Before You Go:
1 Decide what kind of trip you want. "People plan by landmarks instead of living like a local. That's because people feel guilty, like `I didn't come to not go to this place.' But give yourself permission to spend time where you want to be."
2
Read local reviews.
"Look up
online
newspapers
and blogs that are
written by the
people who live
there for the people
who live there. If
you find one that's
updated regularly
and seems unbiased, then it's probably legit."
3
Consider where
you stay.
"If you
book a bed-and-
breakfast, you have
a head start. Talk to
the innkeepers
about where they
like to eat, drink,
and shop. If you're
at a hotel chain,
skip the concierge
and ask staffers
what they like to do
in their free time."
When You Land:
1
Chat up your cab
driver.
"It's their
job to know where
to go. They'll
show you what's
worthwhile and give
you feedback
they've received
from other visitors.
Plus, if you hit it off,
they can be your
driver throughout
the trip."
2
Don't plan every
minute.
"Leave
time in your itinerary to talk to
folks. Connecting
with people on the
ground will introduce you to mom-and-pop shops or restaurants so new they haven't
made it into the
guidebooks."
3
Do what you
love.
"I always like
to go to art galleries, cool shops, and
film talks in the
area. If one of those
places or events
strikes a chord, I'll
talk to whoever I
find there because
they'll probably
have recommendations that I'll vibe
with as well."