travel with local

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We’re on a mission to reimagine travel by connecting you directly with travel experts in your destination. So your trip will be unique, authentic and full of local knowledge.

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Who better to plan your trip than travel experts who live and work in your destination? Our local experts are what TravelLocal is all about.

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The Awkward Traveller

How to Stay with Locals ALL Over the World: 13 of the Best Booking Sites

I am a participant in affiliate programs, so basically I earn a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links on this post - at no extra cost to you! Dope right?

If you’ve clicked on this post, then you’re probably someone who is interested in booking a vacation with the hopes to stay with a local or in locally-owned accommodations.

Or maybe you’re just here to read something while you sit on the toilet.

Either way, WELCOME! Let’s find some accommodations that will help you stay with locals from all over the world!

Table of Contents

Stay with Locals Abroad: Pros

There are a lot of advantages when you stay with a local while traveling. First, they are usually less crowded and more low-key. When compared to a resort, for example, a locally-owned boutique hotel will have fewer rooms, and thus fewer guests, so the hotel might be quieter and feel less busy. On that same hand, with less guests, the staff that are able to spare more time for you and make your experience more personal.

Plus, when you stay with locals abroad, you are able to see a different perspective of the place you are visiting. Even if you have visited a specific place before, if you stay with a local, whether a boutique hotel or someone’s house, your experience will be vastly different. Viewing a country from a local’s perspective and having the opportunity to ask a community member questions about the region’s culture and history is a vital aspect of decolonizing travel and your global view.

What’s cooler than having an authentic cultural exchange and furthering your intercultural understanding? And boom – you can head in that direction when you stay with a local!

Stay with Locals: Cons

Although there are incredible pros when you stay with locals while traveling, depending on your situation, there may also be cons.

• Losing out on “loyalty points” by staying at chain hotels
• Potentially less accessible than chain hotels

Now, these might not personally affect you or be a drawback for you, I still do want to address them and maybe help you find a solution to that obstacle.

Since I am now a very loyal customer of Hilton hotels, I run into the first con a lot. Do I book Hilton and maximize my points and perks, or do I book a stay with locals for that extra experience? Personally, I opt for the points, but there are a lot of places I travel where there aren’t Hiltons, like when I visited Teotitlan del Valle in Oaxaca, Mexico. So I am still able to get that experience, but it depends on the destination.

I’ve also noticed that, again depending on destination, sometimes boutique hotels may be less accessible. Big hotels have the resources to equip their rooms with visual or auditory signals for deaf or blind travelers. It is also pretty standard for them to have ramps for people who travel with wheelchairs and walkers. Big hotels are generally more central and easier to find as well. BUT, you can always contact your local host or the boutique hotel if their accommodations can…well, accommodate you!

The Breakdown of HOW You Can Stay with Locals!

So you know the pros and cons for when you choose to stay with locals while traveling, and you’ve decided you’d like to give it a try! Well…how do you do that? Where do you find the locals to stay with??

Luckily for you, I’ve put together a list of websites that will facilitate your stay with locals and help you find a host wherever you want to travel in the world! However, there are 3 categories to this list.

• Free Accommodations

Work for Accommodation

Paid accommodations.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages for both, depending on your budget and travel style, but hopefully you’ll find at least one site that works for you!

That said, since I personally suck at creating profiles, my good friend Lena from Social Travel Experiment volunteered to let me share pictures of her profiles for different local accommodation sites!

FREE ACCOMMODATIONS

Every budget traveler’s favorite method to stay with locals. Free accommodations free up your travel budget for other fun things. Like food. And tours! But free accommodations usually also require you to be a bit more flexible in terms of accommodation expectations.

Since there is no monetary compensation for these hosts, you have to have something else of interest for them. This can be a common interest, or an offer to cook for them, clean for them, or teach them something they might be interested in. Really, this is all about conveying a personal connection. WHY should they offer YOU accommodation? Since all of the following platforms are built on trust, it is crucial that you are your best self and are as open as possible.

COUCHSURFING

Hands down, the biggest website for free accommodations to stay with locals is Couchsurfing. The whole concept here is about sharing your life with strangers, being open-minded, and making the world a better place. So, as a Couchsurfing host , they are looking for people that would be interesting and vibe with them the best.

On the other hand, as a Couchsurfing guest, you would be looking for hosts that provide the same qualities for you as well.

The Couchsurfing website is intuitive, and there is also an app available to send or read messages on the go. Many hosts love to hang out with their guests and show them around town. So if that’s something you’re looking for, Couchsurfing would be a great option for you!

Trustroots is a fairly new site, founded in 2015, but in only a few years it has grown to immensely. While the main principle is similar the Couchsurfing, the distinguishing feature is that you can find hosts based on certain interests by joining those interest groups. For example, if you are a musician or cyclists, you can join (or form!) a group together and search for hosts within said group (the map and interface is amazing!) when you decide to travel.

Another key difference from Couchsurfing is that Trustroots is a non-profit foundation, and funds the platform based on donations. That means no ads, no selling your data, and no fees in an attempt to monetize a website based on compassion (a big criticism of Couchsurfing users).

However, Trustroots is an invite-only community. Therefore, you can only sign-up if you have an invitation code from another member. This way only people who are a good fit and are recommended by someone else in the community are able to join.

BeWelcome is a sub-organization by the French non-profit called BeVolunteer. Similar to Trustroots, it is completely run by volunteers and is funded by donations. BeWelcome wants to promote “friendship and better understanding across boundaries” by offering a platform that allows travelers to stay with locals. However, unlike Trustroots, BeWelcome is not invite-only.

One cool feature is that you can create your profile in multiple languages! It can really help when you want to stay with locals who may not speak English (or whatever language either of you speak). If you want to practice some of your language skills, it may also help you connect with someone who speaks that language as well.

The Horizon website follows a very simple concept. You join – or are invited to – groups with similar interests to yours. The members of these groups become the pool of possible hosts or guest to choose from. Pretty straightforward.

Though, one key distinction between Horizon and other hospitality networks that allow you to stay with locals is that at after your stay, you are asked if you would like to make a donation to charity. It is part of their “Pay it Forward” philosophy.

There are three charities that Horizon is partnered with: Kiva, an organization that acts as a “bank” (funded by microloaners – aka you) to offer loans at 0% interest to entrepreneurs that are unable to get loans otherwise; Pencils of Promise, a non-profit organization that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in recovering countries; and Mary’s Place, a nonprofit organization that provides safe, inclusive shelter and services for women, children, and families.

GLOBAL FREELOADERS : CURRENTLY OFFLINE/HAITUS

Global Freeloaders is a community for travelers who are looking for a free place to sleep. But the catch – if you want to stay somewhere for free, you will have to also offer a free place for someone at your home. This means if you are a permanent travelers or your home is for whatever reason not fit to receive guests, Global Freeloaders is not an option for you.

That said, there isn’t really a strict regulation or enforcing of this rule, especially since there is no time-limit in which you will be required to host someone. It’s very much an honor code system of give-and-take.

WARM SHOWERS

Warm Showers  is a hospitality network for cyclists specifically. So if you are planning a vacation by bicycle, this is the community for you. The basic principle is no different from other site where you can stay with locals, but all of you just happen to have a common passion. Cycling.

I actually can’t tell you much about this site because I am not signed up nor do I enjoy cycling. But if you do, I would love to hear all about your experience! Let me know in the comments below!

Servas is a hospitality network with a long history. Founded in 1948 after the Second World War, its goal was to promote peace between nations by encouraging visitors to stay with locals and learn about their culture. Although there is no direct monetary exchange between guests and hosts, you do need to pay a sign-up fee and yearly membership. Sooo…not exactly free, BUT it can work out to be a very good deal depending on how much you travel, especially for full-time travelers!

Sign-up to Servas is much stricter compared to other websites, but for good reason. To ensure greater security and trust between users, there is a vetting process before someone can become a member. Anyone who wants to join has to go through an interview with a local representative of the organization after submitting their application to the site.

Servas International currently has around 15000 hosts in over 100 countries. 

Also known as a Work Stay: Working in exchange for a free stay with locals and food can take on many forms. Luckily, there are multiple platforms that offer that experience.

HelpX (Help Exchange) is a platform that connects farms, B&Bs, hostels and other similar organizations with volunteers. In exchange for an average of 4 hours of work per day, the volunteers will receive free meals and an accommodation stay with locals. While living with someone, you will get to know their lifestyle, work, and culture. Plus, you will even be able to learn some new skills.

While signing up as a helper is free, in order to contact hosts yourself, you will need to pay a fee of 20 Euros for 2 years. If you do not want to pay that fee, you can sit back and hope that organizations reach out to you instead.

Same idea, different platform; Work Away connects travelers with work opportunities given by families, individuals, or organizations. In exchange for a couple of hours of work per day, the traveler will get to stay with locals and meals. And of course, the opportunity to get to know a place in-depth and what it is like to live in that region

Work opportunities on Work Away include planting, babysitting, building, or volunteering at local schools. In fact, there’s a whole bunch of interesting activities you can get into!

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, WWOOF, will let you experience working on organic farms in 210 countries all over the world. As a volunteer, you will be able to learn about life in rural areas of the country in addition to being taught how to grow food organically and how to protect the planet doing it. In exchange for 5 to 6 hours of work per day, a WWOOFer will receive free accommodation and food. Learn about farming AND staying with locals? Sign me up.

That said, WWOOF is organized on country level, each with a separate website. The biggest WWOOF organization is the one in Australia with 2600 hosts.

The last option, if you weren’t able to find someone to take you in for free and/or if you don’t want to spend your RTW trip working, is to just pay and stay with locals.

Local residents who offer their private homes in exchange for money usually don’t SOLELY do it for the money (err, most of the time), so if you choose an option that allows shared bedroom/private bedroom instead of having the whole house to yourself, you still have that opportunity to make a connection.

You have probably heard about Airbnb right? The basic principle is that someone lists their house/apartment, room, or place to sleep on the website for a nightly price. A potential guest can then look for hosts around their destination and take them up on their offer or not. Airbnb will take a small cut of the hosts earnings.

Depending on how you use Airbnb, it can be a social accommodation or not. Airbnb gives you the opportunity to stay with locals at their homes, you just have to set the filter of your search to “Own Room” or “Shared Room” and you are good to go! There are many amazing hosts around the world who would love to invite you into their homes…with the benefit of a little monetary compensation haha. Hey – we all gotta pay bills okay?

Homestay is a generalized word to describe staying at a persons local home. The website is actually the biggest in providing the service of matching potential homestay hosts with guests wanting to stay with locals.

The website navigation is super easy. You sign up with your email, create a very simple profile, like the one you can see above and you are good to go. Searching for a host is very similar to the search on a hotel booking site or even Airbnb. Enter your location, how many nights you will stay and how many people are traveling with you. You can choose your host from a list of hosts. Every hosts has a profile with pictures of the place and what to expect. 

BOOKING.COM

And last but CERTAINLY not least – Booking dot com.

Yes, you can also stay with locals using Booking. It’s surprisingly not JUST a hotel booking site. You can find guest houses, apartments, or even hostels that are locally owned and operated. They are often cheaper than a hotel room and much more homely. Most of the time, the hosts are on premise and can help you with your questions. 

That said, sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether or not a property is locally owned. Definitely take a look at the reviews and contact the host directly via Booking if you do not see a clear answer.

Traveling to Stay with Locals: Conclusion

Whew, that was a lot of information at once! Congrats for getting through all of it! Hopefully you’ve found at least one or two websites that you would like to use in your quest to stay with locals from around the world!

I do want to point out, however, that unfortunately, there are hosts with biases against people of color, religions, gender, and sexual orientation. Another travel blogger I know, Jade from Travel and Blossom, had an absolutely terrible experience with WorkAway . And other stories of Black travelers having issues finding Couchsurfing hosts. So…just be aware.

Did I miss any from the list? Let me know some of your favorites in the comments below!

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How to Travel Like a Local – 25 Secrets

• In the City

What’s the difference between visiting a place and truly experiencing it? These days, it’s common to see travelers ditch tours and embrace more authentic experiences. They’re dropping the “tourist” label, instead opting to “travel like a local”… but what does that really mean?

This is our fifth year of traveling full-time and we’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. But we’ve also mastered the art of traveling like a local and it’s had a major impact on our lives! Turns out, being a doer passionate about authentic travel experiences can teach you how to be a better local in your hometown, too. That being said, for those of who’d like to adopt the ways of a local, learn to blend in a little more and dig deeper into a destination– you’ve come to the right place!

A big thank you to Kleenex Wet Wipes for sponsoring this post. All opinions are always our own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

13 Secrets on How to Travel like a local

1. let locals plan your day.

Tours can be great if you don’t have time to plan your trip, if new places make you nervous and you’d rather get your feet wet before diving in, or if you just want everything taken care of for you. However, it’s not the best way to see a city from the eyes of those who live there. So don’t be shy!  Talk to locals and discover their favorite spots. Even if you are a thorough researcher, there are still great gems only the locals know about.

Ask your cab driver or the valet for restaurant recommendations instead of the concierge. Often times, hotels partnerships with local businesses and promote them exclusively. They also don’t want to send guests anywhere that might be off-putting or not as polished. Instead, talk to waiters, shopkeepers or doorman about the places they love–we’ve discovered some of the best Italian food by talking to our taxi driver. If we find particular restaurants we love, we’ve also asked the chef for their favorite eats in the city.

