### 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."