Honestly, there’s nothing like stepping off the train or plane and feeling like you totally belong. No faffing with maps (okay, even if it’s just Google Maps on your phone), no touristy getups, and definitely no dragging a squeaky suitcase across cobblestones. Just strolling through the streets like you’ve done it a hundred times before, and yeah, checking off some amazing things on your bucket list, too, of course.
Now, sure, luxury travel doesn’t have to mean locking yourself inside five-star hotels all day. Sure, who wouldn’t want that? Okay, but what’s the real magic? When you mix that first-class comfort with a bit of real-world city charm. It’s about knowing how to enjoy a place without looking like, well, a tourist (even though yeah, you are a tourist technically).
Choose Experiences Over Checklists
Okay, so for starters, locals aren’t racing around trying to see everything. They’re doing their thing, living their lives, and enjoying the little moments. That’s the kind of energy you want. Instead of squeezing in every major sight, pick a few spots you actually care about and enjoy them properly.
So, maybe consider something like a long, lazy lunch at a neighbourhood spot where the waiter doesn’t hand you a tourist menu. Yeah, something like that is gold. But of course, you could even consider wandering through a market and finding the perfect bottle of olive oil you didn’t know you needed? Even better. That’s the kind of stuff you remember.
Dress the Part without Screaming “Visitor”
You don’t need to look like a local, but you also don’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. You want to be comfy enough to walk a few miles, but still look like you could stroll into a nice bar or boutique without anyone blinking. Actually, it’s going to be such a smart idea to just go ahead and skip the loud prints and souvenir hoodies.
Actually, just for pieces you’d wear at home when you want to look sharp but not like you’re trying too hard. For example, if you’re in a touristy place like Rome or Positano, or Paris, or wherever else, you don’t want to dress up like an Old Money Aesthetic costume. It’s not natural, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb, and yeah, it usually screams “tourist” as well.
So instead, just throw in some layers so you’re not caught off guard by unpredictable weather. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Take Local Transport
Well, yes and no to this one. Technically, most tourists will take public transport, especially in European cities. Okay, but with all that said, jumping in a cab every time you move around the city might be easy, but it also means you’re missing out. Basically, public transport shows you the real vibe of a place. You see people doing their everyday thing, things like commuting, grabbing a takeaway, catching up on their phones.
Basically, you just need to have your card or phone ready before you even step through the gate. No one wants to be the person blocking the turnstile. Sure, it’s not 5-star comfort, but a lot of rich people, and even rich tourists, travel this way too. Don’t let TV shows like Gossip Girl, Succession, Sex and the City, or basically anything else make you think otherwise.
Be Smart About Your Stuff
Okay, now this is such a major one! Seriously, nothing ruins the local illusion faster than bumping into people with your luggage. It’s clunky, it’s loud, and it gets in the way. Even if you’re only in the city for the day, don’t carry everything with you. Plus, it’s embarrassing too! So, if you’re in London, for example, do you really want to carry your luggage around into shops, museums, and wherever else?
Well, it kills the vibe, and yeah, most establishments won’t let you bring those in. Instead, it’s seriosuly going to be in your best interest to look into Radical Storage London, and just luggage storage in general for any destination. Basically, you just drop your bag somewhere safe, wander around hands-free, and actually enjoy yourself. So, really, there’s bo juggling your belongings in a coffee shop or knocking over displays in a boutique. Instead, just smooth, relaxed city exploring.
Don’t Plan Every Second
Seriously, locals aren’t out here timing every part of their day. They’ve got loose plans, sure, but they’re not panicking if things shift. Leave space for the random stuff. A sunny bench, a great smell from a bakery, a side street you want to wander down, follow it. Really, it’s that easy. Okay, sure, you’re not going to remember the moment you stuck to your schedule.
But instead, you’ll remember the tiny gallery you found by accident or the brilliant coffee you stumbled on after getting a bit lost.
