Travelling has evolved a lot since our adolescent days. Visiting touristy attractions were possibly the main agenda back then, but most of us now are no longer satisfied with the mere act of ticking off these iconic sightseeing places.

Instead, an increasing number of travellers are craving for an authentic local experience and immersing themselves in the lives of natives.

Perhaps the need to “escape” is no longer present for we now feel the need to educate ourselves with foreign cultural experiences – which really isn’t a bad thing. From living in a local town, partaking in cooking classes, sampling street food to walking whenever possible, here are 13 ways to live like a local while one is on a vacation.

#1 AIRBNB

For a true-blue experience of living like a local, rent either an entire apartment or private room from the locals. We highly recommend rent lodging website Airbnb for some local hosts provide the most amazing dining recommendations!

This enables travellers to get a taste of life as a local and explore surroundings of a foreign destination’s local neighbourhood like never before.

#2 COOKING CLASSES

Regardless of whether it is a half-day class, one-week workshop or a month-long course, cooking classes are a great way to learn about a destination’s culture and cuisine.

It is also during these interactive activities that you will pick up some lingo, make friends and also learn precious skills of replicating local delicacies.

Check out 7 Cooking Classes in Ubud (Bali) That Are Worth Travelling For.

#3 DITCH THE GUIDEBOOK

While a destination guidebook’s primary purpose is to facilitate one’s travels, we have also realised that most recommendations are geared towards touristy ones. To avoid tourist traps, we suggest you avoid over relying on the guidebooks and try an alternative route instead i.e. ask the locals you encounter for suggestions.

#4 DRESS UP LIKE THE LOCALS

Instead of sticking out like a sore thumb with very touristy outfits, why not do some research in advance on your designated destination and try to dress up like the locals?

Fake it ’till you make it! Avoid wearing tacky straw hats and floral printed shirt or else you might end up attracting pickpockets and scammers.

#5 EXCHANGE HOMES

There are several online websites such as Home Exchange and Love Home Swap that allow travellers to temporarily exchange their houses.

For those not in the know, it essentially means that you get to live in someone else’s home and the other party gets to live in yours. It’s a win-win situation and you get to save up.

#6 MAKE FRIENDS WITH NATIVES

You never know what striking up a conversation at wherever you are could lead to. Humans are inherently good by nature and chances are, your new friend could bring you to the coolest places in town.

Of course, always trust your gut instincts and never befriend someone whom you think is potentially dangerous.

#7 MOBILE APPS

Thanks to the advancement of technology, we now have access to the insider’s news at the tip of our fingers. Some app would feature only locally-owned restaurants while some provide tips on cities by locals themselves.

#8 PICK UP THE NATIVE LANGUAGE

Picking up a foreign language from scratch with no prior knowledge is tough, but it goes a long way when you know the key basic words.

Alternatively, why not take it to a whole new level by learning it from a language center? Your new lifelong skill could definitely help you heaps to blend in when travelling around.

#9 READ LOCAL PRESSES

For the most up-to-date information, browse through the newspaper stands and local hipster cafes for brochures and magazines. It is through these local presses that you will uncover a trove of information on the city’s upcoming events, hottest dining destinations and more.

#10 SAMPLE STREET FOOD

It is time to step out of your comfort zone and start sampling local street food on the streets itself!

This might be a daunting experience for the reserved, especially when the specific dish is particularly funky. But it is through food that you get to learn about a destination’s history, geography and demography.

#11 VISIT LOCAL GROCERS AND MARKETS

Visiting different local grocery stores and markets is an eye-opening experience. These places pose a great opportunity for travellers to check out the local communities and catch a glimpse of their livelihoods.

You are also bound to chance upon many products that you have never seen in your own hometown.

Source: Easy Tour China

#12 VOLUNTEER

Volunteering vacations are extremely common these days. If you have the time and energy to spare, why not join one of these service-based vacations where you can join the locals to build homes, teach kids or sort food donations etc.

Volunteers get to make a positive difference and meet new local friends.

#13 WALK WHENEVER POSSIBLE

While taking a private taxi could potentially save time, walking in between point A and point B (assuming it isn’t too far) could actually reveal many hidden gems you would have otherwise not known about.

Most local eateries are tucked away in small obscure streets and would be easily missed if you are driving or on a car.

