How to Travel Like a Local and Save More Money

Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It opens your eyes to new cultures, broadens your horizons, and creates memories that last a lifetime. But often, traditional tourist activities can feel overly structured, artificial, and most importantly, expensive. The good news? There’s a better way. By immersing yourself in the local culture and avoiding tourist traps, not only will you gain a more authentic travel experience, but you’ll also protect your wallet in the process. This guide will walk you through how to travel like a local and stretch your travel budget further. From eating where locals eat to finding affordable lodging, the strategies below will help you step away from the tour guidebook and experience destinations in a whole new way.

Why Traveling Like a Local Matters 

When you travel like a local, you unlock the genuine heart of a destination. Instead of skimming the surface with crowded attractions catered to tourists, you gain the chance to connect deeply with a place. Local travel allows you to see cities and towns through the eyes of its residents, creating more meaningful interactions and memories. Financially, local travel is often more affordable. Touristy restaurants, souvenir shops, and overcrowded tours often come with inflated price tags. Locals rarely pay those costs. When you adopt their ways of moving around, eating, and navigating the city, you'll not only save money, but you’ll often find better quality and value than the tourist offerings. And, traveling like a local can also be environmentally friendlier. You’ll avoid large tours, which can harm ecosystems, and instead support small, locally-owned businesses and accommodations that are more sustainable. Now that you understand the benefits, it’s time to dig into exactly how to make local travel work for you.

Choosing Alternative Accommodations 

Forget pricey hotels located in cookie-cutter tourist zones. To truly experience a destination like a local, seek out accommodations that offer a more personal touch and insight into everyday life. Staying in alternative options like Airbnb rentals, guesthouses, or homestays can connect you with hosts who are often more than willing to share insider tips. For example, choosing a room in a quiet residential neighborhood rather than a central tourist hub can offer a glimpse of daily life. You could walk to the corner bakery, explore nearby parks, and chat with locals. This approach saves you significant money compared to expensive boutique hotels and allows for authentic experiences. Another way to save on lodging while immersing yourself in the local culture is house-swapping or couchsurfing. These platforms not only save money but also introduce you to locals who are often happy to share their knowledge about hidden gems. If you’re adventurous, consider hostels, even if you're not in your early twenties. Boutique and family-friendly hostels now cater to travelers of all ages and can be wonderful hubs of social activity, often with communal kitchens and local recommendations.

Eat Where Locals Eat 

Many tourists fall into the trap of eating meals in areas close to major attractions, where food is overpriced, and quality can be subpar. Instead, aim for the restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors where locals dine. Start by avoiding restaurants with menus translated into a dozen languages or flashy signs targeting tourists. Instead, look for crowded spots filled with residents, as these are often indicators of great food at a fair price. A simple trick is to ask locals for their favorite places to eat. This could be the bartender at your hotel, the host of your Airbnb, or even someone you chat with on public transport. Street food is another excellent way to experience authentic cuisine and save money. Many cities, from Bangkok to Mexico City, are renowned for their vibrant street food culture. By eating local and trying regional specialties, you’ll leave with a better understanding of the culture and extra cash in your pocket. Additionally, consider visiting local grocery stores and farmers' markets. These are places where you’ll not only find inexpensive meals or snacks, but you’ll also experience local life up close. Cooking your own meals, even occasionally, is a budget-friendly way to enjoy local flavors.

Use Public Transportation 

Tourist hop-on, hop-off buses and ride-sharing services might seem convenient, but they come at a hefty cost. Instead, learn to use the destination’s public transportation system. Most cities have local buses, metro systems, or trams that are not only budget-friendly but also come with the added bonus of letting you experience the city like its residents. Before arriving at your destination, research routes, apps, or maps that can help you understand how to get around efficiently. Travelers in cities like Tokyo, Amsterdam, or Berlin often find public transportation fast, affordable, and well-organized. Walking and biking are also great alternatives, especially in cities and towns with compact layouts. You’ll discover hidden gems you might have missed if you were in a taxi or rental car, like small parks, murals, or charming cafes. Many cities around the world now offer bike-sharing programs that are affordable and easy to use. When longer distances are involved and public transit isn’t available, consider shared transportation services like BlaBlaCar, a carpooling platform popular in Europe. These options are flexible, inexpensive, and a fantastic way to meet locals.

Explore Beyond the Tourist Hotspots 

Sometimes, the most incredible experiences happen when you veer off the well-beaten tourist path. While iconic landmarks hold their value, dedicating time to explore neighborhoods, quiet villages, or lesser-known regions often leads to surprising discoveries.  Before your trip, research lesser-known sites or ask locals for recommendations. Many people are happy to share their favorite hidden treasures. You might stumble across a secret viewpoint over the city, a family-run art gallery, or a tiny beach away from the crowds.  Local travel apps and blogs can also be fantastic resources for finding unique experiences. Check out community boards on platforms like Reddit or specialized apps like Meetup, which can help you join local events or interest groups. And don’t hesitate to adapt your plans along the way. Meeting locals, chatting with them, and allowing spontaneity to guide some of your exploration makes for a trip that’s truly unforgettable.

Engage With the Local Culture 

One of the best ways to travel like a local is by actively engaging in the culture. Attend traditional festivals, visit cultural institutions like local theaters or open-air markets, and participate in workshops or classes that showcase local crafts or cooking. Learning just a few basic phrases in the language of the destination will go a long way in fostering connections. A small effort, like saying "please" and "thank you" in the native tongue, can open doors to meaningful interactions with the locals. Consider volunteering or participating in community activities if your schedule allows. From helping a farm for a day to joining a walking tour guided by a local nonprofit, these experiences create memories and connections that you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.

The Joy of Local Travel 

When you travel like a local, you’re not simply visiting a place. You’re immersing yourself in it. By opting for authentic experiences, engaging with the culture, and exploring beyond the usual tourist spots, you create a connection that makes your trip unique and meaningful. Traveling this way doesn’t just enrich your experience; it’s also kinder to your wallet. Whether you're savoring street food, navigating public transit like a pro, or staying in a cozy guesthouse, local travel provides a richer, more affordable, and more sustainable way to see the world. The next time you plan a trip, challenge yourself to trade tourist itineraries for local ones. By doing so, not only will you save money, but you’ll leave with stories and experiences that last a lifetime.