Preparations for Travel - Before You Depart
So you booked a ticket, reserved a rental car, and found a hotel room. If you're like most travelers, you'll probably wait until the plane ride to skim the guide book for your destination (if you didn't already skim it at the book store). Sure, guide books are great for touristy sites, maps, and landmarks, but to experience the real essence and history of your destination, use the best resource around - the people who live where you are traveling. Getting in touch with "the locals" is not as hard as you think, especially now that we live in such a hyper connected world. Here are some hints to help you find friendly locals:
Tip 1: Use online tools such as social networking sites and local business directories to find people who work and live where you are visiting. Even if you aren't' visiting an English-speaking country, you can find Anglo-oriented resources for almost every major destination.
Tip 2: Ask friends, family, and coworkers if they have contacts in other countries. 1st degree connections are a great tool because people are more likely to help you if they are personally vested in the the relationship.
Tip 3: Use your neighborhood's international residents. If you are traveling to Mexico, and you are a regular customer at Jose's Cantina, there's no harm in asking Jose a few questions. Start with "Where is your family from? I'm going to Mexico and I thought you would be the perfect person for some insider advice." (Caveat: Be respectful. Don't assume national identities, you don't want to offend anyone!)
Opening the Lines of Communication - Language Barriers and Cultural Differences
Start communicating with individuals as soon as your buy your ticket, and by the time you arrive to their turf, you'll have a good idea of what to expect in terms of local customs, potential language barrier issues, and cultural differences.
The best way to begin is always with a friendly "Hello". Introduce yourself to your contact as someone who is visiting their home. Don't write as if it's a business transaction. If you approach them with respect and treat them as experts, they will be more likely to help you. A sample email/communication:
Dear ---,
I found your information through [name of referring site or person] and I am really interested in finding out about your home town. I'm planning to travel to [location] and I've heard that there are some great places to see. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for your time! Maybe we'll bump into each other when I visit.
Regards,
---
On the Plane, in the Land, Wondering Where to Go...
Whether or not you have succeeded in making some local contacts before your departure, you can still travel through the locals, locally. Ask your seat neighbor on the plane ride for his or her favorite restaurant in the arrival city. Find out how the currency works and what is the average price for a sandwich and a cola. This kind of basic information will help you feel more comfortable in foreign countries. You can avoid being flustered when fumbling for change in a strange currency. If you do your research and learn some sample prices, you'll avoid being taken advantage of.
Also, use the hotel staff - and I'm not talking about the concierge only. Ask the Bell Hop, the waiter, the barman, and the valet park staff for their recommendations. You'll find out where the locals hang, and you'll have a more authentic experience than if you went only to those sponsored places from the hotel's tourist information booklet.
Lastly, if you are site-seeing on a packed avenue full of tourist traps, try walking down a parallel road or alley (only if it looks safe, depending on where you are in the world). Often times, the less traveled roads near major tourist destinations have charming shops, restaurants, and personal history to explore. And, they might be less expensive than the main drag's counterparts.
If traveling in big groups and on tour buses isn't your thing, then traveling through the locals might be right for you. Local knowledge adds passion and personal flair to your journey (and often cuts expenses, too). So...where are you going next? Can I come?
Happy travels!