2. Or Even Better, Have a Local Friend Show You Around

When we visit a new destination, we always try to connect with old friends or go to places where a friend already lives. You can also make friends on forums, dating apps, and social media. Lately, we’ve met a lot of people through Instagram and they’ve become real life friends.

Besides the popular dating apps, you can also try these: Bon Appetour , Global Greeter Network , PartyWith , Skout , WithLocals .

3. Explore Neighborhoods vs Attractions

Rather than running all over the city to see different sights, try sticking to one neighborhood to get a feel for what it’s like to live there. It makes the trip way less stressful and more enjoyable too. When we visited NYC in the past, we had a love-hate relationship with it mainly because we were going all over the place. It wasn’t until we moved here and started exploring the neighborhoods that we really fell in love with the city.

4. Take Public Transportation

You should absolutely take public transportation in any city that has a good system, like London , NYC , or Tokyo . Yes, it can be intimidating if you’re not used to it, but it’s a great way to see the city and provides unique opportunities to interact with all sorts of locals. Plus, taking a bus or train is a great cost saver– even short trips can be incredibly expensive in some cities. You can make navigating local transit systems less intimidating by downloading transit maps and apps to your phone ahead of time.

Bonus transit tip: bring Kleenex Wet Wipes on your ride so you can clean yourself and germy surfaces!

5. Ditch Your Room Key

If you’re staying in a hotel, you’re most likely surrounding yourself with other tourists. While our friend was out in NYC for a play, he rented out an apartment on the Lower East Side for an extended time. Every time we visited, we left feeling like we’d visited their home. Staying in the rental let his family become familiar with the neighborhood too.

Note : In NYC, Airbnb’s are a little tricky. They’re technically only legal if you’re staying for a month or if the homeowner is present.

You can also try FlipKey or even smaller boutique hotels that give you more personalized service. In our experience, they gave us better recommendations.

6. Cook for Yourself

Most people eat out the whole time they travel, and we’ll admit that we usually do too. But we love visiting the neighborhood supermarket to pick up local snacks for friends back home. At local farmer’s markets, we love learning about the nearby farms.

7. Do More, Fret Less

When we’re out of town, we always bring along a few key necessities so we’re prepared for anything. Bringing these items with us gives us more time to explore new places, avoiding time consuming trips to the store for supplies or mid-day refreshes back in our room. That list includes sunblock, extra batteries, memory cards, cash, a map and items that serve a duel purpose and Kleenex Wet Wipes – they’re perfect for cleaning your hands and face after a sweaty day of exploration where running water is out of reach. Try them for yourself here .

8. Learn the Lingo

If you’re traveling to a foreign country, it always helps to learn a few basic phrases. Even if you’re nowhere near fluent, locals usually appreciate visitors who try to speak their language.

Even if you’re vacationing in a different state, try to pick up on the local lingo and pronunciation. Here are a few key examples:

• Calling San Francisco “San Fran” will surely annoy the locals.
• Houston St in NYC is pronounced “HOW-ston” instead of like the city in Texas.
• In Portland, Couch St is “COOCH” and Portlander’s like to remind visitors that Wilamette is “Will-AM-it Dammit.”

9. and the Dress Code

I remember when we first moved to NY, we still wore our bright red jackets and we would constantly get asked where we were visiting from. We soon learned that all black was the way to go in this city. Generally speaking, wearing neutral colors in most cities help you blend in. 

10. Volunteer at a Local Organization

Volunteering when you travel is a great way to contribute to the local community while getting to know it. From building an urban garden in South America to conserving wildlife just a few states away, your options are endless. You’ll spend time instead of money doing something meaningful, learning about your new environment in a hands-on way no tour experience could offer. 

We’ve taken trips with the sole purpose of giving back to local communities in the Philippines and Haiti and formed strong, meaningful relationships with locals because of it. Make sure to check the integrity of the organization you’re volunteering for through tools like Charity Navigator .

More recently, we like to volunteer at local animal shelters. If you’re ever in Atlanta and love cats and dogs, connect with FurKids .

11. Be Respectful

I wish this was obvious, but it seems like we always read or hear about another tourist doing something offensive or dumb. Remember to always respect the local culture, whether you’re far off overseas or just in another city. Each city and town has it’s own rhythm and feel, and sometimes all it takes is to pay attention to what’s going around you to figure out what that unspoken culture is.

12. Workout at a Local Gym

We hate working out, but we do like visiting different climbing gyms everywhere we travel. Whatever you’re into, whether it’s crossfit, yoga, or rock climbing , visit the local gym. It’s usually easy to start up conversations with the locals and get some insider tips too.

This was a climbing gym we visited in Tokyo.

13. Extend Your Stay

We still visit the popular and touristy spots when we visit a new destination, but if we can, we try to extend our stay so we can explore more of the city. Try slow travel like us!

We took this tip to heart when we decided to move to a new city every year. If there is a city you visit regularly, make it a point to explore a new spot every time you’re there rather than going to the same places again and again. This way it gives you time to get lost and wander.

If you’re headed to NYC, you can also check out:  21 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting NYC  &  Local Tips for Moving to NYC .

What does traveling like a local mean to you?

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ESTHER + JACOB

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in NYC.

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6 of the Best Apps to Travel Like (Or With) a Local

These days, it's all about "authentic" travel. Hotels, tour companies, even Airbnb are now concerned about the travel experience you're having — not just what you do or where you stay. But what does that really mean? And how can you travel authentically? Here at TPG we suggest using some apps that will help you to travel like, or even with a local. After all, there's no better way to explore a destination than with those who live there! Download our favorites and try them out on your next trip.

One of the best ways to experience a culture is through food. Instead of dining at restaurants that may have overpriced menus geared for tourists, EatWith offers curated food experiences in 130 countries that will give you a better understanding of the cuisine in a particular destination. You can sign up for dinner parties, food tours, cooking classes and more using the app. EatWith allows you to search by destination, with filters for price, cuisine, languages, food preferences/allergies and event type. Savor a pizza tasting in Valentina's home in Milan, have a barbecue on Ramiro's patio in Argentina or take a cooking class at Pen's farm in Thailand — you'll even pick fresh vegetables from the garden to cook with. Get the app for free on Google Play or Apple .

Located in 50 cities around the world, Withlocals offers unique tours and guides to help you get to know your destination. You start by choosing a theme for your tour and then you select your guide. Guides post videos on their profiles so you can really get to 'know' the guides beforehand and pick the perfect one for you. It's possible to chat with your local guide before your tour to add any personalized options, like a wine tasting or shopping stop to your tour too. The app is especially apt for families, with several tours created with the local destination and children in mind like treasure hunts. Get the app for free on Google Play or Apple .

Some may argue that it's not food, but nightlife, that really shows you the soul of a city. This may be right, at least in spots like Las Vegas, Berlin or Ibiza! PartyWith allows you to party with locals in over 150 countries around the world — places like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, New York City, São Paulo, San Francisco, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and more. With search features like city, people or event, you have a variety of ways to discover the best party for you. Searching by events will help you search for exactly what you like to do, with choices such as concerts, festivals, happy hours and special parties thrown by nightclubs, bars or lounges. You have your own "party profile" and can search for other people with similar profiles, or simply search in the city where your visiting (or live) to pull in all the options. Get the app for $0.99 on Google Play or Apple .

Jetzy is a little bit different from some of the other apps on this list. The location-based app allows you to connect with locals and travelers in real time. You can share photos, give or ask for recommendations or even make plans to meet up with someone. Jetzy allows you to search by topic — things like fitness, food or weekend plans, ensuring you'll be able to ask a local where the best yoga class, brunch spot or park is — and even see photos and meet them there. Sharing your own experiences and recommendations in your home city or while traveling and interacting with others will earn you points. These points can later be redeemed for rewards like spa or restaurant credits, hotel stays or full trips. Get the app for free on Google Play or Apple .

Meetup is all about interacting with locals and other travelers with mutual interests or hobbies. Whether you're traveling or in your home city, take what you love and do more of it with Meetup. The app shows you groups that are formed around particular interests in your city, like yoga, photography, cooking, wine tasting, hiking, language exchange, cinema and much more. You can join groups to get updates on particular events that you may want to participate in. The app can even help for networking, as there are many groups dedicated to business and technology, or you can find co-working groups. Those traveling with kids can participate in family-friendly meetups, and it's a great way for solo travelers to make friends and connect with others. Get it for free on Google Play or Apple .

If you're not typically into guided, group tours or don't feel like paying a hefty fee for a fancy private tour, Showaround can help you find locals willing to give you a more authentic tour of their home city for a cheaper price. Some will even offer tours for free because they want to practice their English or simply because they love meeting people from around the world. The app aims to provide more local experiences tailored to your interests, like checking out a new art gallery instead of the Louvre in Paris or drinking wine and eating tapas at local spots in Madrid. Search by your destination using filters like a male, female or couple guide, activities you'd like to do and languages you speak. It's also possible to set a price range when searching; you can read reviews for guides as well as leave your own. Get it for free on Google Play or Apple .

Featured photo by Steven Lewis on Unsplash

Epicure & Culture

Food, wine & culture for the ethical traveler

8 Unique Opportunities To Stay With Locals

While some people explore the globe to escape reality, more travelers are looking for authentic experiences abroad. Eating traditional dishes, taking public transportation and exploring with native tour guides are all good strategies for going local, though if you really want to go beyond the typical tourist experience it’s recommended to stay with locals, as well.

Book the below homestays around the world for a truly memorable and culturally-immersive trips. You’ll experience how locals live while supporting the community you’re visiting.

Bonus // AirBnB offers the incredible opportunity to stay in local homes around the world. Snag your coupon here :

Table of Contents

1) Stay In A Wooden Malay House In Tanjung Datu National Park (Borneo, Malaysia )

Sematan — a historic fishing village overlooking the South China Sea in Malayasian Borneo — is known for its beaches, birding and wildlife. With Audley Travel’s  Telok Melano Homestay program, you can immerse yourself in the laidback lifestyle. You’ll stay 45 minutes away from Sematan along, Sarawak’s southernmost coast in a traditional wooden house. Here, dine on home-cooked food with your host family and enjoy pristine views.

Like this one:

The Kampong village is home to about 50 families — just over 200 people. During the monsoon season, the town is completely isolated and only accessible by boat. While the accommodation is basic, you’ll enjoy incredible Malaysian hospitality as you stay with locals as part of this new homestay project.

Click here for more information.

2) Visit A Yurt Settlement & Meet Kyrgyz Eagle Hunters (Kyrgyzstan)

Join MIR Travel for unique insight into the nomadic traditions and village culture of the Kyrgyz outback. This tour takes you to the remote village of Kochkor where you’ll stay with a family, watch an eagle hunter and learn about the village’s traditional felt craft.

Throughout the trip there are multiple opportunities to meet locals, including eating at an Uyghur family’s home and staying in a guest house in the traditional village of Chon-Kemin.

This 8-day trip starts at $2595.   Click here for more information.

3) Roots & Culture, Yoga & Wildlife Retreat ( Kenya )

Travel Therapy Tours designs socially conscious travel experiences that benefit the community, while allowing guests to live with locals, eat local food, shop at local markets and learn the local language.

Their Roots & Culture retreat includes opportunities to learn about Kenyan culture by staying with families in traditional Kenyan-style homes. You’ll watch a cultural dance show, learn how to bead from members of the Maasai tribe, attend a zumba class, eat at local farms and practice yoga daily.  This trip doesn’t shy away from important issues — you’ll visit a shelter for victims of female genital mutilation — and there’s plenty of time for discussion and reflection.

This weeklong retreat starts at $2100. Click here for more information.

4) Stay With Nuns & Hike To A Scenic Village Overlooking Mkonmazi National Park (Lushoto, Tanzania )

If you like hiking through rainforests and want  an immerse experience that includes local buses, staying with nuns and eating with families, consider this trekking tour.

The two-day hike starts in Lushoto, where you’ll take public transport through the Magamba Rainforest into the mountains. After a picnic lunch, you’ll spend your first night at the Sister’s Convent in Rangwi village. The next day, trek through villages and mountain forest, eat with a local family and visit an all-women’s pottery workshop in Mambo village.

When you arrive at your final destination of Mtae, there’s a reward of spectacular Mkomazi National Park views below. Sometimes you can even spot Kilimanjaro in the distance!

Revenue from your hike supports local artists, a tree nursing and planting program, environmental education workshops, and community initiatives in cooperating villages. Rates start at $107.

5) Meet The Indigenous People Of The Rural Andes (Cuzco, Peru )

Machu Picchu isn’t the only gem near Cuzco. The culture of the indigenous Andean people is also special, and your visit helps preserve it. CBCtupay and Centro Bartolomé de Las Casas  offer a two-day itinerary allowing you to learn about the rural reality of Quishuarani and be welcomed into their community with a traditional ceremony. You’ll learn about the flora and fauna that play a key role in the medicine and culture of the village, but are sadly nearing extinction. You’ll walk to a local lagoon, potentially passing a herd of llamas and learning how locals process, dye and weave alpaca and llama fiber into colorful handicrafts.

Day 2 involves visiting a local school and enjoying the mineral healing properties of the Thermal-Medicinal Baths of Lares.

The tour starts from Cuzco and costs $152 per person.  Proceeds support community-based tourism efforts.

