Tell me when was the last time you went on a trip, and what about it made you feel really great?

As tourism continues to gain global popularity, and people are finding more convenient ways to travel through a great number of deals and options that go far beyond the traditional, I’m pretty sure most of you have been through that moment when you just wanted to flip the table and travel instead. But of course, it’s not easy at all. Perhaps hardly possible.

But have we always had that mindset to travel only for its sake and to get stamps on the pages of our passport?

Over the years, I’ve come to learn some extremely effective ways to stray from the usual and worn out touristy stuff and guarantee an all the more satisfying and meaningful travel experience. Now, it may sound basic enough, but it can be difficult to execute. And though there are no set formulas for this, the use of these practices has stimulated my inner growth, which is why I’ve decided to share some of them with you today!

For starters, we can start with the idea of traveling like a local.

1. Forget the guided tours and throw that guidebook

Such things are for passive tourists and vacationers. They certainly help you ensure a smooth trip, from finding your ideal accommodation, eating at top-rated restaurants to finding hidden gems, but the best way to get real close to the roots of the place is to roll like a local.

To live like a local is to capture the essence of the place. It’s like uncovering layers of one’s skin and going through its bloodstream. 

Part of the experience is to learn, through observation and participation, about the people who live there. It can be daunting, challenging, incense, and sometimes even frightening, but I guarantee it will leave you with so many epic memories that you will always have something more interesting to share.

Stroll. Pop into a cafe and chat with the barista or the person next to you about nearby sightseeing. If you can’t speak the language, take a chance by walking to the market with a few locals. Most of the time, it’s better not to have a plan. Travelers who decide to set out on a journey by joining a tour group will actually miss out on some really important and exciting things. Trust me on this. It’s going to be so much better than what you actually planned to do.

Naturally, you’ll want to leave some room for spontaneity as well, because the best moments happen when you least expect.

2. Stay with a local/Airbnb/Couchsurf

I was never a fan of hotels — thank God for that! I certainly don’t think it gives you an authentic experience at all.

Whenever I travel, the first thing I do is think of the people I know who live in the place and get in touch with them. This is definitely one of the best things I love about traveling — you travel and end up getting friends from every part of the world!

That way, you can surround yourself with locals as they go about their daily lives and ideally encounter some of them yourself. If you get a great host, they’re more likely to give you advice, show you around, and take you to some great places you can’t find on the internet. Staying in a hotel and visiting the main attractions is not going to give you a lot of insight.

3. Food is culture (+ eat with locals)

More often than not, I like to compare travel with a man. And you know when they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” Well, I say that goes with travel as well. Needless to say, one of the best ways of learning one’s culture is through food. By doing so, you will understand the importance and the history of their local cuisine. Your comfort food will always be there, but there is nothing more delicious than the local delicacy. What’s more, you’d realize that local food hunting and all that street eating don’t mean death or food poisoning at all.

Your other options may include dining in cheap/local restaurants and visiting local food markets. Not only does this save you money, but you’re also going to really taste unique and special flavors. If you’re serendipitous, you might even be able to find recipes prepared by local households that you can make on your own when you get home.

4. Use public transport where possible (or hitchhike) 

Nothing beats traveling around when it doesn’t hurt your pocket.

It’s cheaper and, most importantly, exciting! When you take public transport, you can just randomly ask your seatmate about a good lunch spot nearby, or just listen to and watch people.

I always take this opportunity to watch the people. In this way, I gain more insight into how they communicate and interact with each other, how they behave in public areas, how they welcome strangers or whatnot. It doesn’t take much, and a new perspective is guaranteed.

Make your travel a magnificent experience at a fraction of a cost!

5. Speak the language

I know it’s easier said than done, but at least know the basic words of the local language, as it will certainly help you to communicate with the locals. When you show some interest in their language, people tend to drop their guard and make friends with you easily. Although it may not work every time, at least your interest in understanding the language will bring a smile to your face.

6. Just do it and always say yes to adventures!

If there’s a place or thing you’ve always wanted to do / go, then just go for it. There’s nothing like going on an adventure, doing things you’ve never done before, throwing away your familiar skin for a while, pushing yourself to the edge of your comfort zone, drinking out under the sun, or soaking in sweat just to catch the perfect sunset… The list goes on and the adventure never stops.

Blame it on the endorphins! Adventure is the ultimate high!

