Authentic Travel: 10 Ways to Achieve It

I avoid the word "authentic" because what does it mean in the age of globalization? Cultures change constantly: What’s "real" one day is commodified the next, packaged for travelers' enjoyment. But we all want authenticity, right? I’m certainly not above using the word in the headline in order to get your attention.

Instead, when traveling abroad, I try to seek out how people live. Sure, I’ll see the big sights and poke around whatever is hip and hot, but I spend much of my time investigating residential neighborhoods; the disorienting little differences between how they do something and how I do it are what, for me, make travel so exciting.

GET A HAIRCUT I’m still kicking myself for not stopping at that cool old-school barber shop in Rome (pictured above) for a haircut and a shave. And I’ve heard fabulous tales from travelers who got haircuts in India and southeast Asia.

SHOP AT A SUPERMARKET Some of my best souvenirs come from exploring the aisles of supermarkets—or, for that matter, hardware stores, stationery shops, pharmacies, anywhere locals shop. You can learn so much about a culture this way.

RUN ERRANDS In Paris, the zipper on one of my two pairs of pants broke; I had no choice but to get it fixed. I ended up at a messy little hole in the wall in the Marais, where an old man wouldn't let me leave without insisting that I agree to button my pants before I zip. (I don't speak much French and he spoke no English, so there was a lot of semi-obscene miming.) I'll never forget it.

VISIT A SCHOOL Unlike adults, kids don't treat tourists differently. It helps if you have an introduction—either from your hotel or a local organization. And ask if you can bring supplies: It won't be patronizing—even U.S. schools can use all the help they can get.

TALK TO LOCALS It sounds obvious, but it can be remarkably hard to do. (I was much better at it when I was single and tended to stay up late.) If you find it difficult to make that spur-of-the-moment leap, consider posting a discussion on TravelPost asking if anyone knows anyone in your destination. Even if you don't meet a lifelong friend, for the price of a cup of coffee you can get answers to all the questions you undoubtedly have.

ATTEND A SPORTING EVENT In Japan, I went to see sumo wrestling, which is actually pretty dull. (They wrestle for a few seconds at most.) But watching how others watch, how they applaud (or don't), and eating what they eat—that's what travel is all about. Plus, the gift shop had excellent souvenirs.

OBSERVE A RELIGIOUS SERVICE This is another one where you should make sure it's OK first; arrive early to request permission or get your hotel to call ahead or write a note explaining what you'd like to do.

GET SICK Of course I'm not really recommending this—but if you do fall ill, try to stay alert enough to notice the details. Maybe it'll be interesting enough to take your mind off whatever's ailing you....

Note: For all of these activities, remember that people and places off the tourist track aren't always used to having photographs taken. Ask before you shoot.

Have your own ways of seeing the "real" side of a place? Share them in this authentic travel advice discussion I started on TravelPost.