6) Experience Life In The Jungle With An Amazon Homestay ( Ecuador )

If you stay with an indigenous Quichua family in the Amazon, you may leave with a different perspective on life. Spend four nights at Cabañas Pimpilala, which includes opportunities to hike through the rainforest, swim in waterfalls, and understand medicinal uses of tropical plants.

You’ll learn about cacao and — if it’s the right season — help collect cacao pods, roast and de-shell the beans, and re-heat the beans with milk and cinnamon into a chocolate fondue. Savoring your creation fire-side with local fruits is the perfect jungle snack.

Other special experiences: viewing a mock jungle wedding, witnessing a shamanic healing ceremony, getting an adrenaline rush with whitewater rafting, seeing how a blowgun and darts are made and used in the jungle, and even peeking into a community school (which your tourism dollars support).

G Adventure’s 7-day Local Living Ecuador Amazon Jungle tour starts at $674.  Click here for more information.

7) Connect With Local Artisans And Relax With A Lakeside Homestay (Lake Atitlan, Guatemala)

In the southern part of Guatemala , 95% of the 4000+ inhabitants of are indigenous Mayans of the Tz’utujil ethnicity who struggle to find work in the rural villages.

G Adventures ’ nonprofit foundation, Planeterra , worked with the San Juan La Laguna community in Lake Atitlan to develop a homestay program and visitor center. This project is helping towns preserve their cultural heritage while supporting over 100 people involved in Mayan art, traditional medicine and more.

Arrive by boat to San Juan La Laguna on the lake’s northwest shore and spend the afternoon exploring the town. You’ll meet your host family, peruse the paintings of local artists, watch weavers, or go for a hike and admire the view.

G Adventure’s 11-day Mayan Trail tour — which includes a night at this home stay — starts at $1104. Click here for more information.

8) Help Out At A Farm In Arequipa (Arequipa, Peru)

Start your visit by meeting your host family and feasting on a traditional Peruvian lunch prepared by villagers. After the meal, learn about day-to-day farm life and help with field work, wool harvesting, craftwork and gathering supplies.

You’ll also explore Sibayo village, even taking a guided walking tour through the town’s most impressive landmarks, including the church, suspension bridge, and scenic Mirador de Largarta. There you will learn how to weave crafts from alpaca wool.

Finally, relax with a home-cooked dinner prepared by your host family before a night of dancing with the locals. The next morning greets you with a homemade breakfast prepared by your host family.

This tour costs $60. All proceeds from your visit are reinvested into the community for infrastructure such as internet access for the village and touristic development. Click here for more information.

If you want to have a local experience but don’t want to stay with them, consider  GuruWalk.   This startup is like an Airbnb of free walking tours, connecting freelance local guides with travelers who pay what they think their guides deserve at the end of the tour. Guides are encouraged to customize their city tour, which can lead to very interesting alternative visits, all based on tips.

What’s your favorite way to stay with locals? Share your top homestays and AirBnBs in the comments below! 

Katie Foote

Katie Foote may be a physicist by trade but she spent several years travelling the world as much as possible. After four years of semi-nomadic life, she spent a couple years in Auckland, New Zealand and recently moved to Vancouver, Canada. Despite living more traditionally, she has insight on how to travel the world on a graduate student budget (cheap!), explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and authentically experiencing new places by connecting to locals. When she's not doing physics or globe-trotting, she likes kickboxing, yoga and exploring her extraordinary new backyard of British Columbia.

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5 apps & websites to get a local tour guide in Russia

If you plan to visit Russia, and are looking for a custom-tailored and privately arranged experience, there are some apps that provide a list of English-speaking locals that can be your guides and show you all the sights you won’t find in travel guides. Beyond that you can find different supplementary options, such as hosting, or a transfer with the local’s vehicle.

All the apps work similar: choose the city you’d like to visit, go through the list of guides and pick the one you are interested in according to your preferences and budget. Make a payment through the system (in different apps you can pay for a day or for one-two hours) and exchange contacts with your future local guide.

1. Tours By Locals

Let’s start with the most popular app which provides local tours in most-visited Russian cities like Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Sochi, Kazan plus some cities close to Lake Baikal, in Russia’s Far East. The company also offers river cruises with local guides. Aside from this, you can also visit their blog where both guides and travelers share their travel experiences and industry insights.

www.toursbylocals.com

2. Guruwalk

The app is available in Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk and Tomsk. They offer a free walk with the locals and a guided tour. The concept is based on a pay-whatever-you-feel scheme , which means you can tip whatever amount you feel corresponds to the quality of the service provided. Moreover, that kind of tours is more flexible, which allows one to easily reschedule or cancel it and not care much.

www.guruwalk.com

3. Showaround

This app covers a number  of cities across Russia, from Kaliningrad to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. It also has a blog where you can find some travel tips, a selection of their toplocal guides in different countries, and inspiring video-tours around the most fascinating places in the world!

For iOS: download here   

For android: download here

4. Airbnb Experience

That’s a new option from the good old Airbnb. Now you can not only find a place to stay but also take part in unforgettable adventures! The option to hire local guides here is available for even on the most remote destinations, but mostly focuses on central Russia. There you can find a tour to suit every budget and desire – whether it be Murmansk , to watch northern lights, experiencing the banya (Russian bathhouse) with locals, or learning to cook pelmeni with a hospitable Russian family in Saint-Petersburg.

For iOS: download here  

The app provides local tours in three Russian cities - Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and Sochi. By the way, it was created by Russians living abroad.The price is fixed – about 97,5$ for half a day, and 141$ for the whole day. Moreover, the client can book accommodation using the app, and plan  the rest of the trip individually with the guide - or even go to the city's outskirts using a guide’s car.  

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11 Ways to Go Local on Your Next Trip

We’ve all heard the buzz about local travel . Trouble is, exactly how do you begin to travel more locally ?

We think we can help. In our travels, we’ve found some great ways to get more involved and immersed in the places we visit.

Here are 11 ways to help you go more local on your next trip .

Live with the locals.  Use an apartment rental site like Airbnb  to book an apartment in a great local neighborhood. You can check reviews by fellow travelers, and Airbnb  doesn’t pass on your payment to the owners until you arrive and verify the the apartment is acceptable.

Looking for a great deal on your next Airbnb? Follow our link to get a $35 USD credit! (And we get a credit, too).

Get social.  Ask for advice on great eateries  on sites like Twitter  and Facebook. Check out asknative , a fun app that lets you connect with locals and ask them questions before you leave.

Travel slow, if you can. The longer you spend somewhere, the more you can learn about the culture. Also, the longer you spend in an area, the cheaper day-to-day living becomes.

Order local foods. Or better yet, try to whip up a new, local recipe in your kitchen. If you can’t cook, take a local cooking class and get not only immersed in the food but also the local food culture.

Learn a little of the local language. TripLingo is a great place to start learning essential phrases and slang. When locals see you trying to speak their language, they’ll often open up. We’ve seen more than one smile break out on a normally taciturn face due to our failed attempts at communication. At the least they’ll appreciate your attempts at fitting in.

Talk to the locals. Strike up a conversation with your bus driver, the local family in the park or your waiter at the local cafe to start. Be open, honest and friendly. If you’re truly interested in what they have to say, you’ll be amazed how much you can communicate using hand signals and the occasional common word.

Take your kids. Children can be a great way to break the ice. When you travel with young children, you’re much more approachable and you’ll be amazed at how easy people will open up to you.

Put the guide book away, and just wander around. Our favorite memories are often not the big landmarks, but the little things we see along the way. Remember that a guide book is simply someone else’s documented findings. Their point of view and areas of interest can vary greatly from your own. If a local attraction gets only a sentence in a guide book though you find it terribly interesting then enjoy yourself and leave the giant statue that the book is raving about for another time.

Do it old school and read the local newspaper. Not only can this give you a great feel for what locals think, but the events pages are often a treasure trove of great local activities and events that your guidebook will never mention.

Take public transit. Public transit can run anywhere from open air chicken buses in the Philippines to gleaming modern subways in Taiwan, but they’ll always give you a great feel for a city and are a quick way to measure the pulse of  the local population.

Run your normal errands. Go to the laundromat, the local market or the hairdresser. It’s a great way to meet people, and you’d be surprised how much fun regular shopping for everyday items can be in a new place.

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”~ Bill Bryson

Great tips! And your photo of churros sends me in drooling memory back to Spain…

Great tips. Reading the local newspaper can be tricky sometimes due to language issues but all the rest I will definitely give it a go.

Freya, You’re so right about the language issues. I recall trying to scan through a local paper in Thailand; not much luck there. I’m having better luck in Spain and Portugal, though 🙂

I love the fact that sites like airbnb keep popping up. It’s more competition for hotels, which should help keep prices down. Great post. 🙂

We actually use airbnb more than even VRBO or Homeaway these days. We’ve found that hosts are often really flexible with long term discounts on airbnb, which is great for us.

So true about how kids can really help break the ice. We had lots of great conversations with locals in Cuba because of that. Some great tips here!

We haven’t been to Cuba for years, but we definitely found that the Cuban culture was very kid friendly.

i do almost all the points mentioned whenever i go on long term travel.. i enjoy living, speaking and dressing up like a local coz its where i feel the authenticity of travel.. sa much as possible, i dont just want to pass a place and take pictures, i want to feel the place, build relationships and understand people ‘s different ways of living. ^_^

Excellent advice! Kids are the best icebreakers aren’t they???

Hi Bethany, I read a quote from Andrew MacCarthy where he says something to the effect that traveling with our children tells people that we trust them, and that we trust our children to their country, and that it sends a powerful message.

I often travel asking myself if I could live in the destination, which pushes me to do a lot of the things you guys have listed. When you make it down to Seville, I’ll help you feel at home and like a local (your kids better plug their noses with some of the smells, though!!)

Great idea! Some of the best things to do are to just get out there and talk. Eating at an outdoors restaurant, booking airbnb places are all great places to meet people.

I agree with you. Going local is a very good way to understand the local flavor of a new place.

Love this list. . . we stay in local apartments whenever possible and I totally agree–no better way to immerse yourself!

Great tips! Swapping homes in an area you want to explore in depth is a wonderful way to live like a local – and there are no rental costs.

Great list, we house sit all over the world and as such get the opportunity to immerse ourselves in local culture frequently. I love those churros, it’s 7am here but I’m already thinking about whether or not I can attempt to make some for my supper tonight!

We love food around the world, but just have not covered Portugal at all yet. This year is the year!

We follow all of these! I have just one more for you…we like to hang out where the locals do. So if it is at the local park, fountain or promenade you can interact with the locals. Play with the dog as they are walking it by. Kids are a great icebreaker and if you add pets to it, you are golden. Thanks for sharing.

I like renting a bike. I did that a few weeks back in Munich and was able to ride out to some near by neighbourhoods outside of the centre. Here I was able to be amongst locals and was able to stop wherever I wanted for a coffee to to grab some lunch.

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15 Powerful Ways To Meet Locals While Traveling

This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners. If you purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

By Adrien Behn. This guide to meeting locals while traveling contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

If you’ve ever wondered how to meet locals while traveling, I’ve got some powerful tactics to share, and stories to go with them. 

Like this one time when I was sitting around a bonfire in Italy.  

It was a night in late September. The earth was cooling, and our group of six strangers-made-friends gathered closer to the heat for warmth. 

We were all from different countries, and each of us had our own bottle of €3 wine.

Sipping vino, our group sat around the fire wrapped in blankets, not so different from the way our ancestors did. And we told stories like them, too. 

Note: This post on how to meet locals while traveling contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love!

Psst, don’t forget to pin this post for later!

Our conversation bounced from one topic to the next. With an evening to ourselves and liquid inspiration, we solved every global issue in a night.

At one point, we landed on the topic of schools and what similarities and differences there were between them around the world.

I described what it is like in the USA, and was puzzled by my friends’ response when I said, “Wait, you guys don’t say a pledge of allegiance?”

All the other heads turned and looked at me.

“No, it is only you and North Korea that have your children pledge to your nation’s flag every morning”, noted Nick, from New Zealand.

Woof. Strong comparison.

I looked up at the stars, which seemed brighter in the cold. 

Although they were the same stars I stared at back home in upstate New York, they looked different in Italy. 

It was a blazing metaphor for how I started to see my homeland, thinking about the same place but from a shifted angle.

A seed had been planted. 

It wasn’t just a change in how I saw my country, but the world.

At that point, I’d been bouncing around Europe for four months. It wasn’t unusual to be having long conversations into the night that didn’t scamper away from any topic.

These endless chats were with people I barely knew but felt extremely connected to.

They were conversations about self-growth, purpose, and the universe. About music and gardens and dancing.

And I noticed how the conversations I had abroad didn’t always match how Americans perceived the outside world.

I knew that the world was much more complex than the simple sweeping statements I’d often hear at home.

And above all, I heard about the importance of travel.

Table of Contents

Needing A Change

When I returned back to the United States, I was disappointed by how poorly I’d recorded these conversations, especially since they’d been such meaningful travel experiences .

Cut to two years later, and I was dissatisfied with my life.

At home, I felt directionless, so I decided to pick a different path and buy a one-way ticket to Mexico.

Unbeknownst to me, it would be one of the most impactful decisions of my life.

We do things kind of carelessly sometimes, unknowing of the consequences, especially when we are desperate. Anything to get us out of our current situation.

It’s like grasping for an escape hatch that is swinging above your head and you aren’t able to reach.

