When we travel around on a holiday, we tend to enjoy it visiting the local tourist attractions, accommodating at trusted hotels and eating at recommended restaurants. But most of the times we don’t get those experiences of the city like the locals do. We are tourists or visitors who cannot feel the way a native would. But we shouldn’t avoid trying. If you want to gain experience of any city and learn the likes of the locals then follow the following tips:

Research: When you have picked the location that you wish to travel to, make sure you do your research on the destination. Use the internet, any kind of sources or ask around about that country and location and gather maximum information and facts about it. Some say information is power, and I couldn’t agree more. I’d add information makes you smarter and gives you the opportunity to be flexible and open to try new things other tourists wouldn’t. You simply know what to expect when you reach there.

Dodge the hotels and inns: Think a moment before booking a hotel or an inn at your destination. Try finding a home of a local who could temporarily lend his lodgings or offer you a room as a paying guest. There are some services available in different cities and countries who could find such a home for you. When you live with the locals only then you sense the local touch and experience what natives do.

Exchange warmth: A way to exchange hospitality is Couchsurfing. It is a new trend but helps a lot if you want to adapt to a new surrounding of your destination. This gives you the liberty to live free with the locals as their guest or attend an event in their homes. This can obviously blend you with the locals and you won’t stand out as a tourist.

Use public transport: When you travel to a new country you must avoid travelling in cabs. If you want to gather more experience and the real nature of the country use the local public transportation, buses, trams or metros. This will provide you with bigger chance to travel along locals or to begin conversations with them.

Travel in low season: Try travelling to a new country or city when it’s a low season. It will be beneficial for both you and the locals. They will treat you incredibly well and will be more welcoming because they wouldn’t be irritated by the tourists from peak season. And you will get maximum advantage of the local life by enjoying the real vibe of the country when it’s not swarmed with tourists from around the globe.