Travelers today, especially among the younger generations, are seeking much more than a getaway from their everyday lives. They look for a real experience––an experience of daily local life in their country of choice. In fact, many travelers today are opting for local interaction, day-time markets and unbeknownst pubs compared to luxury hotel staff, guided tours and the hottest nightlife in the city.

Town & Country Travel understands that these types of explorations encourage independence and cultural appreciation. That’s why we never limit our clients’ itineraries. If you’re a traveler looking for the most authentic experience on your vacation, we have some suggestions for you. When you have decided what type of new adventure you’re looking for, contact our team to plan the next steps.

Before your trip:

1. Choose your destination.
There are a lot of “trending” destinations, but remember that they are always changing and evolving. Do some research on a country that you are genuinely interested in learning about. Maybe it’s a country of your ancestry or one you studied in school. Wherever you decide to go, you are deciding for you. Who knows! You might even make your unique destination a trending one!

2. Choose your type of accommodation.
We cringe at the word “hostel” but know very well that younger travelers often opt for hostels and Airbnb for cheaper accommodations. That’s just what you risk getting—cheap. Having to worry about your safety and wellness isn’t something that should happen on your vacation. There are a huge variety of hotels that cater to your personal lifestyle and have local staff that can give you suggestions of the hole-in-the-wall cafes and activities you won’t find many other tourists at. Our expert agents at Town & Country Travel know which accommodations will provide the right service for you, and you will never have to question your well-being.

3. Choose your transportation.
Deciding to use public transit is a great way to live like the locals. Popular cities have transit systems like subways, trollies and buses that are great for hopping around to different neighborhoods. Bicycle shares are also very popular in metro areas, allowing you to rent a bike throughout the day and letting you explore on your own terms. Town & Country does, however, recommend using a private car to pick you up and drop you off from the airport to the hotel––something our agents can book for you. Not only will this assure your safety and timeliness, but you might also get a quick lesson on the town, culture and language from your driver!

4. Choose your tour.
Okay, we’re sorry we had to say it. Tour. Literally in the word tourist, which is what you’re avoiding. Don’t forget, though, that there are private or small group tours that focus on local hotspots, instead of the usual touristy sites. You will often find residents of the city guiding these, too, giving you personal time to ask questions and get the lowdown on other experiences. Sign up for a food tour or pub crawl to eat local, drink local and meet local.


During your trip:

1. Learn the key terms.
It’s thoughtful and very helpful as a traveler to learn at least some key terms in the native language of the country you’re visiting. The plane ride is a great time to learn these whether it be in book or podcast format. Phrases like “please,” “thank you,” “may I have,” “where is” and “how much” can go a long way when speaking to locals; and they will appreciate your effort in delving into their culture.

2. Dress appropriately.
Steer clear from sneakers, backpacks, graphic tees and other common American clothing. Wearing these not only puts a big target on your back telling others that you’re a tourist, but it also opens yourself up to pickpockets and getting ripped off by vendors like cab drivers. Here’s a great article about blending in that we shared on the Town & Country Travel Facebook page.

3. Pick “your spot.”
We’ve had clients tell us about how they became regulars at a cafe to the point where the staff seemed to expect them every morning. After attempting to order their food and drink in the native language, the staff assisted on pronunciation, suggested other menu items and even asked what was on the agenda for that day. Having “your spot” is a great way to meet locals and learn a lot about your surroundings while bringing a sense of comfort from familiarity.


Ready to book your local experience? Call Town & Country Travel at 585-381-2850 (toll free: 800-747-2850) to book everything you need. Your world is waiting!

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