I felt like I needed something, anything, to get away.

So I booked the ticket, quickly and carelessly; however, this time I wanted to document it better. I wanted to keep track of the conversations I knew I would be having with strangers.

Blogging had never called to me.

But after I booked my ticket, I was on my iPad and saw the GarageBand icon. I played around with it and thought:

“Hey, I could make a podcast.” 

(And yes, I know I just made NPR’s executive team cringe). 

Building on this decision — a totally nonchalant idea — I decided I would make a podcast that would document my excursions. 

Cut to three years later, and I’m writing this blog post from Mexico as I work on the second season of my show, Strangers Abroad . 

Meeting People While Traveling & Sharing Stories  

I knew travel invited fascinating conversations, and I wanted to record them; but I believed then, and more formally now, that storytelling is a form of immortality.

We still talk about Shakespeare and Homer. When did they die?

Most people’s stories will never gain wide-scale attraction; however, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t important or inspiring or impactful.

Everyone I was speaking to confirmed over and over again how travel made them more reflective on themselves as well as how the world actually worked.

They were able to see the fundamentals of who they were outside of their home environments; the ones that form us but can often make us soft.

These travelers were also able to speak to real locals about their country and the happenings within it instead of just hearing it on the news. 

Fellow travelers said this over and over again.

My feelings:

If we shared these stories it might inspire others to go out and have their own adventures, suspend their preconceived judgments of other cultures and maybe even help change the world . 

I found that the conversations I was having with strangers were just as impactful as the ones I had at home.

Honestly, I believe there are hundreds of potential friends, soul mates, lovers, and companions out there for each of us; but they may live in Hanoi, Oaxaca, or Oslo, and you may never find them if you don’t go out and look for them.

I’ve had women discuss sexual assault with me in Peru ( grab that episode here ), discussed the importance of storytelling in Bocas del Toro with a man who has been to every country in the world , and had couples tell me how they survive long backpacking trips together.

But to be fair, I’m not a surface level person.

Small talk is like being stuck in traffic — you are always desperate for some good conversation but you end up just getting pre-recorded commercials.

I don’t want to hear a list of the places you have been to. I want to hear about how they changed you. I want to hear about the best meals, and where you saw you needed to grow.

I meet people around the world, and yes, it is weird asking total strangers to be recorded for permanent placement, their voices and stories on the internet for the foreseeable future.

But I found out how to make people comfortable enough to open up to me and share some very personal aspects about themselves.

So, I do think that I am a very open person and you have to push yourself to be open. It is all too easy to just stare at Instagram while people are getting to know each other in your hostel or while you are at a new cafe.

But here are some ways to approach people and strike up a friendly conversation.

How To Connect With Locals While Traveling

Do you find the idea of meeting people while traveling daunting? 

Below I share my best tips for not only finding locals and connecting with others but having more meaningful interactions.

Not sure where to go to meet locals and have a memorable time abroad?

Jessie on a Journey’s fun and free travel personality quiz   can help you uncover your perfect trip type — with experience suggestions included — based on your responses to 10 visual questions! 

1. Learn Bits Of The Language

Try to learn bits of the language that go beyond “Where is the bathroom?”.

Phrases I always try to learn include “please” and “thank you”, of course, but another one that is equally important is how to say “cool”.

I will struggle through a grammatically broken sentence in Mexico; but if I end it with “chido” (cool) the locals go crazy, wondering how this gringa broke their code.

Most importantly, it shows that you are trying to be respectful and are interested in being in their country instead of touring around and expecting to be spoken to in English.

Now, if you can speak more of the language or are in a country that shares your mother tongue…

2. Give Genuine Compliments When You Meet People Overseas

I could be on a solo trip to Amsterdam , traveling solo in Tulum , or somewhere else in the world. The location doesn’t matter. Whether I’m talking to a cashier, a waiter, a bartender or someone else, when I meet new people I seize the moment to compliment them.

People are normally caught off guard because everyone is just in their own world.

However, if you say “I like your shirt!” or “Where did you get your nails done?” it can help someone get through their day.

If I am being served by someone I always ask how much longer their shift is and try to be empathetic if they look tired.

Showing that you see what they are feeling goes a long way. It’s one of the best strategies to meet new friends while traveling.

3. Ask People Questions

People love talking about themselves.

Focus on questions about other people’s experiences. 

Asking about someone’s life is less controversial than asking them how they feel about things, but know you run the risk of getting a wide variety of stories.

I have had Mexican designers open up on how they feel purposeless to me and women tell me how they were abused as children.

If they unload on you, you don’t have to say anything more than “I hear you” and sit there with them. Most people just want to be heard.

Of course, most people probably won’t get this deep with you upon just meeting, but know that these kinds of stories may surface. 

Need help coming up with conversation questions?

This fun card deck was made for you . 

4. Talk To Locals About Food 

You can always ask them about their favorite local food and the best places to eat it.

Food is a unifier.

People typically love their home cuisine and want to share it with outsiders.

Whenever I am in a cab, I always ask the driver what their favorite meal is and where to get it. They usually light up — because they have been driving for a while — and tell me where the good stuff is and where to avoid. 

It will always strike up conversations and, bonus, you’ll get a great meal out of it.  

5. Truly Listen To Others 

After you ask someone a question make sure to listen instead of blazing over their response and talking about yourself. 

Sound obvious?

The truth is, many of us are not great at active listening. Instead, we’re just waiting for our turn to talk.

You can demonstrate that you are listening by responding to the feelings the other person is expressing and asking more questions.

Also, eye contact is important.

If the thought of staring into someone’s eyes makes you uncomfortable, gaze at the space in between their eyes.

6. Tell Your Own Story

After you have asked questions and have genuinely listened, tell the person you’re speaking with a story about your life that relates to theirs.

Storytelling is an invisible form of currency that we pass around. We are addicted to it and have created a world based around storytelling through photos , writing, art and, of course, conversation. 

Hopefully, telling your own story will show that you and this person — who may have grown up thousands of miles away from you — possibly have more in common than you originally thought.

7. Be Kind To Everyone You Meet

Hopefully, this is a no brainer. 

If you come from a country that might hold some negative stereotypes about the one you’re visiting, being kind can go a long way.

8. Know Topics To Avoid During Conversations With Strangers

Try to avoid talking about politics and religion, as you might find that you make friends with those who sit on the opposite political side as you.

That being said, be mindful of where the conversation could go.

I once had a conversation with a taxi driver that started out great but he quickly veered away from his work as he decided to share some pretty racist statements.

If you get to a point where you don’t want to go any further, don’t.

9. Live Like A Local 

By this point you hopefully have a solid understanding of how to talk to strangers, but how do you find these people?

A big piece of advice:

Try to live like a local.

Find someone who can take you around, show you their city and give you context into what you are exploring.

I’ve found that, very often, people love showing off where they live. 

Here is an example: 

While traveling solo in Mexico City I made friends with a local chef, which was the best decision for my time there — though, the worst decision for my weight.

#BodyPositivity.

We would walk around from taco to torta stand, and he would explain to me the history of the food and how to tell if it was good or not.

He would tell me stories and rumors about the streets we were walking down and point out murals hidden like Easter eggs around the city.

It made me love Mexico City and its food even more .

10. Do What You Love

Focus on what you love doing and what you want to experience.

Whether it is a local or another traveler, you will find like-minded people when you go to places that interest you.

11. You Don’t Have To Be Friends With Everyone 

Making connections does not mean that every person you meet will be a lifelong friend.

And that’s fine because they shouldn’t be. It sounds exhausting.

However, micro-relationships — little interactions with strangers and people that pass through your journey — can be just as impactful.

If anything, they can be more fun because it is a random moment in your life that you and another person get to share, and may never do so again. 

12. Gain Some Gender Perspective

I completely recognize that being a white woman is a probable reason as to why it has been easy for me to make connections on the road. 

For instance, I’ve heard that it is more difficult for men to CouchSurf because they are often perceived as more threatening.

I was fortunate to stay with a lot of single men who never thought anything more than just having me stay at their house.

However, there is a psychological term called Sexual Over-Perception Bias where men interpret women’s friendliness as a sexual advance. In these situations, it’s important to reiterate that you are friends with them and set the boundaries you are comfortable with.

The good news is that there are many great destinations for solo female travelers and that this style of traveling is becoming more of the norm.

13. Use Great Resources To Meet People While Traveling

Couchsurfing.

I am a big advocate for CouchSurfing because, not only does it provide free accommodation, but you are automatically interacting with people who are open to meeting foreigners.

You also get the perspective of living like a local, which is an ideal experience. 

It is a surefire way to have a local’s point of view whether or not you can actually hang out with them. I have gone to underground bars in Zagreb, concerts in Panama City, and have understood large Spanish markets because of it.

Prefer the comforts of a hotel over sleeping on someone’s futon?

CouchSurfing also offers a great app for travelers to meet, as you can ask locals on the platform if anyone is available to grab a coffee or show you around. 

Depending on how big the community in a city is they may have meetups, as well.

For instance, I’ve gone to lucha libre fights in Mexico City, expat holiday events in Berlin, and rooftop parties in Panama — all with CouchSurfers and other travelers.

Through this platform, you can stay in a local home.

You’ll be able to choose if you’d like the entire home to yourself or if you’d prefer to have the local there too, similar to a homestay. 

You can also stay in some incredible accommodations, usually for much cheaper than a hotel. Think European castles, private villas, gorgeous woodland cabins, seaside retreats and more. 

By the way, if you’ve never stayed in an Airbnb you can click here to get $40 off your first booking ! 

Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb now offers experiences offered by locals.

Locals set the prices, though experiences are usually budget-friendly , ranging from $5-$100. 

Experiences showcase everything from classic walking tours to offbeat adventures to entering local homes for an activity. 

Explore Hollywood with a ghost hunter in Los Angeles, snorkel mystical cenotes in Mexico, hike waterfalls in Thailand and more. 

During your experience, you can also meet up with other travelers while sharing stories with new friends. 

Meetup groups are based on interests, whether that be travel writing, astrology, wine, vegetarian food or something else.

It’s a great way to find locals who also share similar passions and meet friends abroad.

Time Out Magazine

Time Out Magazine typically has a good selection of what is happening that week and weekend in major cities.

Additionally, you’ll find great restaurants and attractions to explore.

Tinder (& Other Dating Apps)

I have gone on plenty of platonic dates with people who were just interested in meeting someone new and having an adventure in their own city .

Again, it is so much better to have a local perspective to a city — and maybe even a potential romance, if you want that.

However, if you are just looking for friendship, be extremely clear and set expectations for the interaction before meeting. This is the best tip for using Tinder as a travel social network.

Know where you are going ahead of time and how to get home and don’t feel pressured to drink more than you want to .

Follow these tips, and you’ll likely find that Tinder and other dating apps make great travel tools . 

Facebook Groups

I recently lived in Mexico City for a month and joined all of the expat Facebook groups.

This allowed me to meet a lot of locals just by asking for recommendations or if anyone was interested in giving me a tour of architecture, gardens, or museum recommendations. 

These groups typically post meetups, as well. 

14. Take Time For Gratitude

At the end of the day, ground yourself in gratitude for all of those that you meet.

It isn’t always easy to meet locals while traveling, and it can be even harder to have a meaningful conversation with them.

When you do, be thankful, and let this gratitude bolster your confidence for future interactions.  

So, are your fears of not making friends abroad evaporated?

Do you feel more confident about approaching locals and strangers while traveling?

I hope this helps you make deeper connections while traveling.

Infographic: Meeting Locals While Traveling

How do you meet locals while traveling?

Related posts:, about adrien behn.

Adrien Behn is the creator and host of the travel podcast, Strangers Abroad. It is a series of conversations she had with strangers she met while backpacking, where she discusses travel advice, self-growth, and stories from abroad, focusing on the importance of getting out of your comfort zone. She is also a live stage storyteller and can bake a mean pie.

Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

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As someone who is really freaking socially anxious, this is invaluable info to me!! It’s great to read the experiences of another traveller, and see that people are generally cool and chill, and that I don’t need to worry about meeting new people. Thank you so much for sharing this!

Finally, someone wrote about this! Thank you, Jessie. Interacting with locals (or random people) as you travel is really quite an experience. You get to share stories and experiences and these are the moments that you can actually treasure in your travels.

Hey I don’t its wrong talking with strangers unless it could be dangerous. And about him you need to find about that particular person, because some strangers could be very helpful without any. But anyways thanks for you post!

Jessie, thank you for such a personal and intimate topic. Because every time I travel it’s a dream for me to meet with locals and chats, and sipping vino) But it happens so rarely for me… because I always have a barrier to be first to talk with strangers. So big thanks for such useful tips you shared!!

Read your article for the first time and enjoyed it a lot. You have shared some extremely important tips here. Thanks for the share. Keep up the good work.Cheers!!!

When making a trip, it is important to get along with the locals. With them you can make friends and even help you to know their culture better.

Whenever you are going to remote places don’t miss an opportunity to meet locals. I promise this is one thing you can experience it in a unique way. Have friendly approach towards the local and they will treat you like family members.

Lucian is absolutely right because local will guide in more detail! Nice post i loved it.

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How to travel locally: the ultimate guide to local tourism

Local tourism is really gaining momentum these days – and for good reason. From the minimal environmental impact to the low-budget opportunities, it comes with a lot of benefits. Ready to travel locally on your next trip? Read this article to learn how!