Johor Bahru is one of the best places (if not the best) for Singaporeans to head to for a day trip be it to indulge in delicious local foods, hop from one aesthetically-pleasing cafe to another or simply relax and unwind over affordable body massages.

The endless things to do in Johor Bahru leaves little to wonder as to why many Singaporeans often flock there especially during weekends and school holidays. However, even though going to JB for just a day may seem rather straightforward, it actually requires a lot of planning beforehand especially if you’re not familiar with the city.

For first-timers, crossing borders even for a simple day trip might be confusing—after all, you’re heading into a foreign country so things might get a little challenging along the way. Fret not for here are some tips you may wish to keep in mind before heading off for your trip!

Photo Credit: Land Transport Authority

#1 CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEFORE YOU HEAD THERE

If you’re driving, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a 3-hour long traffic jam on the causeway bridge which would definitely tire you out before your day trip even starts.

Before leaving your home, you can check the traffic forecast on several websites such as www.checkpoint.sg and www.onemotoring.com, which shows the exact traffic conditions at the time you’re checking the forecast.

Photo Credit: Mothership.sg

#2 CHOOSE YOUR DATES WISELY

On usual weekdays, the commute from Johor Bahru across the 1 km-long Causeway bridge takes about 1 to 2 hours. On weekends and public holidays, that journey can be much longer.

On top of that, try to avoid public holidays and eve of public holidays because that would be when many Singaporeans are free to head over too. On 2018′s Christmas Eve, the customs took a whopping 7 hours to clear and those who planned to grab breakfast there ended up only getting to have dinner.

#3 DATA 

Having access to the internet makes going about much more fuss-free and convenient. Get yourself a SIM card at one of the many convenience stores over in Johor Bahru instead of turning on roaming to save some cash.

#4 TRAVELLING AROUND

Have several places on your to-go list but can’t seem to make your way from one place to another by foot? Make use of ride-hailing apps such as Grab to get around and trust us when we say that it is not difficult to get yourself a driver there.

Otherwise, if you’re flagging down a cab, be sure to request for a metered pricing rather than fixed pricing as most cab drivers tend to surge the prices. Unless you’re very familiar with the costs and distances in JB, we’d highly recommend that you opt for metered pricing.

#5 PLAN AHEAD OF TIME

Johor Bahru is huge—and when we say huge, we mean that is it 26.7 times larger than our little red dot. With that being said, there are several different areas you may wish to check out, all for different purposes so make sure that you know exactly where you want to go before heading over.

If you’re looking to find the best street foods in Johor Bahru, exploring the area around Jalan Wong Ah Fook would be a great idea. Kam Long Curry Fish Head, Ho Seng Kee Wanton Noodles and Restoran Hua Mui are just a handful of the many local eateries you can find there.

Should you be a frequent traveller to JB, do check out Taman Mount Austin if you haven’t already done so. The area has over 70 hipster cafés, local eateries, KTV lounges and massage parlours and you can easily spend an entire day there!

#6 KNOW WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT BRING BACK TO SINGAPORE

We totally understand how easy it is to get carried away with shopping in a country where almost everything is cheaper and when you see items that you can’t usually find in Singapore.

However, bear in mind that there are several items that you cannot bring back to Singapore and may get fined at the customs for doing so. Bak kwa is way cheaper in JB but that is one item that Singaporeans are strictly not allowed to bring home. Other goods include milk powder, eggs and large quantities of fruits and rice.

Photo Credit: The Straits Times

#7 BOOK A TRAIN IN ADVANCE

Should you be planning for a trip way ahead of time, you may wish to consider booking a train to and fro rather than taking a bus or driving over as it is generally faster and more reliable.

You can book your train tickets on several websites such as www.easybook.com. Fares usually cost S$5.68 and S$1.77 to and fro Johor Bahru respectively.

Read our Johor Bahru guides to discover the best places to visit in the city.

The company you pick can make or break a great holiday. Here are the 10 best types of people to travel with – but be discerning, because the very same folks can also border on annoying!

1. THE FOODIE

No explanation necessary. This is the guy who’s going to lead you to the best restaurants and cafes that the country’s own locals clamour to dine in. He’s found and followed the right food bloggers to get all the recommendations you need.

Often heard saying: “This place has lots of good reviews. Let’s eat here.”

