Georgios Makkas
By Madeline Reddington with Yolanda Clatworthy
Most travelers realize in short order that our experiences abroad -- and in other unfamiliar territories -- are greatly enhanced by spending time with those who know it best, the locals. Whether you stay at their home, spend a weekend with them, or even chat over a beer, you'll be opening yourself to a more intimate and genuine experience of your destination.
Here are five tips for planting yourself in authentic cultural experiences whenever you travel.
Photo Caption: A café along the Jordaan Canals in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
It's obvious, but creating and nourishing relationships with the people you meet is always worthwhile -- even if you'll only be around for a short time.
Madeline: "While studying abroad in Amsterdam, I watched one of my best friends cultivating 'homes' for himself all around the city -- when we found a bar we liked, he'd make friends with the waiter, then the bartender, then the owner, and so on. By the time we'd been in Amsterdam for four months, visiting these places was like having a drink with good friends -- and we absorbed much more knowledge of Amsterdam's culture, lifestyle and attitude than we would have otherwise." Bartenders, street vendors, and baristas are far from mere background characters to your journey, these people can tell you a lot about the local culture -- you may be surprised what you learn from them.
Picture Credit: Neftalie Williams
Photo Caption: A bustling cafe in the medieval town of Cuneo, Italy
Like most travelers, we are knowledge-hungry people, and are always excited to learn everything we can about a destination. But we also find that connecting to a community that shares our interests can take things to a new lever.
Madeline: "When I found a tiny club in Amsterdam that played hip-hop (most don't), I was psyched. We never would have happened upon it, except that a classmate from the city suggested it to us. Well, it was great. Unfortunately the MC we made friends with at the club also tried to get me to come onstage and rap -- too much beirtje, sir."
When you're traveling, your interests can be a great reason to make friends, and just talking about what you like and asking locals for tips can change your whole trip.
Photo Caption: Cafe in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
One of the most intimate ways to connect with local culture is to stay with locals themselves.
Yolanda: "This summer, I stayed with locals in ten European cities while documenting my experiences. I can't say enough how warm and welcoming my hosts were, and they made my trip incredibly memorable. Some even treated me like family. I went to birthday parties, underground bars, and even made homemade Polish food while staying in a suburb of Warsaw. I had an amazing time."
However you're able to connect with them, staying with locals can be amazing. Not as predictable as a hotel, but hey what's the fun of traveling if it's not unpredictable?
Photo Caption: An apartment in Paris, France from Rentalo.com
While even the best-laid travel plans sometimes go frustratingly awry, unexpected happenings can also make the best memories.
Yolanda: "While I was on my way to Belgrade this summer, a train conductor told me about a crazy trumpet festival that happens in the Serbian countryside every year (again, great reason to talk to people everywhere). Well, I wanted to take a look, so when I reached my hostel, I shoved a red bull and a toothbrush in my bag and set out. In front of the hostel I found four French guys who were visiting as well, and convinced them to road trip with me out to the festival -- it was amazing."
It can be a bit risky to jump in with strangers, but as long as you're safe, it's usually worth the leap.
Photo Caption: Concert scene outside of Belgrade, Serbia.
Most travelers realize in short order that our experiences abroad -- and in other unfamiliar territories -- are greatly enhanced by spending time with those who know it best, the locals. Whether you stay at their home, spend a weekend with them, or even chat over a beer, you'll be opening yourself to a more intimate and genuine experience of your destination.
Here are five tips for planting yourself in authentic cultural experiences whenever you travel.
Photo Caption: A café along the Jordaan Canals in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Madeline: "While studying abroad in Amsterdam, I watched one of my best friends cultivating 'homes' for himself all around the city -- when we found a bar we liked, he'd make friends with the waiter, then the bartender, then the owner, and so on. By the time we'd been in Amsterdam for four months, visiting these places was like having a drink with good friends -- and we absorbed much more knowledge of Amsterdam's culture, lifestyle and attitude than we would have otherwise." Bartenders, street vendors, and baristas are far from mere background characters to your journey, these people can tell you a lot about the local culture -- you may be surprised what you learn from them.
Picture Credit: Neftalie Williams
Photo Caption: A bustling cafe in the medieval town of Cuneo, Italy
Madeline: "When I found a tiny club in Amsterdam that played hip-hop (most don't), I was psyched. We never would have happened upon it, except that a classmate from the city suggested it to us. Well, it was great. Unfortunately the MC we made friends with at the club also tried to get me to come onstage and rap -- too much beirtje, sir."
When you're traveling, your interests can be a great reason to make friends, and just talking about what you like and asking locals for tips can change your whole trip.
Photo Caption: Cafe in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Yolanda: "This summer, I stayed with locals in ten European cities while documenting my experiences. I can't say enough how warm and welcoming my hosts were, and they made my trip incredibly memorable. Some even treated me like family. I went to birthday parties, underground bars, and even made homemade Polish food while staying in a suburb of Warsaw. I had an amazing time."
However you're able to connect with them, staying with locals can be amazing. Not as predictable as a hotel, but hey what's the fun of traveling if it's not unpredictable?
Photo Caption: An apartment in Paris, France from Rentalo.com
Yolanda: "While I was on my way to Belgrade this summer, a train conductor told me about a crazy trumpet festival that happens in the Serbian countryside every year (again, great reason to talk to people everywhere). Well, I wanted to take a look, so when I reached my hostel, I shoved a red bull and a toothbrush in my bag and set out. In front of the hostel I found four French guys who were visiting as well, and convinced them to road trip with me out to the festival -- it was amazing."
It can be a bit risky to jump in with strangers, but as long as you're safe, it's usually worth the leap.
Photo Caption: Concert scene outside of Belgrade, Serbia.