How to Not Look like a Tourist

When you are traveling to another country, what motivates you?Are you there to see the wonders of the world? Are you there to eat the food? Are you there just to say that you have been there?How deeply involved do you want to get in to the cultural experience?If you are willing to live like the people, even just a little bit, you will make many more memories than a simple selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower.

I would like to share some suggestions I compiled before traveling to France, and some that I would share from my own experience.Remember, this is for those who want to go further than tourist. And, saving some money is always good too.

1. Plan Ahead, but Be Non-Specific

• Know which sites you want to see. Look up their busiest times, and times when they are closed. (i.e. Paris attractions are closed on a specific day of the week; everyone goes to Versailles or other places that day.)
• Pick a couple of things a day you want to do/see, so you don't get burnt out. It can be a lot of walking and waiting in lines.
• Submit to the slower lifestyle. Give yourself plenty of time to rest, to walk around, to explore the unexplored.
• Ask your hosts, check travel websites (like Rick Steves), or if you are confident in the language, just ask around.

2. Use Money Wisely

• Especially for those in the U.S., euro conversion rates are going up. Don't waste money on a fancy hotel, when you can get an Airbnb with nice people (actually, the people usually aren't home when you rent, anyway) who know the area for much cheaper.
• Don't buy in to the street sellers unless you really want something they have. Products are usually cheap. It may sound mean, but pretend they are invisible if you aren't interested. Unless it is food. Street food is as good quality as anywhere. But food goes quickly: go find a store, make your own food, and bring it in a pack.
• Remember all of those fancy souvenirs have to go through customs. You probably aren't going to remember what you got them for in ten years anyway. Focus on being in the moment, and taking some pictures or video along the way.
• Don't pay for a taxi or car when you can bus, bike, or walk. The bus passes are well worth the money, if you get the right one. Some of them even include tourist attractions (I'd pay separately, but either way it costs about the same).
• Running low on funds? Spend a day around your Airbnb. There are parks, cemeteries, fun architecture, midnight dances, etc. everywhere that are free to see. Remember, everything is generally free from the outside.

3. Learn the Language

• Even if you are taking a trip on a whim, you can buy an English other language dictionary, or phrasebook. There are also plenty of apps for that if you have space for them (Duolingo, HelloTalk, Babbel). Please, for the love of all that is good, do NOT use Google Translate to try to talk to people! It is good for a word here or there but never for whole phrases.
• That being said, a word or two a day are pretty easy. The most common things you will use are terms that involve money, transportation, tourist sites, and food, so focus on those.
• When you are trying to talk to someone, check your phrasebook if needed, look them in the eye with confidence, and speak. If you have no idea, you can always ask if they speak any English, but they will respect you more if you give an effort.

Those are some pretty basic rules. Interact to your heart's pleasure, but trust your intuition and stay safe!