How can you cope with some of your greatest fears? Easy! Just say “YES!” and you can definitely take the courage to do just about anything! It’s one heck of a confidence booster. More so, it raises your tolerance for uncertainty, and it certainly gives you memories that stay at the forefront of your mind to remember.

Travel seems to make you forget all about it once in a while. So enjoy the journey and have fun. You owe it to yourself, after all, to be happy. You’ve come this far. You deserve that. You don’t get to experience the same feeling twice. Life is short anyway. We never know what tomorrow brings. So take every experience as your last one!

As Mark Twain once wrote, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

7. Go off the beaten path (+ get lost)

Before I start a new journey, I always do research on off-the-beat paths. Call me a hipster or whatever, but it really is one of the best ways to feed your curious mind and soul. This applies very well to those who are looking for adventure and unique experiences.

If you’re planning to spend your entire trip going to the same places where thousands of other travelers have been, what new experiences are you bringing with you when you leave that place? You ‘re just going to end up sharing the same ones with many others.

Traveling off-the-beaten path may sound intimidating, but this is probably the holy grail of travel. Going the extra mile will surely add a more local experience that can’t be offered anywhere else. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean you to go to an extremely isolated destination. Even smaller towns or strange neighborhoods can be considered as one.

Getting lost, on the other hand, can be the best travel memory you can ever have.

Yes, it sounds scary, but you’re probably going to end up feeling thankful. It’s amazing what kind of stuff you can stumble upon, and a great way to get a real feel for the atmosphere of a place.

Take a walk, choose a direction, see things at a slower pace, and wander off the main street. Plus, it’s totally FREE! But of course, research safety beforehand and don’t just go whenever you feel like it. Safety should always be your top priority.  What’s more? You could discover an old coffee shop, a better local market than what’s shown on Lonely Planet, or simply an intriguing place you’ve never heard of and didn’t know about.

So don’t be afraid to get lost. There’s a certain amount of magic in exploring the unknown on your own. It will lead you deeper into their way of life, which you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. 

8. Dress (but not to impress)

In many countries, clothing is much more conservative. Remember, as a guest, it’s important to show respect for culture, so research ahead of time what’s right. Pack light and spare some space for local clothing items.

There will be some places where you will be required to wear specific clothing. Keep in mind, however, to understand why the locals dress the way they do before you do it. Try not to dress up like them without even making an effort to understand the culture. Always have a curious mind about that. This is how you learn!

9. Events and festivals

Attending cultural events and festivals is absolutely a key rule for capturing the essence of a place. Actually, it makes you feel like you’re a member of the community.

One way to truly understand a country is to understand their ways – how they celebrate and celebrate, what causes a holiday, etc. Pay extra attention to events that are in need of volunteers, events organized by the city and possible festivals where you can have a party (and by party, I mean having fun with the locals).

10. Meet locals and make friends

Need I say more?

Talking to locals can lead to friendship, tips, and even free lessons. Travel is, in fact, one of the best education that anyone could ever have—-it teaches you things that no textbook could ever do. So, while you’re away, take the chance to learn something new, whether it’s about their culture or just a simple piece of advice, by meeting locals and making friends with them. It’s a great way to have a more enriched experience talking to them.

Be open to making friends with fellow travellers as well. Either way, you’re bound to make some memorable discoveries, experiences worth sharing, new friends to keep in touch, and maybe even some epic stories that you can share with your friends back home.

11. Support local

Many countries, especially developing countries, rely on tourism for their economic survival. So, it would be more than satisfying to book tours with local guides, eat in small restaurants, stay in independent hotels, or shop in street markets. This will not only help the local economy, but will also create a more authentic experience.

When you choose to live like a local, you are taking great strides to support the local economy, which then takes you towards sustainable and responsible tourism.

12. Travel Solo

I don’t know how much more I can highlight this one. Sure, you’ve already come across hundreds of articles outlining why traveling solo is something you’ve got to do before you die.

But let’s just put it this way… By traveling alone, you can do whatever you want, making the whole trip so much easier. You’re bound to meet new people and make friends, and, above all, you get that feeling of empowerment from relying solely on yourself while you’re on the road. As someone who has traveled alone and in groups several times, I have come to realize that traveling alone is more conducive to inner growth.

Related: Is Solo Traveling a Way to Find Love?

13. Get a job or volunteer

A sure-fire way to immerse yourself in local culture is actually to be a part of society. By getting a job or volunteering, you become an instant part of the community. And just as the locals do, you’ll get to experience how the average person goes about their day-to-day lives and learn more about local and community issues. Not only will it put you in a local way of thinking, but it can also put you in touch with useful connections. Working alongside people from different countries will certainly expand your network of global connections.

