city/town or country’s pace and charm is what most travellers hope to do. No matter how relaxed and carefree you appear to be, on your holiday or business break, unless you really know how to blend in with the locals you really won’t be able to experience a true taste of authentic life in a different place.

Make the Effort

There is nothing local folk like more than welcoming a new visitor to their part of the world. People genuinely like to take an interest in someone who takes an interest in their culture, experiences or services, so being open to finding out all you can will show the locals you meet that you appreciate their contribution. Showing that you accept and embrace the differences, by taking the time to explore the language and history, will also work in your favour.

Although it can be very easy to lazily converse with local people in your own language – especially if it is English – making the effort to learn one or two key phrases, and asking for tips about the correct words to use, will show you have an interest in exploring communication and interaction beyond a casual ‘good morning’. Being friendly in this way will make all the difference to the level of service and information you receive, in many places you may visit.

Dress the Part

You may well be a tourist but there is no need to draw attention to the fact. Dressing in a similar style to the locals – light and casual, if appropriate, or long-sleeved garments if this is the trend – will offer you another opportunity to mix. Dress for comfort, but do ensure you are being culturally respectful.

Make a Friend

No matter where you are staying there will be a friendly face you encounter frequently. This may be the receptionist at your hotel, the owner of your rental property or even the waiter at your favourite coffee shop. Offering this person your best warm smile will encourage communication in a genuine way. Asking for advice, tips and information will then be easy to do, and you will be rewarded with a helpful response.

Make Mealtimes an Experience

Many cultures draw our interest by the food that they serve. For many travellers sampling the local cuisine is what exploring new places is all about. If you don’t want to be disappointed at mealtimes make sure you head for the place where the locals go. Although brightly-lit chain restaurants and more modern establishments may seem like a safe bet, being adventurous enough to eat in the cramped, dark restaurant where local people are enjoying their food will ensure you experience more than just the sights and sounds of a country.

Dare Yourself

Whilst it makes sense to know where you are going being brave enough to explore the local transport, and heading off with no plan or map, will enable you to explore your location through the eyes of someone who lives there. Being open to experiencing a real adventure will also enable you to become a more appreciative traveller.

Related Articles in the 'General Travel' Category...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
Why not be the first to leave a comment for discussion, ask for advice or share your story...

If you'd like to ask a question one of our experts (workload permitting) or a helpful reader hopefully can help you... We also love comments and interesting stories

Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics
Comments
  • TheSceptic
    Re: Etiquette in China
    I’ve seen this blog cited for all these mainstream articles about table etiquette in China—but where’s the reference/source for this one? I…
    29 December 2024
  • Mase
    Re: How to Behave in California
    I’m a born and raised Californian, if you want to blend in, in most parts of California people say hella a lot. “Dude this sh*ts…
    11 March 2023
  • Nawara
    Re: Etiquette in Tunisia
    I am tunisian and i want to tell you that your fiancé lied at you. There is nothing in tunisian customs called bringing gifts to all family…
    28 March 2021
  • PR0F3T
    Re: Etiquette in Greece
    Greeks honored their dead bye first coating their bodies in oil and then put them in a tall bed so that mourners May morning then they put…
    20 January 2021
  • Hamza
    Re: Etiquette in Tunisia
    This is an answer for Topaz about gift. no its not mandatory, you can come and bring nothing. its just rude impolite and greedy from them to…
    26 August 2019
  • Kat
    Re: Etiquette in Scandinavia
    I enjoyed your article. You may have saved me from future embarrassment. It is funny. Some of the traits you mentioned as Scandinavian…
    16 January 2019
  • BulgarianBoi
    Re: Good Manners in Bulgaria
    This was really nice to know,I really liked the second helping thing and also the kiss on the cheek.
    25 November 2018
  • Travel4vr
    Re: Etiquette in Greece
    On a recent trip, after the owner of the hotel gave me a lift, he kissed me on both cheeks after I tipped him. I was a bit taken back. What…
    22 September 2018
  • Spring
    Re: Etiquette in Scandinavia
    This helps me so much with my International Day project.
    18 May 2018
  • VicMAd
    Re: Etiquette in Kenya
    While I'm not asking this question based on travel experiences, rather it is based on some photos of a woman form Nairobi, Kenya. She has…
    8 April 2018