Traveling like a Local in Europe (and Other Places)

I've found that traveling can be exhausting if I try to do too much in a short period of time. I often don't really enjoy seeing tourist attractions one after another. When I travel now, I immediately try to get into the local scene and even if I missed a major attraction, I feel like my experience was well worth it.

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• Spend more time listening than talking. People won't recognize you're not from there right away and may be more friendly.
  
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• Only take pictures if you HAVE to. I leave my camera behind most times unless I want to take artistic pictures. The Mona Lisa doesn't need another photograph, she's got postcards that end up being better quality anyway.
  
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• Go to out of the way restaurants. The people usually welcome the business and I've found that there's better service. I end up looking for vegetarian restaurants because they are few and far between and usually the cuisine is unusual.
  
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• Find the local grocery store and cafe and frequent them daily. Even if you don't speak the language, you can usually order something you recognize. Sit and read or write for a while to establish your interest in the people and neighborhood. Smile.
  I usually find a health food store for the same reasons that I look for a vegetarian restaurant. There are less people and the food is interesting. There is a higher likelihood that they remember you if you go back more than once.
  
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• Stay in places recommended by friends. Ask people you know about places they've stayed. There are tons of B&Bs but I find that a recommended accomodation is far superior than a 'good deal.' Go back to the places you enjoyed when you visit again.
  
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• If you have a religious affiliation make sure to stop in to a church, temple, meetinghouse on the day of worship. I did this in Edinburgh and had a great meal, lively conversation, and made some good connections. During important holidays religious groups are especially welcoming. In Spain they gave us matzah and invited us to a Seder during Passover. It's also nice just to feel closer to home through a spiritual connection.
  
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• Shop in thrift stores. Lots of people like to buy new clothes when they travel but I enjoy rummaging in charity shops because you can find good stuff there. There seem to be more than there are in the US. I found a sleep sheet (some hostels require it) and some fabric (for a souvenir quilt) that was much cheaper than going to a fabric store.
  
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• The Library. They usually have free or cheap internet, quiet places to read, access to books (so you don't have to bring your own or lug them around), multi-media, and lots of locals go there. If you visit the same town a lot, invest in a library card as you can take out books, CDs and even DVDs (for longer stays).
  
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• Visit arboretums and conservatories. Lots of European cities take great pride in their horticulture. I enjoy going to the conservatories because they are usually free and quite beautiful. Zoos are nice too. If your town is too small, a nice park is a good way to see and be with local people. I bring a book or a blanket and spend my down time there.
  
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• Ask around about local happenings. In Inverness there was a film festival (the first one there!) and I went with a friend and it was great. Read bulletin boards.
  
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• If you have a flat with a self-servicing kitchen, invite people you meet (and trust, of course) to dinner. Living like you do at home makes meeting and connecting to people easier. Find local groups online (vegetarians, AA groups, artists, fellow religious folks, La Leche League, Rotary, etc) and connect through them. Most people are happy to welcome newcomers and visitors.
  
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• Bring pictures of your life at home. Exchange stories with people. Tourists get a reputation for taking, taking, taking. If you offer something in return (or before you ask for something!), people are more likely to treat you like a friend and not a tourist vulture.
  
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• Get to know the place you are visiting. Spend more time in places you enjoy and try not to do whirlwind tours. They can be exhausting and it's hard to get to know a place in two days.
  
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