Ever seen locals mingling with a particular tourist more than others? Did you know why? Because they are closer to be a local than a foreigner. There is a big difference between how locals treat tourists who likes to dress, eat and take part in activities as they do and those who don’t worry about all these things and loves to be how they are. Locals are more open to tourist who show interests in their culture and love to speak their language.

If you want to win their favors, you need to try everything in your powers to be like a local. You will have to ditch everything that portray you as a tourist and adopt everything that make you look like a local. Here are five things that you must do to be as close to a local as local themselves.

Ditch The backpack

First thing is first, you need to avoid carrying a backpack or fanny packs because these are the things that will clearly portray you as a tourist in the eyes of the local and that is what you don’t want. Instead of carrying these backpacks, you need to be aware of your surroundings and move around like a local as you will right at home when commuting across cities.

When you roam around the cities casually, it gives local a feeling that you are a part of them and they start to see you as a local. This opens up new avenues for tourists as they can ask for directions and seeing your get up, most locals will ready to lend a helping hand as well. They will be ready to mingle with you and might even invite you over for a dinner or have a long discussion with you over a coffee.

Speak The Local Language

When you are visiting a foreign country, it is important that you learn the basic words of their language. This will not only help you convey your message to locals but when they see you trying to speak in their language, even when you are struggling to pronounce certain words, it will leave a positive first impression on them. If you are travelling to a country where people don’t speak or understand English and believe that happens, then you will be in hot waters if you don’t know the local language.

For example, you are visiting China, and no one speaks English or understand a word you say and you don’t know the local language, how would you communicate with locals? To save yourself from such embarrassing situations, it is highly recommended that you learn the language before flying to your next holiday destination. Try apps such as Duolingo to develop a basic understanding of language and you will realize how simple it is to learn the basics of any language.

Dress Like a Local

Another important part of a culture is dressing. Every country, city or town has a special dress that differentiate them from the rest. For instance, if you are visiting any Arab country then you should wear their traditional white dress. Similarly, other countries and regions have their own dresses. Follow the norms when it comes to clothing especially if you are visiting a public place.

Respect the Cultural Norms

If you are visiting a country where some activities might go against their cultural norms or religion, you should make sure you avoid them as much as possible instead of indulging in them for pleasure. When the locals see you respecting their cultural norms and abiding by the laws and regulation and respecting their religion, it will automatically create a sense of respect for you in their minds.

For instance, you are in Dubai and you take advantage of Luxury yacht charter Dubai but you see no alcohol being served so you abide by the rules and avoid it. Any local who will see you will surely appreciate this. Similarly, if you are taking luxury yacht rental Dubai services, you should follow the same rules.

Eat Like a Local

Just like other aspects, you should eat like a local. When you eat in restaurants local eat and follow the timings of dinner and lunch, locals will start to see you as a part of themselves instead of looking you as a foreigner. Not only you will get into good books of locals but you also get an opportunity to taste unique cuisine.

Which of these things you are ready to do to be like local? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.