How many countless times have you relied on locals when traveling? I know first hand how invaluable their advice can be. Not just for the obvious needs of helping with directions when you are lost, but for other trip enhancing tips. “Where can I go to see the best view of your city?”, “Where is the best place to get a good family dinner?”, “Where is the best shopping district, and live music night scene?”. Taking advice from locals will take you away from the tourist destinations and into the real heart of the land you are visiting. I have fallen into so many unexpected, life memorable experiences this way.
Once, when visiting Barbados, we found out where the best flying fish was served. We could dine amongst the locals without the tourist crowds from the cruise ships we had encountered elsewhere. Through conversation over our meal, we were directed a few streets over to where a woman was selling lunch off her porch. She was dishing right out of the pot from her kitchen, and there was a huge line up! She ran out of food and the droves of neighbours skulked off with heads hung low. I would have loved to enjoy her home cooking, but just witnessing that was fantastic. I have to say that to this day, I can still remember the flavour of the fish back at Oistins. I am so glad we went, because it was a unique experience and certainly nothing I could just pick up and go do in my daily life at home!
When the travelers come to you and it’s your turn to be the local, will you be ready? Will you be able to answer their questions? What do you think are the highlights, not-to-be-missed features of your city? What food, music or social interactions might move the soul of a traveler, and where would you point someone who’s on the quest for ‘roamance’?
I love talking to locals because they can give you unbiased opinions on where to eat and where’s the best place to be. I remember two years ago, it was my time to be the local ‘tour guide’ to travel blogger friends when they visited my home town. It made me appreciate my birthplace more although I have to admit that I haven’t really explored much of my province.
I love this post. For me, interacting with locals is such a defining part of the travel experience; the tips you get as well as the general feel of the area x
I’m glad you appreciate locals as I do! I agree, when it’s your turn not just to be a local, but to be a host, it does make you learn more about your area. I feel the pressure sometimes though, because I tend to feel responsible for their vacation experiences.
Flying fish is amazing .Oistins fish fry is excellent too and just past the fish fry 150 yards down on the left is a little bar/pub with friendly locals try it out if near by
Thanks Phil!
I will absolutely do that when I am back in Barbados again! Grateful for the tip!
Fortunately I have never been on a cruise ship. I cannot imagine how it might be when a few hundred tourists rush into such a location.
I always travel lightly, try to blend in with the locals and ask for their recommendations. You get to see a completely different view of the location if you try to stay away from the beaten paths…