Travelling for Real Local Culture
Traveling is often equal parts exhilaration, confusion and stress, even for the most seasoned wanderluster. Once you’ve finally found the right time window to ask for a few days off from work to visit a destination that excites you (which in itself can be a nightmare), upon arriving at your destination, the last thing you want to do is work by pouring over travel guides in order to have some fun and find out how to enjoy local culture.
The only way to authentically immerse yourself in a foreign culture is to engage the real people who live, breath, and know the city of town you’ll be calling home for the next few days. This can easily be achieved on a sliding scale and the options range from private villa rentals to private rooms, or simply crashing on a comfortable couch.
Avoiding Resorts
We are all familiar with travel ads that promise new experiences, but we are also painfully aware that the reality of travelling often means seeking out creature comforts similar to what you would find at home. One of the ways to enjoy the best of both worlds is by renting a private villa or vacation rental instead of booking a hotel room.
Villas often come with a private car, a private chef and cleaning services, all of which are provided by locals who will engage you during the length of your stay. You can ask these locals honestly about the city you’re in, and get their recommendations about where to go and what to see. Remember, you’ll be leaving in a few days but your staff know everything about your city and will be happy to share their insights with you while making sure you are as comfortable as possible.
More Affordable Privacy
Achieving comfort while travelling doesn’t have to break the bank, and websites like Airbnb, HomeAway, or Roomarama offer more affordable options that can still immerse you in your new environment. Users sign up with the intention of renting a space or providing a space to be rented, and reviews are provided by renters and guests alike, guaranteeing complete transparency.
These experiences are akin to subletting an apartment and make you feel like you really live wherever you are. You can use a real key to come and go as you please. You can take advantage of local food shops, and store your finds in a real fridge. Renting a private room is a great alternative to staying at resorts or hostels where you surrounded by other foreigners.
Authentic Local Experiences
If your plans abroad involve spending as much time as possible soaking up your new environment and you don’t think you’ll be spending a lot of time in your room, renting a private room at a hostel may be most convenient. Hostels have staff who are familiar with travelers and can always recommend wonderful places to visit. Other travellers will likely also be on the grounds so you can get tons of ideas about where to go and what to see and reviews as well as inquire about local customs. Hostels websites usually include a review page and this will help you find the right one for your needs.