When it becomes annoying… When he starts dissing the local cuisine or goes into pretentious food-talk mode: “Mmm. This piquant sauce really brings out the tart zing in the berries and rounds off the mouthful with a full-bodied sweetness.” Who talks like this?!

2. THE SUPER PLANNER

He’s the detail-oriented one with an excel sheet of every day’s itinerary – planned down to the minute, and colour-coded – printed before he gets to Changi Airport. He’s done all the research about the must-sees and dos for the holiday so you don’t have do to anything but follow along. He watches the time like a hawk so you’ll see plenty in a day.

Often heard saying: “Okay guys, we have to leave in the next 7 minutes and get to the next point at 340pm.”

When it becomes annoying… When there is no flexibility in his schedule – which shouldn’t be the one everyone has to follow all the time. A holiday is meant to be fun, relaxing and enriching; if you’re just rushing from place to place or can’t make any spontaneous decisions then you’ll be missing out.

3. THE PHOTOGRAPHER

It’s not necessary for The Photographer to be wielding a DSLR, though he is likely to have at least a MILC (mirrorless interchangeable lens camera) – a step up from your compacts. He’s the one who’s going to help you relive your holiday through the awe-inspiring pictures he’s taken during the entire trip. Often you’ll end up using one of his photos as your profile pic on Facebook.

Often heard saying: “Wait, wait, wait.” *snap snap* “Ok.” Or, “You guys go ahead first, I’ll catch up.”

When it becomes annoying… When he’s holding the group up every five minutes to snap an “artsy” picture of something incredibly mundane – like a rock. Or grass. Or a lamp post… You know what I mean.

4. THE LANGUAGE JUNKIE

He’s never without the local phrasebook in hand and has a genuine interest in languages so he’s really put in the effort to learn how to converse. A super useful chap for obvious reasons.

Often heard saying: Practising phrases by himself.

When it gets annoying… When he turns every excursion into a lesson, by telling you what the local words are for the things around you, then quizzing you. Don’t turn the trip into a language course we didn’t sign up for!

5. THE LIGHT PACKER

He’ll bring half the amount of clothes required for the entire trip and use the sink to do laundry. Don’t bother borrowing toiletries from him as well as he’s likely to depend on the ones provided by the hotel. Either that or he’s got one soap to cover him from head to toe. Bare minimum, is the motto he lives by. The great thing is – if you’ve shopped too much, you can hop on his baggage allowance since he’s most likely to have excess space.

Often heard saying: “Yeah you can put it in my bag, I have space.”

When it gets annoying… Um, when he’s too knackered for laundry and a reused shirt leaves an unpleasant scent trail.

6. THE HIPSTER

Want to find a hole-in-the-wall cafe? You can bet this guy’s already written it down on his Moleskine notebook. Hidden alley leading to a speakeasy with amazing Happy Hour prices? He’s got a picture of their nondescript entrance stored on his Evernote app. With The Hipster in your travel group, you’ll get to experience off-the-beaten track stuff. He’s probably a bit of a coffee snob too so you’ll never have to settle for a subpar cuppa.

Often heard saying: Hipsters don’t say anything often enough, it becomes too common.

When it gets annoying: When he’s throwing a fit about visiting an iconic landmark because it’s “so typical”.

7. THE CHEAPO

Forget flashy shopping centres, follow this guy to the street markets or outlet stores. His bargaining skills are so unrivalled, you’re really paying the lowest price possible. He’s already trawled through forums to find out the ballpark figure of things – whether it’s material goods, food, tours or hotel rooms – so you’ll never be ripped off. With this guy around, you’ll be saving major bucks on your trip.

Often heard saying: “Give me a discount” in the local language – which is often the first phrase he learns, even before “hello”.

When it gets annoying… When he sacrifices quality for low prices. Bed bug bites from a cheap hostel room and a tummy ache from eating at the dodgy-looking food stall isn’t worth the savings, no matter how substantial.

8. THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL

He’s got a reaaal appetite. This guy’s good to take along because you can order whatever you want to try, and you don’t have to worry about not finishing it. He’ll inhale the leftovers in a flash. The difference between this guy and The Foodie is that the former doesn’t care about where, when or what you eat – he’ll lap it all up.

Often heard saying: “Just order, don’t worry – I can help you eat.”

When it gets annoying: When you actually want the last piece, but it’s already in his mouth. Sigh. Never mind, less calories taken in, I guess.