Before you select the hottest new destination for your vacation, consider all of the beautiful options that are available to you locally .

Yes, driving two hours may not be as glamorous as a 12-hour flight to Southeast Asia, but there are many benefits to local travel that just aren’t available at popular tourist destinations.

From a decrease in cost to a minimal environmental impact, traveling locally just might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

But how to travel locally? And why ?

Read on to learn about all the ways local travel might work for you.

What is local travel?

Local travel is simply small-scale travel. It’s when you don’t go too far from home and spend one or a few days visiting local destinations and hidden gems. You might drive an hour or two away, hop on a train, or even be a tourist in your own city.

When people imagine travel, they often think of far-flung adventures, where the journey is just as important as the destination. And that’s certainly a great way to travel – but it’s not the only one out there. Think you’ve seen it all in your area ? This is exactly how you miss out on great experiences !

Although the terms are often considered synonyms, local travel is not exactly the same as domestic travel . Think of all the massive countries out there – a family from New York traveling to California are not local travelers just because they’re staying in the same country.

But local travel can definitely be international , especially in places like Europe where countries are so close to each other and public transportation is abundant. 

Why is local travel sustainable?

Local travel is more sustainable than typical international travel by far. Before we get into detail, it’s important to note what sustainable travel even is.

In short, there are three pillars to sustainable travel: environmental , economic , and socio-cultural . Sustainable travel must not cause excessive harm to the environment, and it should support the local economy and its people in a way that doesn’t erode their culture.

Local travel can easily be sustainable in all three dimensions.

Local travel is environmentally sustainable

Carbon emissions when traveling locally are much lower compared to traveling internationally, or simply traveling large distances. Local travel often doesn’t involve flights and, when it does, the shorter distance lends a hand in reducing emissions.

Airlines also limit what and how much you can take on board with you, so you’ll have to use your suitcase space wisely and likely resort to travel-size products. This results in a lot of unnecessary waste. When traveling by car or public transportation, there are no such restrictions and you can pack eco-friendly products to further reduce your carbon footprint.

Check out my eco-friendly packing list .

Local travel also means you already know how to minimize your impact once you get to your destination. For example, has your country launched an app to locate water stations to refill your reusable bottle? That’s great, you can still use it on your trip. Or, are you expected to sort your trash before throwing it away? No problem, you already know how to do it.

When traveling to far-away destinations , you may be unaware of such habits and practices, and may not have enough time to research the necessary information. So, you’ll probably end up with no alternative but to buy bottled water, dump everything in the “mixed waste”, and so on.

Another point for local tourism!

Local travel is economically sustainable

Local travel is sustainable economically for both yourself and your community.

The push to shop locally is prevalent in sustainable travel. Who do you want to support – the locals or international hotel chains? The same applies to local travel, except this time you’re helping your own community and its economy.

It’s also easier to navigate all the available options because you are already familiar with the area and have a better sense of what is really a local offering versus what is sneakily a tourist trap.

You’ll be also more inclined to book local and sustainable accommodation , especially if you’re one to seek the comforts of home while away.

The farther away you go, the higher the chances that a hotel room or vacation rental is very different from what you’re used to. Maybe the hygiene standards are not the same as in your home country, the local norms of hospitality look weird or even rude to you, or the amenities are not as you expected. Sustainable tourism should indeed be all about respecting the local culture and customs, but not everyone has the same spirit of adaptation (and that’s ok).

Luckily, you’ll have no such issues when traveling locally. Accommodations probably offer the same services you’re used to and there is less of a need to seek the comfort of a hotel chain. It will be that much easier to book a bed and breakfast, or to maybe even try out a campsite or other alternative forms of accommodation.

Learn more about what to look for in sustainable accommodation here .

Everything that is true about accommodation is true about eating locally . As a resident of the nearby area, you know what is truly local food and what isn’t, and you can support restaurants and the overall service industry close by.

Local travel is culturally sustainable

Local travel also preserves local culture and traditions . In over-traveled destinations, locals face pressure to adapt their habits and traditions to meet tourists’ expectations. This isn’t an issue when people travel locally, as they are already a part of, or better understand, the area that they are visiting.

Local travel is also much more flexible than traveling a great distance away. It’s much easier to pack up and go when you only have a short trip ahead. This means you can easily avoid crowds by traveling outside of peak season which is good for both you and the community you’re visiting. Traveling in the low season does not mean you won’t find anything fun to do. You can attend fairs, festivals, and exhibitions, both large and small, without putting a strain on the community’s resources.

Benefits of traveling locally

Local travel offers many other benefits to travelers that aren’t just about the environment and the community that’s being visited.

It’s cheaper

Oftentimes traveling locally is much cheaper than going on a long and far international vacation. The cost of transport, insurance, and baggage fees can add up fast, and if you’re traveling in a region that you’re familiar with, you will have a better understanding of ways to save money too.

It’s easy to plan

Local trips are easier and less time-consuming to plan as you’re familiar with customs and the way things work, and they also allow you to travel more frequently . When only traveling an hour or two in each direction it’s more manageable to take weekend trips.

And if you have a family or pets , you don’t have to worry about flight time, children in pain from the change of air pressure, or your dog not being allowed on the flight at all.

You learn about your area

When you travel locally, you have the chance to learn things about your area that you might have always overlooked. Travel often changes people’s mindsets. No longer are you in your daily life, but rather you are an outsider looking into the lives of people who live there.

So what if you’re only 30 minutes from your bedroom? If you visit an area from the perspective of a tourist , you will be much more open to learning about what other people experience, which will then lead you to view your own city differently.

It is also much easier to find hidden gems . If you’ve extensively traveled in a region and have already visited all of the must-see attractions, you should explore outside-the-box opportunities. You never know what you’ll find unless you get out there and look.

It’s more inclusive

Local travel is more inclusive from multiple perspectives.

It has the potential to be much more disability-friendly than international travel in many circumstances. For example, service animals are allowed, and it’s that much easier and stress-free to travel with all necessary equipment that may be needed.

Also, with no cultural or language barriers , you can better assess the actual inclusivity of an attraction or a destination and draw your conclusions. You may want to avoid places that you consider to be unsafe for certain marginalized groups, or go anyway with some precautions.

Ideas for local travel

Short on local vacation ideas? No problem, there are so many options when it comes to local travel.

Go on a road trip

Road trips are the easiest way to travel locally, especially if you already have a car. Make sure your vehicle is equipped to leave home: all elements should be in working order (tires have the correct air pressure, there’s enough oil, etc.), and you have jumper cables and a snow scraper as needed.

All that’s left is to hop in and hit the road!

Your car can take you wherever you want to go. There isn’t a set flight plan, and you won’t have a tour guide telling you what is next on the agenda.

There is so much to see and do throughout the world, and just because you’re close to home doesn’t mean it’s any less of an adventure .

Stop anywhere that looks interesting, and avoid highways when possible.

Travel doesn’t always have to mean luxurious getaways. Sometimes the best trips are the ones that are laid back and spent in nature.

There are campsites almost everywhere, and for all types of travelers. From state-of-the-art RV parks to family-friendly spots in the woods, you are sure to find your ideal way to connect with nature .

Hop on a train

You know what they say – travel is about the journey , not the destination. Well, what better way to get from point A to B than hopping on a train and enjoying the view all along?

Trains offer a fun, slowed-down experience in a world where people just want to travel as quickly as possible. They are also a great option for those who are not comfortable driving in unfamiliar places or just don’t want to relax on the trip.

Depending on where you live, trains may be a more or less accessible form of transportation, but they’re worth a try. You can even find money-saving deals such as 10-ride passes that you can use on multiple trips.

Hiking is what you make of it, and there’s no shortage of hiking options available. A hike can be as simple and accessible as a stroll along a town’s border or a weekend-long trek up a mountain.

No matter where you are in the world, you will have access to a hike to go on.

This is another great way to connect with nature , and as a bonus, it doesn’t have the time commitment that camping does.

If you aren’t in the mood to sleep in the wilderness, it’s more than possible to drive to the trailhead and head back to a hotel, or even back home, once the hike is completed.

Visit a national park

National parks are bucket-list items for many people, and their accessibility makes them a great choice when considering local travel.

Entrance fees are what maintain the gorgeous land, so visiting them helps to preserve the area . Plus, when visiting locally you can choose to visit off of peak season to stave off overwhelming the area with tourists and enjoy the park even better.

Fewer people mean greater chances to spot wildlife – don’t forget to be respectful of the animals though! If you’re not sure what to do (or not to do), read this guide on ethical animal tourism .

Be a tourist in your own city

This may just be one of the best ways to travel locally and sustainably. Your home is filled with more to do than you know.

When we travel, we tend to use this time to escape monotony and try new things – why not just try new things at home?

Transportation costs will be low, and all money you spend at home will stay in your community .

Visit museums that you haven’t before, or take a walking tour to see what is being said about where you live. Try a cooking class , or eat at restaurants you otherwise wouldn’t try if you weren’t “visiting”.

Attend a local event or festival

So often we’re caught up in our daily lives that we only seek new experiences when we’re on vacation. Life doesn’t have to be like that.

Stay on the lookout for events going on in your town, or festivals happening in a neighboring town. Attending local events both supports your community and local artisans , and adds adventure to your life, all without a large time commitment. You can make it a turnaround trip, or turn it into an overnight stay.

Resources to travel locally

As with the travel industry as a whole, there are many resources available for those looking to travel locally.

Google is the greatest travel resource of them all. From providing access to maps and directions to being the home to all the travel blogs you could ever need, Google is the place to search for local travel ideas.

Local tourism board website                    

Many towns, no matter the size, have their own tourism board and website. You can spot them right away as they are usually called Visit Finland, Visit Canada, and so on. If not, they still appear at the top of Google Search results.

You’ll find inside information , hidden gems , cultural fun facts , events , and more.

These are an excellent resource, especially for those looking to visit smaller towns, as they are proud of what they have to offer and are always showing off what they provide.

Local tourist office or travel agency

You may associate travel agencies with long-haul flights and exotic landscapes, but they are a good resource when it comes to exploring local travel destinations and finding unique activities to embark on.

Stop by your local tourist office and see what they recommend in your area.

Dedicated apps

There’s definitely no shortage of travel apps to help you find local activities and events.

AllTrails ( iOS , Android ) will help you pick a hiking trail, Waze ( iOS , Android ) will be your best friend on a road trip, and Rick Steve Audio Europe ( iOS , Android ) will take you on free self-paced walking tours in Europe.

Many destinations also have their own app, so it is worth making a quick Google search. For example, Kide.app ( iOS , Android ) helps you find events and services in over 30 cities in Finland and you can even buy your tickets through it.

Recommendations from friends and family

Word of mouth is one of the best ways to discover new local travel ideas. You’re friends for a reason, which means your interests align and they will be able to give confident recommendations for an area.

It’s also a great idea to ask other locals in your town. Did your barista mention they go camping frequently? Ask them about their favorite campsites and trails.

Social media

Social media are a treasure trove of travel ideas. Start following local travel accounts or, if you already have a destination in mind, use the geotag and you’ll find yourself scrolling for hours through picture-perfect views and hidden corners of the world.

Tips for local travel

In conclusion, here’s a list of the best tips for local travel mentioned in this article.

1. Support the community by staying at locally-owned accommodations and eating at local restaurants.

2. Do what you can to minimize your carbon footprint . This is so much easier when you travel locally. For instance, you could bring eco-friendly travel items or choose low-impact forms of transportation.

3. Avoid tourist traps – who wants to pay for overpriced low-quality stuff in their own town that they probably know inside out?

4. Make friends . With no language barriers, you can easily strike up a conversation with other people on the same walking tour or with someone sitting next to you on the bus. It’ll be much easier to stay in touch with people living in the area than with someone who lives overseas.

5. Spread the word about the places you visit and give recommendations to your friends.

6. Most of all, have fun !

Final thoughts

So, have I convinced you to travel locally?

As you just read, local travel isn’t just good for the environment – it’s good for your community and your wallet as well.

It’s often cheaper than international travel, and it’s your own community that receives your tourist money.

If you’re in the mood for a change of pace, consider staying local – you never know what all your area has to offer until you try it out.

Three related articles

WHY IS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IMPORTANT?

ANIMAL TOURISM: HOW TO TELL WHAT’S ETHICAL AND WHAT ISN’T

WHERE AND HOW TO FIND SUSTAINABLE ACCOMMODATION

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How to travel locally: a responsible guide to local travel.

For many, the only way to get on an adventure these days is to travel locally. And there are so many benefits of traveling locally both for the communities, for yourself, and for the small local tourism businesses .

As the travel addict I am, I have always traveled locally during weekends, no matter where I have lived. My biggest freedom has always been my car.

Not because I don’t enjoy public transport, but with limited of time in the weekends, it gives the freedom to travel off the beaten path, as well as when and where I want. It also makes it easy to get to campgrounds to save money on accommodation.

While I’ve been living in Spain, another important factor for me to have a car, is that I can’t bring my dog Ayla on buses and trains without having her in a cage. And trust me, I can’t carry an 18 kilos dog in a cage plus my own stash.

Growing up with most of my family abroad, also made me explore a lot of the “touristy” things whenever we had family visits. This is something I’ve definitely taken with me in life and that I enjoy a lot.

So while I can’t travel far, I like to travel near. There is so much to explore no matter where you live so I made this guide to make it easier for you too to travel locally wherever you live. With or without a car.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you have any questions about these services or products, feel free to ask me.

