When you travel to a new place, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing things only tourists do. While this can make for fun stories later on and help you remember your trip, it also keeps you from getting the full experience of what a location has to offer. If you want to truly immerse yourself in a city or town while on vacation, try staying in an apartment or home closer to its heart. You’ll be close enough that walking around is easy but far enough away that it doesn’t feel like there are too many other people around (while still providing amenities like Wi-Fi and cable TV).
Looking for a vacation property that is closer to the heart of its community helps travelers feel like locals.
A vacation property that is closer to the heart of its community helps travelers feel like locals.
- Stay in a vacation rental. If you’re looking for places where you can meet new people, start by picking out a vacation rental. There are plenty of online resources for finding rentals through local companies which can help you get to know your neighbors and make sure that everyone has a great time during your stay.
- Shop and eat at local businesses and restaurants. Choose to stay in communities with shops and restaurants within walking distance. This will also give you the opportunity to connect with owners and employees of these business and share their local culture, history and can even offer recommendations in the area.
Take advantage of your proximity to attractions by exploring local culture and activities on foot.
The best way to experience a new city is by exploring it like a local. By focusing on activities that are within walking distance of your hotel, you can immerse yourself in the community and learn more about what makes this place special.
You can also get a better sense of what life is like for the locals by walking around: you’ll see how they shop, eat and play while getting exercise at the same time!
Local businesses are often overlooked by tourists, giving people staying close to downtown a chance to try new places.
Local businesses are often overlooked by tourists, giving people staying close to downtown a chance to try new places. Local businesses have the advantage of being more affordable than chain stores, but they’re also more authentic and environmentally friendly.
For example, if you want to eat at one of those fancy steakhouses with a $50 entree that your friends back home are always raving about, you can probably find one nearby. But if you want something different from what everyone else is doing this summer? Try checking out some small-scale restaurants or cafes instead—they might not be as well-known around the world as big name restaurants, but they might also surprise you with their quality and value!
Community events are fun and educational ways for tourists staying in downtown areas to learn about local culture.
Community events are a great way to get involved in the local culture and meet new people. This is true even if you’re staying in downtown areas where the community center or other local venues are within walking distance. For example, if you’re staying in Oak Bluffs and want to learn more about Martha’s Vineyard’s history, check out one of the cheap Island tours offered by the locals. Learn from your guide about the island’s history and residents as you seel places such as the historic towns of Edgartown, Menemsha and Aquinnah.
You can also take part in community events that are related to your interests. For example, if you love sports but aren’t into professional sports teams because you don’t live close enough or have other reasons for not supporting them—you can still attend community sporting events like softball games or pick-up basketball games at parks located near your hotel or apartment building!
Community events will give tourists staying in downtown areas an opportunity to meet locals who share their interest area(s) so they can learn more about each other’s background knowledge/experiences/etc. It’s an excellent opportunity for tourists looking forward to making new friends while also having fun doing something different during their vacation time!
Vacation rentals can make it easier for people to feel like locals because they provide home-like accommodations
Vacation rentals are a great way to get the local experience. They often come cheaper than hotels, and they can be found in residential areas or downtown areas.
Staying close to the heart of a community makes it easier for travelers to immerse themselves in local culture.
Staying close to the heart of a community makes it easier for travelers to immerse themselves in local culture. Renting an apartment or house is important for this, as it allows you to live in the neighborhood and develop relationships with locals. You’ll be able to access public transportation easily if your home is near town or close to a bus stop that can take you anywhere you need to go.
Guests can ask host personalized recommendations on restaurants, places to go and other activities
You can ask your host to recommend a restaurant, museum or activity. They know the area well and will be able to tell you about local food, culture, and activities that tourists might miss. He or she may also be able to steer you clear of tourist traps—like restaurants with bad food or overpriced souvenirs—and offer advice on how to avoid crowds during high season.
Avoid touristy places and spend your time with how the locals do.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
When you visit a place, there is no reason to avoid touristy places. In fact, they can be a lot of fun. But when you are trying to learn about the local culture and experience what life is like for those who live in that area, it is best to spend time with people who do not work for tour agencies.
There are two ways that we would recommend:
- Ask around and see if there are any locals who would be willing to show you around town or take you on an outing of some kind (a picnic in the park, a walking tour of their neighborhood). This will give an authentic experience while still being safe and enjoyable!
- If neither of these options works out well enough then maybe consider going alone; just don’t forget your phone charger because nothing ruins vacation time like having no way to contact anyone in case something goes wrong!
Conclusion
We hope that these tips will help you enjoy your vacation like a local. If you need more information on how to find the perfect place to stay in New York, Martha’s Vineyard, or the Hamptons, we’re happy to help! Contact us at our website or give us a call at (516) 266-2700 We can answer any questions about local activities and transportation options for people who want to feel like locals when visiting New York!