Travel Tips

Want Better Service? Tips on Looking and Acting Like a Local

Two tourists“Excuse me, do you know where there is a decent place to eat around here?”

When traveling in a foreign land, nothing is more flattering than being mistaken for a local. So when someone asks you for your favorite eatery even if you’ve never been to that city before, you must be doing something right.

And this error isn’t just an ego booster; blending in with the natives can be a great way to get better service and less attitude on your journeys.

1. WALK like a local

When walking like a local, confidence is key. Locals don’t wander around aimlessly looking for the nearest train station or bus stop: they already know where these sorts of things are. To mimic this certainty, study up before you leave the hotel room.

Tourists mapAnd remember, nothing says “tourist” more than unfolding an unwieldy, origami-inspired map in public.

Keep the portable map tucked away for emergencies, and if you do get turned around, don’t be afraid to ask a local for directions. Sure, you’ll temporarily blow your cover, but you may end up with a helpful tip—like the best Chinese restaurant in town or a notable site along the way.

If an English-speaker is what you need, your best bet is to approach a young person who is not a) scowling, b) drunk, or  c) in the middle of the conversation. Following this advice can result in a very pleasant interaction rather than an awful travel horror story.

Get more tips on Global Travel Etiquette.

2. EAT like a local

Tomato saladNothing ensures a grumpy waiter more than a customer who needs a description of everything on the menu. Learning to eat like a local can start even before you leave the house thanks to the help of guidebooks and food blogs. Sites like https://gourmettraveller.com.au or Chowhound.com and a quick Google search will help you become familiar with the foreign cuisine and much less irksome to your server.

But be sure to not let all that preparation falter in real-life application. Even on your trip, review restaurant etiquette and menu breakdowns before you head off to your romantic dinner. You may not want to ask your hostess for a fork if eating in an Indian home, where using your hands is the norm. And in Japan, using that nice warm towel for anything other than your hands would be seen as quite indecorous to your fellow diners. When proper table manners are a concern, TravelEtiquette.co.uk is a great resource to ensure a great dining experience without the usual tourist stigma.

But just like that pesky map, none of these tips will work if you consult your travel bible while trying to interpret your dinner options.

Check out Peter’s books, including the Travel Detective Bible, the ultimate “physician’s desk reference” for travelers.

If you really want to eat like a local, skip the guidebook and find out where the locals like to go. The concierge may seem like an obviously choice, but don’t overlook the bellman, the doorman or the maid. After all, they’re locals who have nothing to gain by steering you to one restaurant over another. Another bonus: telling the waiter that the restaurant was personally recommended will get your meal off to a great start.

3. DRESS like a local

Suit with pocket squareDressing like a local can be tricky without revamping your entire wardrobe. An easier way to look at it is figuring out what NOT to wear. Even though your New Balances may be comfortable, you may want to opt for something a bit less, “I’m going to be walking around town all day long so I really don’t care what I look like” and a bit more “tourist-incognito” chic.

Find something that won’t sacrifice style for comfort. Aerosoles, for example, are comfortable but look like regular shoes, so you won’t stick out like a sore thumb while trekking between museums and monuments.

Get some quick tips: Tips on How to Pack Winter Clothing or learn about Buying Clothing Abroad: Sizing Yourself Up.

Also, choose neutral colors or a subtle print, and err on the side of being overdressed rather than underdressed. Dressing up doesn’t have to be a burden or a hassle, especially if you prep ahead of time. While packing for a trip, leave certain articles such as fanny packs, shapeless T-shirts, and baseball caps which scream “I’M ON VACATION!” at home and look for options that whisper, “I may or may not be from around here.”

4. TALK like a local

Speech bubbleWhether you end up on the wrong train or can’t seem to find your way back to your hotel, a new environment can make minor annoyances even worse. But showing signs of confusion can make you instantly more vulnerable, so best to keep play it cool. If, for instance, you’re flagging down a cab, don’t let the driver get a sense of your flustered mindset. Talk with confidence and be assertive and friendly. You want whoever is helping you to get a sense that you could do it on your own but are just choosing to get a bit of assistance.

Also, frustration can lead to short tempers, but avoid being argumentative or confrontational. In travel scenarios such as being overcharged or short-changed, locals will be more likely to listen and sympathize if you can keep your shirt on (figuratively and literally) and stay calm.

Improve your language skills with Language Immersion Vacations for the Whole Family. Find more in our Cultural Immersion Travel section.

5. EXPERIENCE like a local

Once you’ve survived a day or two of an insane tourist pace while checking off all the must-see stops, now is the time to settle down and ease into a slower local-like pace. Take the time to enjoy reading a book in a park or in a café, without the pressure of “But we only have three more hours of daylight and five more things to see!”

Get great recommendations in our Ask the Locals section.

Taking the time to actually sit and reflect helps ensure that you not only relax on your holiday, but also develop vivid memories during your travels. While you probably won’t remember every detail from the Hop on/Hop off bus tour, you’ll definitely remember the experiences that you dedicated quality time to actually enjoying.

By Kate Hutchinson for PeterGreenberg.com.

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