I strongly believe in the power of volunteering and joining local projects abroad. You get to work on real, skills-based projects for the less fortunate communities, and that alone has a demonstrable impact. But remember, it’s not supposed to be all about the photo op. Nowadays, with the impact of social media, more people are searching for travel experiences because of the do-it-for-the-gram mentality. If this is what came into your head, then you should rethink about volunteering abroad.

ALWAYS EXAMINE YOUR MOTIVES AND DO IT AFTER YOUR OWN HEART.

14. Travel with a purpose

Why do you travel? Why do you explore?

This is probably the most oversaturated question for that matter. If you asked me 8 years ago, I would’ve totally given you an answer like… “Because I want to and it’s on my bucket list”.

From what started out as a simple desire to travel, it actually became a desire to show the folks back home this fact. We get this urge to visit a place just because it’s in and the photos look crazy on social media. We get the #FOMO (fear of missing out). We may not realize it, but, unconsciously, we do it. Maybe I’m cynical, maybe not, but I see this a lot everywhere I go — people just travel for aesthetic reasons. In fact, all these marketing ads that we see every day play a major role in influencing generations’ travel decisions, most of them relying on social media influencers.

I’m not going to lie. I used to have this idea of traveling just because of #FOMO and I’m sure I’d make a good Instagram post. But now I always make sure that I examine what my motives are before I get into a new experience. Sure, our reasons are different, and I don’t judge anybody for that.

It’s just that I noticed how one notable pillar of travel is not receiving the attention it deserves: social responsibility.

Essentially, this alludes to our awareness of the impact that we as travelers have on this planet. It calls for intentionality. But this is not limited to volunteering and teaching English only. Creating or promoting a sustainable or positive change in a community is what social responsibility is all about, whether you support local businesses or changing bad travel, our duty as travelers begins with mindfulness and is trailed by action.

At the age of 18, I was chosen to represent my home country and attend the 6th World Youth Congress. Right then and there, I was mainly focused on putting myself in the shoes of policymakers, taking part in discussions on the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 solutions for a sustainable future – nothing more, nothing less.

What really had a huge impact on me was when we took part in over 50+ action projects in different parts of the city, getting some hands-on experience of community improvement projects in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Never before have I realized how much power you could have once you were given the opportunity to get out there and expose yourself to a world you don’t know anything about, you didn’t grow up in.

At the time, I’ve met so many amazing global changemakers—development activists, media professionals, educators, artists, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, and even athletes. Each and every one of them, featuring the different complexities and values of life, discussed the experiences they had, shared projects they worked on back in their own communities, ideas and methodologies they used to build bridges rather than barriers, and so on. It was truly enriching to have a chance to talk to like-minded people. And I couldn’t help but examine how I can give back to this world as well, on what terms and how I can do this in my own little ways. From then on, I’ve always made sure to add meaning to my travels. Be it traveling responsibly, staying in a local home, learning local cultures, joining local projects, or just simply interacting with the locals.

Having traveled enough, it made me realize how you can make use of it as a tool to improve and bring about important changes in this world. What’s more, I’ve learned how diversity and different cultures play a part in the power of change. I mean, how amazing is it to be able to demonstrate learned skills and values back to your home and talk meaningfully about the whole experience with family and friends?

Now, here I am, constantly exploring the unknown, aiming to grow while striving for a positive impact. And if I have to use those words that consistently run through my head as a medium to share and inspire, then I’m going all in. There are now 1 billion tourists traveling each year, and that number will only increase in the years to come. In the event that we, as a whole, travel in the same perspective and in a responsible way, we could all influence the amazing things to happen.

Examine your motives. Travel does you well. Give back. Always think about what you can do to have a more fulfilling travel experience.

Ask yourself a few questions when planning a trip:

• Why do I want to travel?
• What outcome do I expect from taking this trip?
• Will there be other people benefiting from this trip as well?

Travel makes a big impact, so why not make it a positive one? Remember, you are part of the whole human race and it’s a million times better to travel when you aim for something bigger than the blissful experience that it gives you.

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Travel is a privilege and I am truly grateful.

When it comes to traveling in general, how to experience the place is up to you. The list I made above includes just a few of what I experienced myself that truly eased my personal growth and changed my perspective on life.

Do you have some tips too? I’d love to hear from you!