Ten Things is a series from Pretty & Fun’s intern, Emily of Em La Jolie, that was started to give you ten pieces of advice each month – from travel to lifestyle to food. 

// photo via Santiago Uruguay

First up, ten things to help you act like a local when abroad:

1. Research // You’re going to learn so much while traveling, but it’s important to do a little self-informing beforehand. Be sure that you know any hand gestures or words that might offend and steer clear of using them when you’re there. Little things like customs on leaving tips, restaurant manners, traffic laws and days when shops will be closed are a good thing to note as well.

2. Talk The Talk // So you’re going to a country that speaks a
different language and the only thing you can say is hello? Grab a
pocket phrase book before you jet off – you’ll be surprised at how much
you can pick up and it’ll make the experience that much more immersive.

3. Dress The Dress // Style is a huge indicator of where you’re from. Try to pick up some pieces that look like they’ll blend with the culture – or if you can’t find much, just buy them when you’re there! For instance, Europe is known for their obsession with black, the Middle East is known for tissue-like fabrics and Africa is known for colorful prints. And let me tell you from experience, there is nothing more awkward than wearing all pink in a room full of people clad in dark colors. You’ll feel ten times more comfortable if you don’t stick out like a sore thumb.

4. Have A Plan // The easiest way to spot a tourist is to look for the person who seems lost and confused. Shy away from public displays of tourism (or PDT, as I like to call them) and make a plan before you leave your hotel or restaurant for your next destination. If you’ve gotten a little lost despite that, don’t fret – just step out of the way and reevaluate.

5. Ask Questions // Just because you have an idea of where you’re going, doesn’t mean you can’t ask a local for some help. As long as you’re clear and patient – especially if you don’t speak the language – they will be willing to get you where you need to be & they might even let you in on a secret shortcut.

6. Eat Local // We all know what McDonald’s is like; it doesn’t change much from country to country. Try to dine in local restaurants and cafés instead of larger chains. And if you’re unsure of what to order, ask the waiter/waitress for their favorite dish – this can almost guarantee you’ll get a taste of life as a native!

7. Take A Detour // There are always tourist spots that you have to go to, if only to say that you went. But, for every country or every city, try to pick something that you don’t usually see on travel websites or your friends’ Instagrams. Ask locals or people who have been before for their favorite secret place, or if you’re feeling adventurous, wander around the neighborhood and find your own hidden gem.

8. Be Social // Make a point to meet new people on your trip. It’s scary to think of just waltzing up to a stranger and saying hi, and rightly so, because this is never how it goes. Maybe you strike up a conversation with the person you stopped for directions, you order the same drink as someone else at the bar and start chatting, or even get invited to a club by your friendly waiter/waitress. Stick to your intuition though; if you feel like someone is sketchy, by all means stay away, but don’t make up reasons to keep to yourself either. You’re only there once, live it up!

9. Go With The Flow // Every country has a different time schedule, so remember to stay flexible. Museums may not open at the crack of dawn, stores may close for an hour or two in the middle of the day, restaurants may take longer to bring out your food and you may not be served dinner until after 8pm. Keep in mind that this is all part of the culture and embrace it – you’ll get a lot more out of the experience if you go with the flow and not against the current.

10. Observe // When all else fails, look around you! Even if you’re in a touristy area, there are bound to be some natives to the country that you can use as an example. Take the time to notice if you’re being uncharacteristically loud or rude. You can tell a lot just from body language and it’s going to be your best bet for truly blending in.

Do you have experience traveling abroad? What tips and tricks have you picked up during your travels? What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?