How to be a traveler, not a tourist: 7 tips

Traveling abroad can offer so much more than just the chance to see famous landmarks — it’s an opportunity to gain a better understanding of both the world and your place in it. Here's how you can step outside your comfort zone and navigate a new city like a traveler, not a tourist.

What does it mean to be a traveler?

While being a tourist can be fun, when you embrace a traveler’s mindset, you truly immerse yourself in the place you're exploring. You’ll make more meaningful connections and gain life-changing insights. Once you dive deeper into local life, you open the door to personal growth, self-discovery, and a much richer travel experience.

Here are 7 tips on how you can go beyond the tourist trail and make the most of your time abroad as a traveler.

1. Take the road less traveled

While it’s tempting to visit all the famous sites on a checklist, don’t let those be the only places you explore. Every city has hidden gems waiting to be discovered. These are often found off the beaten path in local neighborhoods, away from tourist-heavy areas. 

Take a more adventurous approach, and you'll get a taste of the real character of a place. You'll see how locals live, where they hang out, and the lesser-known spots that are usually missed by tourists. The stories you bring home will be more unique and personal because you ventured beyond the standard travel itinerary.

Top tip: Instead of relying solely on Instagram-worthy city guides, ask locals for recommendations or just learn the art of wandering around until you find something interesting. Aimless wandering without a final destination has been a great source of inspiration for many. 

2. Live the language

One of the most impactful ways to experience a culture is through learning the local language. You don’t need to become fluent in a hurry, but learning a few basic phrases can make a big difference to your travel experience. 

Locals often appreciate it when visitors make an effort, no matter how limited their language skills might be. It’s a way of showing that you’re interested in their way of life and it opens up opportunities for more authentic interactions. 

Top tip: Greeting someone in their native tongue, ordering food in a local restaurant, or even asking for directions shows respect for the culture and helps break down barriers. Whether you're learning to say “hello” or ordering coffee, taking small steps toward learning a language can deepen your experience in so many ways. Plus, it's an essential part of understanding the nuances of the place you're visiting, from regional slang to cultural references.

3. Embrace local customs and traditions

Every country has its own customs, traditions, and ways of doing things. Part of being a traveler is observing how locals behave and adapting to the norms of the place you're in. If you're in Japan, for example, follow their etiquette of bowing when greeting people. If you’re in Italy, take note of how meals are leisurely, and rarely rushed. 

Instead of standing out as a tourist, you'll be more likely to experience the destination in a more authentic and immersive way. 

Top tip: Seek out and participate in local festivals, community events, or unique cultural traditions that you wouldn’t get from a typical tourist experience. Being a part of these customs will not only deepen your appreciation of the local culture, but you’ll make incredible memories during your time abroad.

4. Eat like a local

Food is an essential part of any culture, and what better way to experience it than by dining where the locals eat? Don’t be afraid to try new places you stumble across, or ask locals where they like to eat, preferably at family-owned restaurants. 

Whether it's sampling street food in Bangkok or discovering a tiny trattoria in Rome, eating like a local can give you a true taste of the culture. Plus, local dishes are often prepared with seasonal ingredients that reflect the region’s traditions, providing an even deeper connection to the place you're visiting.

Top tip: Instead of gravitating toward only the highest-rated or familiar chain restaurants, venture into local neighborhoods where residents are more likely to dine. These spots might not be in the guidebook, but they often serve up even more delicious and authentic dishes.

5. Get around like a local

Transportation plays a big role in how people experience a city. Navigating a place the way its residents do can offer a different perspective of the city. You’ll be more attuned to its everyday rhythms, from the morning commute to the evening rush. Along the way, you’ll also be exposed to more parts of the city that you might not have seen otherwise, all while getting a genuine feel for the local lifestyle.

Top tip: Instead of sticking to tourist buses or taxis, try public transport or rent a bike, depending on the city and local preference. If everyone bikes through Copenhagen, follow suit! If locals prefer walking in smaller European cities, put on some comfortable shoes and join them.

6. Connect with the community

One of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in a new culture is by forming connections with the locals. This can happen in many ways — whether it’s through a brief conversation with a shop owner or by making friends at a local café. These interactions can offer you something that no listing in a guidebook can match: true connection, community, and friendship.

Top tip: Take advantage of opportunities to socialize, whether at community events, cafés, or even on social media. You might be surprised at how open people are to sharing their culture with you, and in return, you’ll gain more understanding of what makes the place unique.

7. Travel with an open mind

Lastly, the key to being a true traveler is maintaining an open mind. Be curious, be respectful, and embrace the differences that each place has to offer. Traveling isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about learning, growing, and expanding your horizons. The more you approach new places with humility and openness, the more rewarding your experiences will be.

Top tip: Instead of focusing on the checklist of tourist spots, think about how you can make genuine connections with the culture and people of a place. By stepping off the tourist trail and truly living like a local, you’ll create lasting memories that go far beyond.