How to travel like a local Written and Photographed by Lusine Stepanian
Most places have a double existence, one in reality and one in
people's imagination. For instance, we have experienced the romance
and beauty of Paris in numerous music and movies. We dream of
admiring the Eiffel tower sparkling in the night; strolling through
little alleys; while listening to melodies on a distant French
accordion. We dream of traveling there to experience it all ourselves.
Ah, Europe can be so romantic in movies but in reality those
images live in the imagination of the eager tourist longing to
experience the dream portrayed on the silver screen. Truth is,
traveling to a foreign country can be disappointing if one fails
to acknowledge everyday life. Paris, Rome, even picturesque Venice
are all very busy cities. People live and work just as they do
in our hometown. For them it is not the sight of the sparkling
Eiffel tower or the majesty that is the coliseum that makes their
life enjoyable, since it all lies in the lifestyle, the way they
live each day.
Following are a few basic suggestions for a first-time traveler
wanting to explore the ‘real’ Europe. Discovering
a city's hidden beauty means to go further than visiting its museums
and attractions, it lies in its people, its food, its harsh times
and its historical moments.
Do what the locals do. Of course it is great to visit museums,
learning about the history of a country. Yet without the appreciation
of the present of what importance is history? When in London,
take your time and enjoy the vibrant musicals, local fares like
fish and chips or a pint of ale for lunch (yes just ale). Instead
of dining out every day, why not go to a farmer’s market
where all the Brits hang out? Or you can find really affordable
groceries at many supermarkets. Doing what the locals do will
help you blend in and immerse into the culture, if only for a
few days.
Leave your guidebook behind. Guidebooks are a great resource
of information; however they can become a distraction on your
trip. Read your guidebook before leaving for the day, note important
information, photocopy the maps and leave the rest at your hotel.
You will find tons of tourist information at the travel information
centre and simply by chatting with the locals. A local will recommend
you as good a restaurant as a guidebook. Try not to look like
a tourist, so keep your tourist gear to minimum.
Walk with a purpose. Yes, you are new to the country and you
want to admire everything with big eyes and take photos of anything
and everything, even the Roman pigeons. However, try not to give
yourself away as pickpocketers and thieves look for distracted
tourists. Don’t make yourself an easy target for them. Not
sure where you are going? Find a place where you are less visible
before spreading your map wide open in front of you. Pretend you
are a local, even if you are lost, and walk with a purpose.
Explore the city by foot. How many locals do
you know taking the bus to go from one intersection to another?
Most of them know how to get there by foot; it is faster and more
enjoyable. You are not expected to know all the streets but you
will see more of the city if you walk. The best of a city is found
by foot. If you are adventurous opt out of the hop on/off buses
and take a walk. They are usually crowded and tend to get stuck
in traffic anyway. If you really don’t want to get lost,
why not pick up the route information for the tourist bus and
follow it by foot? Just remember, don’t be afraid of getting
lost. That is the only way you will find something you never knew
existed. Put away your map, look up and follow your senses and
the locals.
Planning for a trip can be stressful. It requires research, organization
and patience. It is great to plan ahead, however, leave some gaps
and surprise yourself. Having some time in between your schedules
leaves you open to new adventures. So, take it easy, relax, and
do what the locals do. Let your surroundings guide you through
your journey.
Do you have any other tips? Please share in the comments.
Lusine Stepanian
is The Compass Editor. She has just returned from
Mexico, where she studied Spanish and the Mayan history. Aside
from travel writing she is inspired by Latin dancing with
her second performance on its way.
