Plan your trip
Experiences that make you feel like a local
Ordinary routines that tell you more about a place than any landmark.
Experiences that make you feel like a local
Ordinary routines that tell you more about a place than any landmark.
The guidance below is deliberately practical. It is the short list of things that change the outcome of a trip, rather than a general overview you could find anywhere. Read it once while planning and again the week before you travel.
What to know
The points that make the most difference, in rough order of importance.
- Shop a weekday morning market
- Use local transport at commuting hours
- Eat where there is a queue of workers at noon
- Sit in a neighbourhood square for an hour
Quick reference
- Plan thisThree to six weeks out for most trips
- Book aheadAnything capacity-limited or permit-based
- Verify locallyRules and prices change; confirm on arrival
- Budget impactVaries by region and season
Related guides
Other guides in the same section.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to know about experiences that make you feel like a local?
Shop a weekday morning market.
How far ahead should I plan this?
For most trips, research this three to six weeks before you travel, and sooner if anything involved has limited capacity or requires a permit.
Does this differ by country?
Yes. Rules, costs and norms vary, so treat this as a general framework and confirm the specifics for your destination before booking.