Issue 13 / The Best Apps For The Most Authentic Travel Experience

by Naemah Abid

The Best Apps For The Most Authentic Travel Experience

Aug 29, 2015

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

One of the reasons people travel is to explore new cultures — to learn about their history, their food and their way of life. The best way to do that is by interacting with the people of that country — the locals. They know their city better than anyone, especially when it comes to upcoming local events and the best spots to eat, shop and unwind. Here are some apps and websites that can help you connect with a local for a more authentic travel experience.

^{Photo Credit: www.couchsurfing.com}

Stay with locals.

Couchsurfing allows you to live like a local anywhere in the world! It's an online community where locals offer extra space in their homes to travellers and share their amenities. Couchsurfing is definitely for the adventurous traveller! It lets you spend a night or a few on a local’s couch (or even the floor!) for free. Couchsurfing is guaranteed to give you an authentic experience. It lets you interact with locals, experience their living and become part of their community, which you couldn't achieve by staying in hotels with the same standardized interiors all over the world. Living with a local is the best way to experience a foreign culture.

^{Photo Credit: www.viator.com}

Ride with a local.

Using Viator is another way to connect with locals who know their city inside-out. You can book anything from verified excursions to walking tours and even customize your own day! You can read reviews and see photos of past travellers for the most information before booking. It's like having a trusted local at your side to take you to the best spots and get you VIP access, all at a low cost for the most authentic experience.

^{Photo credit: www.eatwith.com}

Eat with the community.

The best way to bond with people is over food. Eatwith is a unique dining experience where local chefs and home cooks open their kitchens to foodies and travellers like yourself who can enjoy local cuisine in hosts' homes! You can view menus, pick any cuisine at different price points and even customize your search to meet your dietary restrictions. Then you can pull up a chair at someone's house and enjoy a meal as a community. Remember, there are no strangers — only friends you haven't met yet.

^{Photo Credit: www.gogobot.com}

Connect with the tribe.

Gogobot connects you with locals and travellers like yourself. Whether you're a foodie, an adventure seeker, a business or a family traveller, with this app, you can join a group or "tribe" that shares your interests. This is a one-stop information hub that gives you recommendations about places to eat, stay and play. It also lists events happening in the city at the time of your visit and lets you ask questions within your tribe. With this app, you'll be in the know — just like a local.

^{Photo Credit: www.translate.google.com}

Talk like you belong.

The best way to relate with the locals is to speak their language! Use Google Translate to type in what you want to say, or have a local speak into your device so you can understand in your language. You can even draw symbols or simply take a picture to translate! With this app by your side, you'll never feel out of place and you'll look forward to starting a conversation with a local.

^{Main Image Photo Credit: Steven Zwerink}

Naemah Abid

Author

Born in Saudi Arabia and originally from Pakistan, this Canadian immigrant is all too familiar with airport life. After taking her first pleasure trip abroad post-graduation, Naemah was hit with the travel bug. Find this frequent traveller sharing pictures and experiences, offering up advice and tra...