Introduction
I’ve been traveling around Europe for the past 10 months and have learned a few things about living like a local. When I first came to Europe, I assumed that it would be easy to live like a local because of all the touristy stuff available in big cities like Paris, Rome, Barcelona… But then I realized that there’s so much more than just sightseeing! Here are some ways you can learn from locals and experience how they live:
I’ve been traveling around Europe for the past 10 months and have learned a few things about living like a local.
- Don’t be afraid to travel alone. You will meet many people along the way, and it’s a great way to make friends.
- Book your flights and hotels as early as possible; it will save you money in the long run!
- Learn some basic phrases in the local language so that if you get lost or need help finding something, at least you can ask how much something costs or where an ATM machine is located!
- Try local food! It may not look like what we eat here in America but don’t be afraid of trying new things because they could turn out being delicious (and maybe even healthier than what we are used too). Eating at restaurants is another way Europeans save money on food when traveling overseas so try doing this instead by eating out less often during your trip abroad!!
It’s important to leave your comfort zone.
You don’t need to pack your bags and move across the Atlantic to live the European life. You can do it right here in America!
In fact, there are many ways you could be living like a European without even knowing it–because Americans have been doing this for years. In fact, we’ve had so much practice at being European that sometimes we forget how much of a foreign concept it actually is for some people outside our borders (and even within). But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my travels through Europe over the last few months: everyone has room for improvement when it comes to being more European!
So let’s get started with some basic tips on how Americans can start living more like Europeans today:
Try local food.
One of the best ways to get a feel for a new place is by trying its food. Europeans have incredible culinary traditions, and it’s easy to get lost in the local flavor by sampling all kinds of delicacies. You’ll find that many restaurants have affordable menus with options that range from traditional dishes to fusion cuisine.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, there are plenty of markets where you can buy ingredients and cook at home–or even find recipes online! Cooking is also a great way to meet people; many hostels offer communal dinners where travelers can share their stories over a meal together (and hopefully practice their language skills too).
Take advantage of public transportation.
When you’re traveling to Europe, it’s important to take advantage of the public transportation system. There are several ways to get around in Europe. You can walk or bicycle, but if those aren’t options for you (or if they just don’t sound appealing), then taking a train is probably your best bet.
The first thing you should know about using trains in Europe is that most countries have one main line that goes across their entire country–this means that unless there are special circumstances such as wanting to go somewhere far away from where the main line goes (like Scotland), then taking this kind of train will generally get you anywhere within that country with ease!
Once on board your train, find out what ticket type suits your needs best: single trip tickets are good if all you need is one ride; day passes allow unlimited travel within 24 hours; monthly passes last three months and usually offer unlimited rides during peak hours at reduced rates compared with single trips; annual passes allow unlimited rides throughout their duration period at discounted prices compared with monthly passes
Walk everywhere you can.
There’s a reason why Europeans walk everywhere, and it’s not just because they’re less likely to get fat. Walking is an excellent way to see and experience your surroundings, whether it’s in your hometown or on a trip abroad. You’ll learn about new places by observing them up close as you stroll through them; you’ll also gain insight into how people live their lives when they’re not rushing from one place to another.
If you live in an urban environment, walking can help revitalize your neighborhood so that it feels more like home again–and if there are parts where crime has been increasing recently (or if there are certain blocks where everyone just seems uncomfortable), then this could be an opportunity for improvement as well! The key here is keeping an open mind: be willing enough both physically and mentally so that any potential dangers don’t deter from exploring further beyond what might seem safe initially at first glance.”
Ask people questions.
Ask questions. Ask any and all questions you can think of, and don’t be afraid to ask them in multiple languages (if you speak more than one). You’ll discover things about the local culture, history and architecture that you would never have otherwise known.
The most rewarding part of traveling is learning about another culture; it’s what makes our experiences so unique from one another. And if there’s one thing Europeans love talking about as much as wine or soccer, it’s their cities!
Don’t wait until the last minute to book flights and hotels.
There are two times to book flights and hotels: a few months in advance, or last minute (if you’re willing). The best time to book your flight is around four months before your trip. You’ll find the cheapest fares and most availability this way. If you’re going on vacation with friends or family members, make sure everyone books their tickets at the same time so that everyone can fly together.
If you have no idea where exactly in Europe you want to go when planning out this adventure of yours, there’s nothing wrong with booking a flight without having any solid plans yet! Start researching different cities and countries online until one catches your eye–and then go ahead and book the ticket! It will help narrow down where exactly within Europe would be most ideal for living out that European lifestyle we’ve been talking about here today (which brings us right back around).
Learn a little bit of the language so you can ask basic directions, restaurant recommendations, etc…
Learning a little bit of the language will make your trip much more enjoyable, and it’s really not that hard. If you can speak a few phrases, it’ll show that you’re making an effort to learn about their culture and people will appreciate it. You’ll also feel much more confident in your travels if you know how to ask basic directions or restaurant recommendations.
A great way to practice is by negotiating with vendors at markets, or even just asking for directions from locals on the street! If they see that you’re trying (and not getting frustrated), they’ll want to help out as much as possible because they’ll know how difficult it must be for someone who doesn’t speak their language well enough yet.*
Don’t be afraid to travel alone. I do it all the time and I’ve never had an issue.
When I travel alone, I find that it’s the best way to meet people and make friends. You will see things you wouldn’t otherwise, be spontaneous and do things you never thought possible. You will learn so much about yourself as well as others around you!
The world is an amazing place; have fun exploring it all by yourself!
You don’t need a lot of money or a high level of athleticism to live like a European
While it’s true that Europe is a more expensive place to live than the US, it’s still possible to travel there and live like a local. You don’t need to be super fit or have tons of money, either; all you need is an adventurous spirit and some basic knowledge about how things work in Europe.
As far as fitness goes: if you’re not used to walking up hills or carrying heavy bags on your back, then maybe try doing some exercises at home before you go! But even if you’re not exactly in shape yet (or ever), don’t worry–there are plenty of places where tourists can rent bikes or take public transportation around town instead of walking everywhere (just make sure they’re reliable). And remember: Europeans take their vacations off too! If they want something good enough for themselves then surely we should strive towards achieving those same standards ourselves
Conclusion
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, I encourage you to travel around Europe and experience all it has to offer. It’s an incredible place with beautiful scenery, delicious food and amazing culture. Plus, it’s not as expensive as most people think!
