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.

Vacations do not necessarily have to be indulgent, pricey getaways. Your vacation can be for a cause.

An increasing number of volunteer vacations have been created for different causes such as conservation of elephants and teaching English language to the unfortunate ones who are denied of education. As Robert G. Ingersoll once said, “we rise by lifting others.”

What interests you, and what do you feel strongly for? From conducting marine research in Thailand to working on Cambodia’s ongoing human rights projects, the types of volunteering vacations are actually abundant and here are 11 Volunteering Vacations in Asia that everyone should know about.

#1 DIVING AND MARINE CONSERVATION, THAILAND

Thailand’s Diving and Marine Conservation project is located near Ao Nang, with the main objective of this program being to conserve its marine environment. Volunteers will receive training, where you would be taught to scuba dive via PADI Open Water standards. You would also be involved in a series of activities such as reforestation work and reef check surveys etc.

Interested participants can register to volunteer with either Pod Volunteer or Projects Abroad.

Source: Chiangmai Specialist

#2 ELEPHANT CONSERVATION, THAILAND

Thailand’s national animal has unfortunately been overexploited for logging and whatnot over the past decades. Several organisations across Thailand have stepped up to take this matters into their hands, and are slowly (but surely) rescuing these abused gigantic creatures.

Volunteers can help out at these rehabilitation centres such as Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) by providing assistance in bathing and feeding these elephants.

#3 ENGLISH TEACHING, CHINA

Always wanted to be a teacher? You can do so in China, where countless of students are ever eager to pick up English. There are many teaching positions across China; some jobs are paid, some aren’t. Do your research intensively before settling for one!

You can look up for such opportunities online via Teach Away and Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).

#4 ENGLISH TEACHING, LAOS

If you are looking for a path off the beaten track, then perhaps teaching English in Laos is something you can consider. Interested participants can volunteer as English teachers to young Laotians or work at international schools. Bordered by Cambodia, China, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam, Laos makes a great gateway to other Asian countries.

Look up the available listings for english teaching in Laos on Go Overseas.

#5 ENGLISH TEACHING, SOUTH KOREA

Teaching English in South Korea could be either a short-term project or a long-term commitment. You could be either a paid english teacher at a public school or volunteer on a smaller scale with a host family or at a cafe instead. In return, your hosts will provide you complimentary food and housing.

Cultural Homestay International or Lzone Language Cafe are currently providing english teaching opportunities.

#6 HELPING OUT AT THE FARMS, JAPAN

Upon paying an annual WWOOF membership fee, travellers are allowed to stay with a Japanese host and partake in a variety of farm life activities such as building houses, feeding animals and shovelling snow etc. This intimate experience enable volunteers to enjoy free lodging and meals.

If you would like to live in Japan for a short period for free by helping out at the farms, visit WWOOF Japan’s site for more details.

Source: Majestic Gobi Tour

#7 JOURNALISM, MONGOLIA

Aspiring journalists, experienced reporters and all enthusiastic media industry people – listen up! If you have a penchant for Asian topics and are looking for an out-of-the-world experience in print, radio or TV – why not consider an internship at the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar? Your work will be recognised by the industry and will definitely make your resume stand out.

Check out Projects Abroad for more information regarding a journalism stint in Mongolia.

#8 JOURNALISM, SRI LANKA

How does an internship at Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka sound? You will be tasked to work on either a national daily or weekly English print publication. Topics to cover include arts, business, current affairs and even sports. Your job scope will also encompass feature writing, interviewing, researching and reporting. A minimum of 8 weeks is required.

For more specific details regarding a journalism internship at Sri Lanka, visit Projects Abroad.

#9 MOTHER TERESA, INDIA

If you have been inspired by Mother Teresa’s unconditional love for others, you too can experience it firsthand by volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity at Kolkata, India. Of course, the decision to join is more of a commitment, and is in fact far, far away from a “vacation”. While even a few days there would be life changing, it is important to note that it isn’t for everyone because hardships are to be endured, and the more emotional ones would be affected greatly by the heartbreaking poverty and living conditions.

Visit Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity official website for more details.

#10 ORGANIC FARMING, TAIWAN

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is an organisation that allows travellers to volunteer at farms across numerous countries. In Taiwan itself, organic farms are recruiting volunteers all year round and in exchange, these helpers receive complimentary accommodation and food.

Sounds like something you are keen on? Visit WWOOF Taiwan’s official website.

Source: 3rd Pole Tour

#11 PANDA CONSERVATION, CHINA

Love pandas and want to interact with these adorable creatures? Here is your opportunity to care for them and even receive a panda volunteer certificate! Dujiangyan Base – located within a 95-minute drive away from Chengdu – is currently the only place that offers such a panda volunteer program. People aged between 12 to 65 years old can apply.

Look up Pandas International organisation if you are interested to join.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.