Benefits of traveling locally

Before we look at how to travel locally, I want to highlight some of the amazing benefits of local travel. It’s always exotic to travel far away, but believe me, you can find quite so exotic experiences close to home too. Most countries are very different from place to place.

Like where I live, in Spain, I can go to the desert, to the beach, to pine forests, or to treeless mountain tops. I can explore rivers, canyons, islands, and caves. The villages in Andalusia are completely different from the villages north in the country. Architecture change and so does customs, fiestas, and traditions.

You might not have the same in your country, but I’m sure you have a lot of variety to explore if you look for it. Let’s look at the benefits of local travel.

While it might be fun to travel to another continent and different culture, there is no denying that plane tickets are expensive and the cost of travel is high.

You can save quite a lot of money by traveling locally as the travel distance is shorter. Whether you pay for petrol or the bus, it is definitely cheaper than getting to and from the airport, flights, etc.

But you can also bring food from home if you’re staying in an apartment with kitchen or a campground.

Since you know the language and the norms of your country, you are highly unlikely to be scammed too. Not a bad thing!

Eco friendly

While you travel by land (or boat if you go to an island), you are way more eco friendly than if you travel by air. With public transport being the most eco friendly transport, you shouldn’t feel guilty about driving a car either.

There are also shared drive opportunities like BlaBlaCar in Europe, which gives you the opportunity to take passengers. That way you share the costs and the carbon emissions per person.

In need of an eco friendly backpack? Find the best ones here.

Learn about your local area

I’m sure you can still learn a lot about your local area’s history and traditions. I know I always learn new things when I’m out traveling locally.

Either because I talk to locals where I go or because I visit a museum or a landmark. Often, I visit natural areas where there are signs with information about the history, geography, flora, or fauna in the area.

You can also go on guided city tours and learn a lot from them! You might even be surprised by what you learn.

Support small local businesses

By traveling locally, you will also support small local businesses like restaurants, cafes, and museums. Especially post Covid19, they are in great need of support as international tourism isn’t the greatest.

Look for local artists and artisan shops where you go, have a chat with them about their work, and buy a new piece of art for your home or as a gift.

Choose small locally owned accommodation to make sure the money for your stay remains in the village, town, or city you’re visiting.

Discover the beauty of your own backyard

Finally, there is nothing like really discovering the beauty of your own backyard! I talk with so many people that overlook what they have at home. Think about what you like about traveling abroad and look for that in your own country.

You might not have palm trees and beaches, but you might have lakes and rivers. You might not have mountains of 5000 meters of altitude, but I’m sure you have a smaller top you can walk, unless you live in Denmark.

Denmark’s highest natural spot is actually only 170,89 meters (561 ft.) above sea level. But make sure you at least get there if you do live in Denmark!

You can Google tourist spots in your own country and check out if you have been everywhere (most likely you haven’t).

How to travel locally

There are so many places you can discover close to home no matter where you live, I’m sure there is a great variety in nature scene, many undiscovered towns and cities, and new corners of your own city you might not have explored yet.

Get on the train

One great way to travel locally is to jump on the train and see where it takes you. You can take the train for days and weeks and jump off random places.

I love to see on Google Maps where the train is heading and look up different places on the way to see if I want to explore any of them.

Getting the train is a really relaxing way to travel as you can listen to music, read a book, look out of the window, chat with other passengers, or watch a movie on your phone or tablet.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT:

20 Best Travel Books To Fuel Your Wanderlust

Go on a road trip

If you prefer to take the car instead of the train, go on a road trip! Check on the map for places you haven’t been before or places you would love to revisit and make a fun road trip route across your country.

Or if you don’t want to plan too much, then don’t! Just look up places as you go, take a spontaneous turn towards a sign that seems fun, or ask the locals on the way where they recommend you visit next.

The advantage of traveling by car, is that you can leave when you want to without being attached to train times or train destinations.

As I said before, the car gives so much freedom and you can get to places really off the beaten path!

Going camping is a great and cheap way to travel locally. Some countries even allow free camping in nature which makes it a great combination with hiking or a few days at a lake. You can even do a road trip and camp different places along the way.

Camping definitely helps keeping the costs low and whether you’re at a camp ground or in nature it will really help you wind down. If you travel by car and explore different places, it gives a completely different view on your destination.

When I go camping it’s like the world around me slows down and I can really enjoy the moment as the distractions of the material world are minimized.

READ: Eco friendly camping gear list and sustainable packing list & accessories

Go beach camping

If you have beaches in your country where you are allowed to camp, there is nothing better than beach camping!

Waking up to the waves crashing onto the beach, running down to the water in the crisp morning air jumping into the clear, cooling water.

Spending the days snorkeling, jumping from cliffs, and having a barbecue on the beach before sunset when it’s time to make a bonfire and get out the guitar for some tunes.

I know I want to go beach camping right now!

If you don’t have beach, you might have a lake with a beach or nearby forested area where you can pitch the tent.

Hit the hiking trails

I’m sure there are plenty of hiking opportunities you can explore wherever you live. It doesn’t have to be mountain tops, it could be forest hikes or coastal hikes.

Hiking is a great activity I often see people do only when traveling to far away destinations. However, the benefits of hiking are huge both mentally and physically.

Who doesn’t love to explore new spots in nature? I know I do! I don’t think there has been one single year here in Spain where I haven’t discovered one or more new hiking trails that have blown me away!

When I lived in Norway the same. So do some research, get out there, and hit those trails!

Visit museums

If you’re not much of an outdoorsy person, there are still plenty of things to do locally. Have you been to all the museums in your region? I’m sure you’ll find something of interest that you haven’t explored yet.

Either in the city you live in or the surrounding cities. There are so many different kinds of museums where you can learn about your country’s history and background but also about the city or place the museum is situated.

Visiting museums is also a great way to support tourism businesses.

Explore new beaches

If you live in a country with beaches, spend the summer exploring as many new beaches as possible. What I love about beaches is that they are all different and have their own charm.

Especially the ones off the beaten path, the virgin beaches that are a bit harder to get to. Search on the internet and look past the first and second page on Google and you might find some real treasures.

Discover rivers and lakes

Rivers and lakes are always a winner. Whether it’s a hot summer day or they’re capped in ice and snow in winter. I love looking at Google Maps and search for those blue spots on the map and research if they are worth visiting.

They usually are. Where the water flows, there is life. It’s dynamic and beautiful and it never fails.

In the summer months, bring your swimwear and towel and go searching for the best swimming holes!

Maybe you even have rivers that go through canyons that you can hike?

Uncover your local national parks

Do you have any national parks or nature reserves around where you live?

These are usually quite big areas and even though you’ve been there before, I’m sure you haven’t been everywhere!

Go explore, find new hidden corners that you haven’t been to before or revisit you favorite spots. It’s always good to be in nature. If you do a bit of research before you go, you might learn something new about it too.

I find that I often know very little about the places nearby. They’re just there. And I enjoy them, but as I don’t travel far to get there I hardly ever research them up front. It is definitely worth it though and since I started this blog, I have done it a lot more!

Be a tourist in your own city

If you live in a city, spend time exploring it as if it was the first time you visited. Stay in a local hostel or hotel and visit all the attractions you would have visited if you were a tourist.

Join local guided tours, visit museums, landmarks, and viewpoints. Try out new restaurants and cafes. Try your city or country’s specialties that you normally would only make at home. Visit a new neighborhood.

Talk to people you meet as you would have if you were traveling. Be curious and see your city with new eyes. It is incredible how rewarding this can be!

You could also explore the city in a different way by longboarding, rollerblading, or biking around if the city is suitable for it.

A few years ago I went longboarding around Malaga city and it was really nice to see the city from a different perspective.

By exploring your own city as a tourist, you might even find new favorite corners that you will return to.

Visit new towns and cities

I’m sure there are towns and cities you haven’t visited yet that have a lot to offer! Whether you’re into architecture, history, cafe life, food, or shopping, it’s always fun to explore a new town, village, or city.

Get a map, find out what the best tourist spots are, look for hidden treasures, and wander the back streets.

Spend time, find its charm, and enjoy!

Local travel should also be done responsibly

Remember that even though you travel locally, it’s important to practice responsible tourism . There are always different norms in different parts of the country and different cities and towns can have different rules.

As an example, when I went to Toledo earlier this year, I had to pour water over Ayla’s pee. I’ve never heard of that other places in Spain. But it was still something I did every time she sat down doing her business.

Bring a reusable water bottle

Whether you travel locally or not, a reusable water bottle is always a great way to avoid single use plastic bottles. I always bring one with me.

Locally, I use the Brita filtered water bottle or the Greens Steel water bottle . Both bottles keep the temperature of the water all day which is awesome!

Tap water in Spain is safe to drink and I don’t have to filter it, but it never harms to do it. The Brita bottle is also easier to drink out of if I’m driving as I can open it with pushing the button on the lid and I don’t have to tip it to drink.

Avoid animal tourism

When traveling locally it is just as important to avoid unethical animal tourism. This could be horse carriage rides, visiting zoos, and aquariums. Some places you can ride animals as a tourist attraction and you should most likely stay away from that activity too.

If animals are exploited or asked to do things that are not natural to them so that tourists (local or not) can enjoy them, then it’s not ethical.

You can read more about unethical animal tourism and what to do instead here .

Respect the environment

If you are out exploring national parks, beaches or mountains it is natural to think about respecting the environment by staying on the marked trails, not leaving your waste behind and also pick up after others when you come over it.

But also in the cities and small towns and villages you should make an effort to keep it clean.

It is a good idea to always have a bag for rubbish in your backpack or bag so that you can store it there if it’s long until the next rubbish bin. If you are in a city where you can sort your waste, make sure you follow the guidelines.

There are also a few things you can bring with you to avoid plastic usage other than a reusable water bottle, like a metal straw and a tote bag for shopping.

While camping, try to bring as little single use plastic elements as possible. You can take plates, cups, knives, and forks from home.

Reflections on local travel

There are so many fun ways to travel locally and there is no reason not to do it as often as you can. For me, it helps to keep my wanderlust in balance when I’m “stuck at home” and I’m sure it will help you too!

Besides, there are so many positive benefits of local travel that there is no reason not to.

Let me know in the comments if you like to travel locally and if you have any other ideas than the ones already mentioned!

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30 thoughts on “ How to travel locally: A responsible guide to local travel ”

I absolutely LOVE this!!!! We can help to make the difference and support our local communities by traveling localy. I live in a beautiful area in Florida and I haven’t had the chance to explore. I am starting to explore more now and be alocal tourist in my own town. Thanks for this article.

I’m so glad you liked it! Florida must be amazing to explore, make sure to find some hidden gems for when I come and visit in the future 🙂

I would love to start travelling more locally, I never realized how beautiful my own province was. You’re so right that it also saves a lot of money, and is just way less stressful!

It’s easy to take what you have in your own backyard for granted. I hope you get to do some amazing local travel this year! 🙂

Sometimes we do not even realize the gems that we have in our backyard! Now it’s a good time to do it! Love the tips!

I know, but there are so many pleasant surprises once you do explore them:)

It can be so easy to assume that travel adventures always need to take place in a foreign country and to forget to explore your own backyard. We’re looking forward to discovering more local gems in the UK this summer.

The UK have so many wonderful places to explore! I’m sure you will have an amazing summer:)

Thank you for this post…. I think if the lack of travel has taught us anything, it’s how much we LOVE travel!! For me, it’s also showed me that I need to be a better traveler. I’m always looking for ways to be a more responsible traveler, so loved all o your tips… and also really appreciate you calling out animal tourism.

Thank you, Shelley! I really appreciate your comment. Becoming a better traveler is a never ending process but it is always great to learn new things and to realize how much you change to the better with time:)

I love this. I’m actually traveling locally this weekend. Sure it’s sad I can’t go further but I’m super excited to see some of my own backyard this year

I know the feeling! I always want to go as far as possible;) But while that isn’t an option there is no reason not to be a local explorer. It actually feels just as good while you’re traveling locally:) I hope you enjoy your weekend!

We’ll all be looking for local travel destinations for the next little while :). I love jumping on a train and heading to a place I’ve never been before. We do these things overseas all the time. Why not do them at home? Thanks for the inspiration

Exactly! It’s weird we are more adventurous abroad than at home right? I hope you get to discover many beautiful local train journeys and new destinations! 🙂

I love this! I’ve been advocating for local tourism too, now more than ever. We tend to be so focus on ‘exotic’ destinations that we often neglect to see the wonders of our own backyard. Great tips to start noticing it ?

Thank you, Coni! The thing is that if we go to new local places they can be quite exotic too 🙂

This is a great read about travelling locally, something I really should do more of!

Thank you! I really hope you take the advantage of it when you can:)

I’m a big advocate of local travel. I call them outdoor pocket adventures. I just did 25 hikes within 10 miles of home during the lockdown. Found some great places. Thanks for promoting local travel.

