By Kim Wildman
MSN NZ Travel writer
We've all heard the old saying "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". Put simply it means to act like the locals. When it comes to travel, you couldn't want for better advice. So if you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, here are our top eight tips on how to blend in.
Learn the lingo
The best way to get under the skin of a place is to learn the local lingo. Try starting with phrases for "hello", "goodbye", "please" and "thank you". By learning just a few words you'll not only be able to navigate your way around daily practicalities such as transportation and shopping more easily, but it'll also take you a long way in earning the locals' respect and help you make new friends.
Rent an apartment
Forget about staying in a big hotel — they're soulless, impersonal and isolating. Instead, rent an apartment in a local neighbourhood. Beyond the dollar savings, you'll also enjoy the comforts of home while experiencing life as a local giving you the ability to more fully explore and appreciate the place you are in.
Eat like a local
Food is as much a part of the culture of a place as the language is. So skip the touristy restaurants, and start eating like a local. Find out where the neighbourhood's best markets are and buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Keep an eye out for great hole-in-the-wall restaurants that are packed with locals or get recommendations from your landlord or neighbours. And if street food is part of the daily local diet, eat it.
Read the paper
The best way to gain insight into a country and its people is to start reading the local newspaper. You'll not only look less like a tourist, but you'll quickly get clued up as to what is going on in the community. By reading the local newspaper you'll learn more about the local politics and current social issues and concerns of a community than you ever would reading a guidebook.
Avoid tourist areas
If you really want to discover the heart and soul of a country and its people, avoid visiting places and attractions that are popular tourist areas. Explore a quiet suburb, meander around the back streets, pop into a local boutique, or relax and people-watch in a little-known out-of-the-way cafe. By steering clear of the major tourist attractions, you'll open yourself up to a more personal and unique travel experience.
Use local transport
The best way to get a feel for a place is to use the public transport. But have a look at how the locals get around. In many countries locals actually forgo the rail, bus and subway networks in favour of rickshaws, shared taxis, minibuses, motor bikes or bicycles. While for the uninitiated the local transportation system may seem daunting, with practice you'll be travelling like a savvy local in no time.
Exude confidence
One of the quickest ways to look like a local is to look like you know where you're going — even if you don't. Try to avoid looking at maps while you're in the street. Study your route before hand, or find one of those wallet-sized maps which you can discreetly refer to if necessary.
Ditch the guidebook
Guidebooks are certainly very useful travel tools, but they tend to follow the well-beaten tourist trail meaning you'll end up only meeting other travellers. Instead, ditch the guidebook and ask the locals for recommendations for where the best clubs, restaurants and sights are. Their tips are bound to be better than anything you'll find in a guide.
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