7 Ways to Live Like a Local While Vacationing

Because the best parts of travel rarely make it onto a brochure.

Not long ago, we found ourselves walking through a quiet neighborhood in a new city—coffee in hand, kids a few steps ahead, chasing the sound of a distant playground laugh.

It wasn’t a planned stop. We had no itinerary that morning. But that unexpected detour? It became one of our favorite memories from the trip.

That’s the thing about travel. The big sights are great. But more and more, I find myself craving something a little slower. A little more real. Something that doesn’t leave us needing a vacation from our vacation.

We’ve started building in time to just be wherever we go. And every time, we leave feeling more connected—to the place, to the people, and to each other.

So here it is—seven things we’ve learned about how to live like a local when you travel. These aren’t groundbreaking tips. But they’re small shifts that can turn a trip from fun into meaningful.

1. Choose a stay that feels like home

Hotels have their perks—but there’s something about staying in a house or Airbnb that changes the whole tone of the trip.

You wake up to the sound of neighborhood life instead of the hum of a hallway. You walk to a corner store for milk. You chat with the person walking their dog past your porch.

We once rented a place in Naples, Florida that sat just a few blocks from a little neighborhood park. One evening, instead of doing a sit-down dinner, we wandered into the local bakery ( Bonta Bakery) , grabbed a few sandwiches ( our favorites are: Caprese panini, Parmigiana Pizza In Teglia ) and treats, and made our way to the park.

Lennon ran for the swings and Clark ran straight to the open field, where he found a stash of community bats and balls, instant entertainment.

We found a shady spot, unwrapped our food, and snacked while the sun dipped low.

No reservations.

No rush.

Just a simple, joy-filled evening.

As we wandered the park, we learned that a farmers market would be popping up in that same parking lot the next morning. That one easy evening turned into two days of local magic—all because we let go of the plan and followed the moment.

2. Find the playgrounds nobody tells you about

If you have kids, skip the long lines and look for the swing sets tucked into neighborhoods.

It’s usually how we start to feel like we’re actually somewhere new—watching our kids play alongside local families, noticing the rhythm of the day.

We’ve found splash pads on school grounds, hidden wooden forts, and one park that had the best food truck parked nearby.

None of it on the travel blogs. All of it memorable.

3. Shop where the locals shop

Instead of the big tourist strip, veer off a bit. Wander into the shop with handwritten signs. The bakery that only takes cash. The farmer’s market with live music and baskets of handmade soaps.

We still talk about the shop owner in Maine who gave us directions and a jar of her homemade blueberry jam.

That jam came home with us—and every time we opened it, it brought the trip right back.

4. Keep your plans loose on purpose

I used to think I had to fill every minute to make the most of our time. Now? I build in space. For naps. For walks. For following a “what’s down that street?” hunch.

It’s in those open windows that some of our best memories happen. A bookstore we didn’t know existed. A quiet moment by the water. An unexpected street performer that made the kids belly-laugh.

The less we schedule, the more we experience.

5. Ask about kids’ programs (and go!)

Libraries, museums, and nature centers are goldmines for families—and many of them have drop-in programs designed for locals.

They’re usually free or low cost, and it’s a way to ease into the vibe of the place you’re visiting.

Plus, you meet other families who’ll tell you where the real best ice cream is. (Trust the local moms. Always.)

6. Find the community calendar

Almost every town or city has a local calendar. We’ve stumbled upon outdoor movie nights, live music in the park, seasonal festivals and even a rodeo!

Most of these things aren’t on the big travel sites—but they’re where the community shows up.

And if you want to feel like a local? Go where the locals go.

7. Take the scenic route—literally

Because the best parts of travel rarely make it onto a brochure.

We’ve learned to stop rushing from point A to point B and start asking: what might we find if we take the long way? Sometimes, it’s a roadside fruit stand with peaches so sweet you eat three before getting back in the car. Other times, it’s a lookout you almost drove past—until you didn’t. It’s a dusty road, a winding path, a pause at golden hour that makes everyone a little quieter.

One evening, we ditched the GPS's "fastest route" and ended up winding our way through backroads framed by cotton candy skies and horses grazing by the fence. It added ten minutes. And gave us a memory we still talk about.

If there’s an option to take the scenic road, do it. Every single time.

So here’s my take…

Travel doesn’t have to be go-go-go. It doesn’t have to be picture-perfect or packed with back-to-back activities. In fact, the best parts rarely are.

It can be wandering. Wondering. Showing up with your whole self and letting the place meet you there.

So next time you head out—whether it’s across the country or just down the road—try looking through a different lens.

What would it look like to live here?

That simple question has brought us some of our favorite stories.

And honestly? It’s made travel feel a whole lot more like coming home.