I love “outdoor pocket adventures”! Oh wow! You were lucky to be able to hike under lockdown, I would probably have done the same if I could have. We were confined to our house for nearly 3 months. It’s just been 2-3 weeks since we could actually go out! So now it’s full on exploring again:)

I love camping and I can’t wait to discover more of my own country, Romania. There are so many beautiful places that I need to visit! Thanks for all your recommendations. They will be really useful

Thank you! I’m sure you’ll have a great time exploring Romania! I was meant to go there in April but the tickets obviously got cancelled. I hope to get there one day and maybe you’ll have some great tips for me then:)

These are great tips, we love to travel locally and eco-friendly too! 🙂

Thank you! Happy to connect with other conscious travelers:)

I love the idea of getting to know your own backyard and supporting local businesses. Frankly, we have all got so spoilt over the past few years that we do not see the beauty that is around us (when I say ‘we’ I very much include myself too). I love your take on traveling locally and will be incorporating your tips and tricks!

Thank you, Caroline! I really hope you get to explore a lot of local beauty this summer:)

Even before the pandemic I loved local travel because it is sustainable and often overlooked. Now with the pandemic I can see that being the norm for a while. You’ve written a lot of great tips, especially the tips to make sure you are still a responsible traveler. Great post and thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing these lovely tips Linn. Fabulous post!

Thank you, Hussain!

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

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If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

Alya and Campbell

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5 great local meals to have in barcelona.

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Barcelona is a prime destination for foodies and tourists who want delicious meals. Here are five establishments offering the city’s best meals and tapas, where you can enjoy the finest Catalan and Mediterranean flavors.

Church of La Sagrada Familia from Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona. Spain

Enjoy an Italian and Barcelonian-inspired menu at Lombo for lunch or dinner. Guests can choose from aperitifs, salads, pastas, loins, seafood, and desserts.

Several comments indicate that its pasta, veal, and tiramisu are some of the consistently best choices with a prominently Italian influence. People also remark on the nicely curated wine list, which isn’t exclusive to regional vineyards.

One recent review raves, “Very charming restaurant. I was there a couple of months ago on a very rainy evening, and even like that the place was full, with a very nice sophisticated atmosphere. Nice Italian dishes and impeccable service.”

Lomb is a great neighborhood Barcelona restaurant

‘Terrifying’ Crypto Crash Triggers ‘Extreme Fear’ Panic After $2 Trillion Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, And Solana Price Wipe Out

Odds of biden dropping out suddenly soar on $230 million trump bet, who has called for biden to drop out of race: democrat officials craig, quigley, moulton and more, 2. bistrot kserol.

Stop by Bistrot Kserol for a morning, mid-day, or evening meal Monday through Friday. Several reviews praise the friendly and responsive customer service which is lacking at many Barcelona restaurants. Light breakfasts include the nation’s iconic cafe con leche (coffee with milk), Iberian sausages, and organic ingredients.

Its lunch menu provides diners the chance to partake in three dishes, a drink, and dessert. Tapas and dishes are available during the evening featuring Catalonian specialties on its menu of the day.

This review summarizes what to expect, “We absolutely loved it here! Staff are super friendly and helpful whilst speaking different languages such as English and French. The food was super delicious and plenty whilst we both had the menu of the day and tried all 6 dishes between the two of us, plus dessert. We didn’t plan on coming here and just passed by on our way and thought it looked inviting, glad we did!”

3. Bo de Bernat

Bo de Bernat is another popular spot for enjoying authentic Catalonian cuisine with one of the best Barcelona vibes. Several customers rave about its two regional beef stew offerings, cap i pota and fricando. Its galtas de cerdo (grilled pork) and sepia or cuttlefish croquettes are other popular choices

A few wine pairings are available to perfect the Catalan and Spanish cuisine along with enhancing the cozy ambiance.

Here is how one local guide describes this restaurant, “Delicious food. Very fast service. Good prices. Cool atmosphere. It's where the locals eat. Would definitely visit again!”

4. El Quim de la Boqueria

A trip to Barcelona, or Spain for that matter, is incomplete without partaking in the culinary pastime of enjoying tapas. El Quim de la Boqueria is open for breakfast and serves lunch tapas. Local residents and visitors come here for its fresh ingredients and tasty dishes.

Baby squid with fried eggs is one of El Quim’s signature menu items that surely won’t disappoint. Its oxtail offerings are another house specialty. Further, many customers recommend potato tapas and pepper tapas.

“Really love sitting at the bar counter watching the vibrant market vibe. The service is super fast and active, they are so professional. We tried the fried artichoke and fried egg with squid. The food was served super fast. Fried egg with squid is so delicious. I also boost up my morning with Café con Hileo,” says one frequent Barcelona diner.

Michelin Guide-featured Restaurante Estimar provides one of Barcelona’s best fine dining experiences. Andalusian chef Rafa Zafra and the Gotanegra family combine their passion for culinary expertise and the sea to provide pure, high-quality fish and seafood dishes.

Prawn carpaccio and caviar are two of the most popular selections, although there are many other fish, shellfish, and prawn menu options. It also has an excellent wine menu. Select tables can see their meal prepared in front of them.

One visitor proclaims, “A fantastic experience! We enjoyed every second of the wonderful experience at the restaurant! The food was delicious and fresh, the wine was perfect and the service was professional and accurate. All the things that make up a perfect restaurant...if you are a seafood lover I highly recommend this restaurant even though it's a bit expensive…it's worth it!!”

Final Thoughts

At these five locations, you can eat where the locals do and enjoy some of the best Catalonian culinary traditions. It’s possible to enjoy some of the most delicious meals at any time of the day or night, whether you want a light fare or a full offering.

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I've traveled to 20 countries in 2 years. I found the most stunning coast in one of the least-visited countries.

• I traveled to Timor-Leste in May and spent four days exploring its capital city.
• Timor-Leste is one of the least-visited countries in the world.
• While inaccessible and expensive, it was worth visiting for its unspoiled coastline.

I've spent the past two years traveling to 20 countries . While most of these countries — from the Maldives to France — were among the world's most popular, it was the off-the-beaten-path destinations that I enjoyed most.

Last month, I traveled to Timor-Leste , a country located in the South Pacific. The country comprises the eastern part of Timor Island and two smaller islands. At 5,800 square miles, it's comparable in size to the Bahamas.

It's also the 14th least-visited country in the world and the least-visited in Asia, according to a January report from CEOWorld magazine . Some 81,000 tourists visited Timor-Leste in 2023 — putting it just ahead of Chad and Sierra Leone, per the report.

The lack of tourists is not a direct result of the pandemic either. Back in 2019, only around 80,000 tourists had visited, per the National Statistics Directorate Timor . While researching my trip, I struggled to find information online for tourists — save for a handful of short vlogs on YouTube. I ended up having to learn along the way.

Here are seven things that surprised me about Timor-Leste.

1. It's difficult to fly there — and even harder to get around.

Only a handful of airlines fly to Dili, the capital, where the only international airport in Timor-Leste is located. Tourists can only fly to Dili from Bali , Indonesia, and Darwin, Australia. I was in Bali for three weeks, so I decided to fly with the Indonesian budget airline Citilink. Dili's airport is tiny — there's only one departure gate and one runway.

There are no ride-hailing services in Timor-Leste. While there are some taxis to help tourists get around, I only spotted them around the airport and in the city center. I ended up meeting Fernando, a local, who took me around the city on a scooter. I found that traveling via scooter was the best way to sightsee from the coasts to the surrounding mountains.

2. There aren't many options when it comes to accommodation.

While Hilton plans to open a hotel in Dili's business district later this year, when I visited, there were no luxury resorts or international hotel chains in Timor-Leste. With only around 70 hotels and guesthouses in the country listed on Google Hotels, lodging choices online were limited. I booked three nights at Timor Plaza Hotel & Apartments, a three-star hotel located next to a small mall in the city center.

After chatting with other travelers, I found many were staying in local guesthouses by the beach. They're usually a simple set-up, comprising a small room with a bed, mosquito net, and a fan. You can spot signs at the side of the road showing if there are rooms available for the night. Since there are very few tourists in the country, chances are you can negotiate a rate and book your stay on the spot.

3. Locals use US dollars — which means it's more expensive than other nearby countries.

The US dollar is the official currency. While used interchangeably, The East Timor Centavo is only minted in coins and pegged to the US dollar at $1 to 100 centavos. This makes Timor-Leste more expensive than many other countries in Asia.

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In Bali, a plate of nasi goreng — an Indonesian fried rice with satay — costs an average of between $3 to $4.50. In Dili, I paid between $10 and $15 for a similar dish. In Bali, renting a scooter for a day can cost as little as $3. In Dili, it costs over five times more, between $25 and $35.

4. Not everyone speaks the same language.

While Portuguese and Tetum are the official languages of Timor-Leste, English and Indonesian are the working languages. However, only 13.5% of locals speak Portuguese, according to the US Department of State .

The majority of locals I met in Dili spoke Tetum and Indonesian. Due to the high number of ethnic groups in Timor-Leste, there are at least 16 additional languages between them.

As I grew up in Singapore and can speak some Indonesian , when locals didn't speak English, that was my fallback language. Although Fernando, my guide, told me tourists needed to be careful when conversing in Indonesian. He noted that some locals may get offended, considering the complicated history between these countries. I found that it was best to ask what language they prefer to speak when in doubt.

5. Very few American chains operate in the country.

Only a handful of American food chains exist in Timor-Leste, mostly in Dili's city center. I spotted a Burger King and a Gloria Jean's Coffee outlet next to each other right outside the hotel where I was staying — McDonald's doesn't operate in Timor-Leste. As an adventurous eater, I had all my meals at locally-run eateries and cafés, where I had Indonesian and Timorese fare.

A few stores sell American brands like Head and Shoulders and Maybelline when it comes to toiletries and makeup. But no-name brands are more common and are sold for much cheaper.

6. The landscapes are some of the most pristine in the region.

I found that Timor-Leste offered some of the most scenic views in Asia.

I spent most of my time at Cristo Rei Beach — which is overlooked by an 88-foot-long statue of Jesus Christ — at the northern tip of Dili. It's a natural white-sand beach with the clearest waters I have ever seen — even clearer than the Maldives . I could see the outline of the mountainous Atauro Island from the coast, famed for its rich, colorful reefs.

After traveling the region extensively, I found Dili the most scenic capital city I've seen. Its gorgeous coastline is flanked by towering mountains.

7. You won't find the local nightlife listed online — but you'll find it in the streets.

On Google Maps, there are only a few local nightlife establishments listed — and most have no photos, reviews, or information. But my guide, Fernando, shared that locals love drinking the local palm wine and dancing to Kizomba, a dance genre originating from Angola, in the late evenings.

I was fortunate to be in Timor-Leste on May 20, during National Day. It marks when the country gained independence from Indonesia . I found thousands of people partying by the beach and hundreds of motorcycles revving down the coast to celebrate the day. The energy was unexpected — and a memorable surprise that I'll never forget.

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Kinda Frugal

Smart Travel: 10 Advantages of Having Local Currency While Abroad

Posted: December 14, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

When traveling anywhere, you need to be prepared. Sometimes, we make a checklist of everything we need to ensure we don’t miss anything. Phone and laptop chargers, important documents, credit cards, towels, blankets, or anything at all that’s essential for our trip. Something else that’s important, especially when traveling internationally, is local currency. Some people overlook this, favoring credit cards over physical cash. But there are reasons why doing this isn’t very advisable.

In an online platform, a user asks about the relevance of bringing local cash when traveling, and here are some of the responses they got.

1. You Never Know

One user said they like to have a small amount of local cash with them because you never know when you might need it. According to them, you could encounter a cash-only place you want to buy from, or your credit card company will see an international transaction and lock the card. “Last time I traveled internationally, I brought some euros in cash with me,” they said. “I didn’t use a single of those euros, but I still don’t at all regret bringing them.”

2. Helps With Budget

A participant in the discussion said they carry local currency because it helps them budget for the trip. If it’s just a card swipe every time, they will spend more than they planned at an unknown exchange rate. “But if I know I used $500 and I have half left, and I’m only a quarter through my trip, I’m going to change my habits to stick to my budget.”

3. Banks Freaking Out

One user said they don’t take local cash when traveling internationally, which sometimes affects them. They usually get into the country late at night, and the banks are closed, so now they have to find some sketchy all-night ATM just to pay the driver. Also, your bank could freak out and restrict your account, thinking it’s a fraudulent transaction. They might still freak out and block the transaction even when you inform them that you’re traveling and tell them your destination. So, it’s best to have some extra local cash on hand, just in case.

4. Better Exchange Rates

According to one user, one reason to exchange cash before leaving is that there are often better exchange rates at home than abroad. Also, many credit cards have foreign transaction fees, so bringing cash rather than just cards is always a good deal.

5. ATM Problems

“Clearly, you’ve never had ATM problems in a foreign country,” one user said, responding to the poster. “Nor have you been in a country that has widespread ATM/banking issues. You also have no idea how easy it is for an American bank to get any foreign currency with little notice.”

6. Incidentals

It’s worth having a little bit of money for incidentals, a user said. Things like wanting to buy a coffee or snack upon arrival, tips for luggage assistance, and transportation when first arriving. You can do all these things with a bit of money before finding an ATM or exchange and getting a local phone SIM. Another user agreed, saying, “That’s about the same for me. $100- $150 will get me through at least day 1, a quick bite, and a train ticket out of the airport.”

7. Depends on the Country

For this user, it depends on the country you’re going to. Japan, for example, is a very cash-heavy country. Many places don’t do credit cards, and ATMs charge exorbitant foreign exchange fees. “When I went to spend some months there,” the user said, “I brought some Yen with me. It was cheaper and easier overall.”