9. THE GUNG-HO ONE

He’s the one who pushes you to do things you would have never found the guts to do, but be glad you did it afterwards. Whether it’s skydiving, eating something weird or dancing in public to a busker’s tune – he puts the YOLO in your trip.

Often heard saying: “Don’t think so much! Just do it!”

When it gets annoying: When you’ve gagged from putting balut (a Philippine delicacy – go Google it) in your mouth and he still insists you finish it.

10. THE NATURAL NAVIGATOR

Y’know, the one who just never seems to get lost, and remembers the route after going through it once. With him around, you’ll always find your way back to the hotel or to the landmarks – no time wasted. He can even easily locate the street market stall you want to visit again, which, as the rest of us average folk know, is no mean feat.

Often heard saying: “It’s this way guys. Confirm.”

When it gets annoying: Actually, I can’t think of a downside to this guy… Even if you were to choose a wrong turn on purpose to explore, he can lead you right back to where you wanted to be in the first place.

So, do you have friends like this in your travelling posse?

About the writer:
Ruby Tan used to write for Her World, and is now a freelance writer with a dream to travel the world. She believes that the some of best things in life don’t have to be bought.

Travelling is less expensive than you think, and it is actually possible to travel more. Let us share with you 5 reasons why you should travel more.

You are only young once. If you don’t do it now, you will NEVER have the chance to do it.

It is cliché, but it’s said so often for a reason. This is the only time where you can afford to do anything you want. If you are not going to do it now, you will never be able to do it when you are older, when you have more restrictions and are bogged down by more commitments. You have your whole life to work, so you really do not have to feel guilty about taking a long break to travel.

Travelling has taught me more than any textbook ever had.

I have learned so many life lessons from travelling; it has taught me more than any textbook ever had. This alone is a reason substantial enough for you to pack your bags and book a ticket.

Travelling allows me to understand the world so that I can better understand myself.

Travelling has shown me how big the world is, and how small we pale in comparison. Sometimes, we are so caught up with our own problems we do not realize how minute they are as opposed to the much less fortunate ones out there in the vast world. Travel, and see the world for yourself. When we step out of our zone, we see, we understand, we empathize, and we learn how to love. Travel, heighten your exposure and awareness, and see the world for yourself. Some people go to the ends of the world just to see what they can see.

It gets you out of your comfort zone.

I love Singapore, but I advocate the necessity to get out every now and then to explore new places. Get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, be inspired and influenced, and come back as a a better person.

Why not? There is no excuse for not travelling.

“My mom says I need to find a good job…” or “I don’t have time/money to travel…” Those excuses are bullshit. It is possible to travel on a budget. And if you do not have anyone to go with you, travelling alone is not as difficult as you think. Stop finding excuses, be liberated, be free, and start making plans to travel and see the world.

If you are travelling soon, read my post on 5 useful travel tips.

If you google “useful travel tips”, there are about 1,040,000,000 results from websites and blogs giving different travel advice. I’ll go straight to the point and tell you about 5 useful travel tips that always work for me.

Get data on your iPhone and use Google map.

One of the reasons why I got an iPhone is because of the map – it is dead useful. I find it so easy to navigate around in a new city, and I never have to worry about getting lost. This is probably the best travel tip I can ever give anyone.

Tourists can usually get away with anything, just be polite and smile.

Don’t be afraid of embarrassing yourself. Remember, the best part about being a tourist is you can do anything. Nobody knows you, so there’s really no need to be afraid of doing/saying stupid things.

Stay away from the touristy restaurants. Eat where the locals eat.

You are doing it wrong if you are eating in a restaurant which is full of tourists. The most important thing when you are travelling is to try the local cuisine. Eat where the locals eat, stay away from the touristy areas.

Do your research.

Which is the best hidden restaurant? Where do locals go for a nice dinner? What are some of the must-try food? Read local food blogs to find good eating places, ask your friends who have been to that city, do your research before the trip.

Prioritise your objectives for the trip.

Are you there for shopping? Or are you there to explore the famous tourist spots? Unless money is no object, you must know what is your main objective for the trip, and plan accordingly.

Travelling is food for the soul. If you haven’t planned your next trip, it’s time to do so! Feel free to leave me a comment if you have questions, or tweet me at @ladyironchef.