You know when you arrive somewhere new and you literally have no clue where anything is, I love that feeling. I also hate it! The thrill of seeing new things gets me every time but I also hate feeling like I stick out and have some neon flashing sign above my head that just says tourist right here.
As I have traveled I have realised that over time I have begun to compile what is basically a checklist of things to do when I arrive somewhere new which helps me to feel like a local, get to know my way around and feel grounded in a new place as quickly as possible. Every time I land somewhere new, domestic or abroad, I tend to do all of the below (depending on how long I am staying) and it really helps me get a feel and understanding for the place.
I am sure we all hate that lost feeling so I thought it would be a good idea to share my list and hopefully it will help some others when they travel too.
Tip 1: Explore by Foot
The best way to get your bearing and quickly is to wander the streets. I usually start with the immediate neighborhood to where I am staying, just walking around looking for the nearest supermarket, transport stops, restaurants and cafes to get a feel for the place.
Most cities now have free walking tours or if you hop online you can find recommended walking routes. These are a brilliant way to see some main sites as efficiently as possible.
Tip 2: Find a local cafe to sit and watch the world go by in
I am a BIG coffee lover so finding a decent coffee shop is pretty much number one or two on my list if things to do in a new place. However, I have included it here not just because everyone needs a decent cup of coffee in their life, but because sitting in a cafe and just soaking up the atmosphere and watching people come and go gives you a great insight into local culture and is relaxing too. Take a book with you and properly commit to some time in a cafe, you’ll not regret it.
Tip 3: Visit the supermarket
I always go to the supermarket pretty much on my first day in arriving in a new place. Normally it’s because I need some food and supermarkets are a cheap way to get this, but it’s also a great way to see what kind of food is on offer and get an idea of the cost of things, useful to know when hitting up the restaurants later in the trip.
Tip 4: Visit a cultural site
Whether you are a history buff or not, visiting a museum, art gallery, public building or historic site is a gateway into understanding a bit more about the place you are in and its people. When you understand a bit more about a place’s past you can appreciate its present all the more, and have a shared understanding of history with the people around you.
Tip 5: Hop on public transport
Opt out of the tourist bus and hop on the local transport. You get to see areas of the city you wouldn’t otherwise and can see the locals going about their daily lives. It’s also often cheaper!
Tip 6: Pop to a local market
Local markets are a great way to sample local food and pick up the perfect souvenir that isn’t a tacky plastic mass produced item but something locally made and meaningful. They are also a great place for a cheap eat while still having a big choice of food to pick from.
Tip 7: Ask a local (or your accommodation or guidebook) for tips on where to eat
Where the locals go is either cheaper or more delicious or both. When faced with a whole array of places to eat and no clue what is good, you can check out the reviews and TripAdvisor top eats, or simply ask a local for a recommendation. This will most likely take you somewhere you wouldn’t have otherwise known about and even get you trying new cuisines which is arguably one of the best parts of travelling!