This user said he always gets local currency before he travels because he can do it at his leisure in a place where he is comfortable. This ensures that when he lands, he can just worry about getting his luggage, finding ground transportation, and getting to his hotel. There is no need to try finding an ATM. “What happens if I go to the ATM and for some reason have trouble making a withdrawal? Or if I didn’t see an ATM and my credit card wasn’t being accepted?” he said.

A user said the unfortunate scenario happened to her husband once when they were in Mexico. ATM denied a transaction, so he had to find a local bank and stand in a long line for at least 20 minutes to get some money. Given it was almost the end of bank hours, he had to go to the closest bank, where the exchange rate and fees sucked.

10. No Atms

“Certain places we go, like parts of Mexico, have no ATMs,” said one user. “Some of the ATMs they have are not trustworthy (allegedly). When we went to Cozumel, almost no one took cards. We had to cut one of our excursions short because we ran out of local currency. So the idea of being screwed without local currency is strong.”

Source: Reddit .

Generational Shift: 18 Classic Cars Loved by Boomers, Snubbed by Millennials

In the world of automobiles, some cars are timeless, forever etched in the minds and hearts of those who drove them. But generational shifts in taste and values can lead to once-beloved vehicles being relegated to the shadows. Let’s revisit 18 classic cars adored by Baby Boomers but often overlooked by Millennials.

From Boom to Bust: 18 States on the Brink of Financial Ruin—What Went Wrong?

We’re embarking on a financial roller coaster ride through 18 states, and it isn’t the fun kind. We’re talking about states having to check under the mattress and behind the couch cushions for extra change. These states are trying to balance their budgets, but the numbers aren’t increasing. Why are they skimming through their wallets like they lost a 20-dollar bill? Let’s find out!

Avoid These 19 Pointless Expenses When Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Living from paycheck to paycheck puts one in a dangerous financial bind. It’s more prevalent than you can imagine. According to a survey by CNBC, more than half of all Americans (58%) live paycheck to paycheck. When money is tight, it’s crucial to pinpoint and cut out wasteful expenditures that eat away at your hard-earned savings.

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Wave of summer travel expected over July Fourth holiday as hot inflation loosens grip

FILE - Travelers line up for security clearance at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Atlanta. Travel activity is expected to heat up to record levels around the Independence Day holiday as consumers take advantage of cooler prices for airfares, gasoline and hotels. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

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NEW YORK (AP) — Travel activity is expected to heat up to record levels around the Independence Day holiday as consumers take advantage of cooler prices for airfares, gasoline and hotels.

AAA expects a record number of people to hit roads and airports during the week between Saturday June 29 through Sunday, July 7. The motor club forecasts that roughly 70.9 million people are planning to travel, the most since before the pandemic.

The hot travel forecast comes amid broader worries that consumers are becoming more cautious on spending outside of necessities, which is a key factor to a cooling economy. Inflation has eased significantly from its peak in 2022, notably on costs for travel and vacations.

“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.

The forecast, along with encouraging financial updates from cruise lines, bodes well for a sector that would typically suffer if consumers start cutting back on discretionary items and services.

Airports are seeing record numbers of travelers this summer. The Transportation Security Administration screened nearly 3 million people at U.S. airports June 23, an all-time high. The agency expects the number of air travelers to surpass 3 million at some point over the July 4 holiday week.

Consumers continue to face pressure from inflation on a wide range of goods, but travel-related items including airline tickets and hotel costs have eased significantly from a year ago. Hotel room prices were 1.2% lower in May compared with a year ago, according to recent government inflation data. Those costs have been trending lower since the beginning of the year.

Gasoline prices, which can have an outsized impact on consumer budgets, have generally eased from a year ago. Regular gasoline prices currently average $3.51 per gallon nationally, down 2 cents from a year ago, according to AAA.

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Marriott, and Hilton will likely be the biggest beneficiaries of consumer demand for travel this summer, according to Morgan Stanley. Still, the “rising tide of demand should continue to lift all boats,” the report said.

Cruise lines are also poised to benefit. Carnival recently raised its profit forecast for the year and said bookings for 2024 are the best on record in terms of both price and occupancy. It said total customer deposits reached an all-time high of $8.3 billion during its fiscal second quarter and it expects capacity to grow 4.8% in 2024. Competitor Royal Caribbean has also raised its forecasts for the year.

Recap: Coverage of Biden's rally at Madison's Sherman Middle School

As President Joe Biden contemplates his political future, facing calls from within his own party to abandon a reelection bid, the 81-year-old Democratic president made a critical stop in Madison Friday as a show of commitment to see his campaign through.

Biden held a rally at Madison's Sherman Middle School ahead of a primetime interview with ABC intended to help overturn public fears of a lagging mental acuity following a stunning debate performance during which the president often lost his train of thought and garbled words.

The stop, perhaps the most important for Biden this campaign cycle, comes as the president continues to deflect concerns from Democratic donors and his political colleagues over the president's ability to defeat Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Biden in Wisconsin: 'I'm staying in the race': A defiant president rallies support in Madison

Here's a recap of our live coverage of Biden's speech and the events around it:

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Biden finishes 18-minute speech at Madison's Sherman Middle School

Biden finished his speech at 2:47 p.m., speaking for about 18 minutes.

He concluded his remarks by saying "the American presidency is about character, the character of the president who holds the job.”

“It's about honesty. It's about the president's decency, integrity. Do they respect people, or do they incite violence and hate? Can they honor an oath to the Constitution and uphold the oath of office?”

Trump “could become a dictator,” Biden said.

“America's been a free, democratic nation, and I'll be damned if, in the year 2024, just two years before our 250th anniversary as a nation, I'll let Donald Trump take this away,” he said.

He left the stage to Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down."

— Jessie Opoien

Biden defiant about staying in race as he starts speech at Madison's Sherman Middle School

Biden has started his speech at the rally at Sherman Middle School at about 2:30 p.m.

In response to calls to drop out of the presidential race because of his debate performance, he said, "I am running and am going to win again.

"They're trying to push me out of the race. Let me say this clearly as I can, I'm staying in the race."

— Molly Beck

Sen. Tammy Baldwin declines to talk about Biden campaign

Absent Friday from the Biden rally was the state's top Democrat: U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin has avoided appearing with Biden in the president's recent visits and had already scheduled a campaign stop in northern Wisconsin.

Speaking to reporters Friday in a coffee shop after a campaign event about 200 miles from Madison in Marinette, Baldwin repeatedly declined to say even if she thought Biden should remain on the ballot in November.

"I will tell you that I am focused on my own campaign," said Baldwin, who's running against Republican millionaire Eric Hovde.

She made no mention of Biden in her talk.

Told that Hovde had accused her of hiding behind her staff when asked about Biden, the second-term senator still ducked the question: "It's not my decision."

The last time Baldwin appeared with Biden was at the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. in March, when she was among a group of lawmakers who walked the president into the House chamber.

More: Bice: How badly does Tammy Baldwin not want to talk about Biden? Let us count the ways.

— Daniel Bice

Evers, Pocan, Madison mayor speak before Biden

Ahead of the president’s remarks at Sherman Middle School, attendees heard from Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan and Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway.

Pocan said former President Donald Trump is a “felon who is unable to tell the truth and wants to be a dictator.”

“Thanks to his appointments on the Supreme Court, if not a dictator, a lawless king, a demigod who if elected will implement the far right Project 2025, a far-right authoritarian fever dream that will take away our freedoms, challenge our foundations of democracy and negatively affect our country for a long time,” Pocan said. “And on the other side stand the Democrats.”

Evers compared himself to Biden, saying neither of them are “flashy” or "fancy.”

“We’re not for political drama or fanfare. We put our heads down and do the work we always try to do the right thing,” Evers said.

Rhodes-Conway said a Biden-Harris vote is a vote for the “freedom to love who we love and to choose when and how to have a family and the freedom to live without fear of violence and discrimination.”

— Jessie Opoien and Rachel Hale

Wisconsin Democratic leaders greet Biden at airport

Biden landed in Madison at around 1:20 p.m.

Greeting him at Dane County Regional Airport were Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Gov. Jim Doyle, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Department of Public Instruction superintendent Jill Underly and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. 

Biden arrives in Madison

Pro-palestine protesters on sherman avenue near school.

Roughly 75 pro-Palestine protestors on Madison's Sherman Avenue shouted discontent over Biden’s handling of the war in Gaza into speakerphones, chanting “Biden, Biden you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide!” and “Free, free Palestine!” Voters held signs including “Pres. Biden, Serve your country — not your ego. Exit now,” “Pass the torch” and I <3 you Joe, bow out.”The groups included the Madison chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine, the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine and Listen to Wisconsin, according to an Instagram post.Biden’s handling of Middle East policy has been a contentious part of his campaign, especially among young voters. Roughly 48,000 Wisconsinites voted “uninstructed” in the April presidential primary.

— Rachel Hale

Biden campaign launching $50M swing state ad blitz around RNC, Olympics, 'Bachelorette'

Biden's campaign will spend $50 million on ads in Wisconsin and other battleground states in July, his campaign said Friday.

The campaign plans to target the advertising blitz around major events including the Republican National Convention,  which will be held in Milwaukee , the Olympics and the July 8 season premiere of "The Bachelorette."

The ads will air on TV, radio and digital, focusing on issues including abortion access, economic relief and democracy.

Read more about the ads here .

Local media gets bumped from traveling with Biden in Madison

Local media are waiting for Air Force One's arrival at the Dane County Regional Airport. The president’s motorcade has arrived.

A small group of local reporters, including a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter and photographer, were set to travel with Biden to a handful of other stops today. We’ve now been told we don’t have transportation and won’t be doing so.

Wisconsin Democratic chair says Biden will be 'knocking it out of the park' with speech

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler in an interview with the Journal Sentinel predicted Biden would be “knocking it out of the park” in his speech.

“My message to voters who are trying to figure out the path forward is to pay attention to the president's speech here in Madison today," Wikler said. "Watch him on the campaign trail. See the fire and the energy that the voters saw in North Carolina last week."

Wikler said the stakes of this election are even higher than they were in 2020, in part because of Monday’s immunity ruling.

On Monday, the Supreme Court in a historic decision ruled presidents have absolute immunity for “core constitutional powers” but aren’t immune to charges from unofficial acts. The ruling gives Trump’s team a new path to defend the former president from pending federal cases and his New York conviction on 34 state felony charges.

“In this moment after the U.S. Supreme Court handed the president the powers of a king," Wikler said, "having a president who is clear-eyed about the necessity to win and the necessity to exercise character in the Oval Office gives us a path to a rebirth of freedom in America at a moment when it's in peril.”

Rally is at school in poor, racially diverse Madison neighborhood

Biden's rally will take place in one of the few working-class neighborhoods in Madison. 

On the north side of the city, nearly 60% of students at Sherman Middle School are considered to be living in poverty. The demographics of students at the school are largely a proportionate mix of Black, Hispanic and white students.

More: 'I screwed up': Joe Biden addresses debate performance with Milwaukee radio host

More: Bice: From softball questions to a bungled attack, takeaways from Biden's first post-debate interview

Democratic supporters say they'll vote for Biden, democracy

By 11:15 a.m., more than 100 people stood in the parking lot of Sherman Middle School on the north side of Madison. Many received an invitation through their local Democratic party, they said. Supporters largely said they stand behind Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate and blamed the media for blowing Biden's debate performance out of proportion.  

“I don’t even understand why this is a talking point,” said Nancy Locante of Kenosha. “We’re all behind Joe.”

Lynn Dahl, 66, attributed blips in Biden’s performance to Trump’s barrage of lies.

“When he was faced with lies, I think that's what set him off,” Dahl said. “It would confuse me if somebody came at me with that volume of lies as well.”

Heidi Dexter, a volunteer with the Waunakee Democrats, said she is “a thousand percent” behind Biden.

“I’m voting for Democracy,” Dexter said. “I'm voting against Christian nationalists and Donald Trump and Project 2025.”

Amber Cohen, 41 of Madison, said she would vote for the Democratic candidate no matter what, but said putting in anyone else is “a terrible idea this late in the race.”

“I've been a Democrat since I understood what a Democrat was, and I just feel like this is really important,” Cohen said. “I'm pretty tired of people just constantly questioning Biden's age as if that's the issue and not focusing on the utter barrage of lies he was faced with.”

Media await Biden's midday arrival in Madison

A group of local reporters is assembled on the tarmac at Dane County Regional Airport, where President Joe Biden is expected to arrive midday.

His campaign said he will be joined today by Gov. Tony Evers, U.S. Rep Mark Pocan, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler. 

His campaign also announced plans to spend $50 million on advertising targeting battleground states including Wisconsin this month, focusing on abortion, economic relief and democracy.

Protesters organizing against Biden visit

Biden will likely face at least some protesters. A coalition of pro-Palestinian groups plan to be on the ground at the northside middle school to protest Biden’s visit, according to an Instagram post from the Madison chapter of students for Justice in Palestine, Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine and Listen to Wisconsin.

The group will convene at an intersection in front of the school.

"If you’ve wished that we could have a different candidate, this is your chance to voice that concern,” the post read.

— Rachel Hale and Molly Beck

Wisconsin GOP chair says Dems in disarray

Ahead of the Madison visit, Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming said the Biden campaign has gone from one “confidence to calamity to crisis” over the past 10 days, citing Biden’s debate performance and the Democratic scramble since to shore up support for the president. 

“The Democratic Party, nationally and in Wisconsin, is in disarray right now.”