Rick Steves' Tour Guide Shares A Genius Way To Connect With Locals & Culture While Traveling

Connecting with locals while on vacation isn't a new concept in the world of travel; in fact, most avid adventurers know this is one of the best ways to experience a new culture. However, for those new to the travel sphere (or who quiver at the thought of going outside their comfort zone), now's the time to pull up your bootstraps and join the party. According to Cameron Hewitt (one of Rick Steves' trusty tour guides), in his piece "One Dozen Europe Travel Hacks," joining in when the locals are "geeking out" about something is a sure-fire way to make sure you immerse yourself in that location's ongoing culture. According to him, becoming a cultural chameleon is something Steves has been recommending to his followers for decades. 

But hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? As terrifying or intrusive as it may seem or feel to join in on another culture's activities, trust me when I say that they'll be delighted to have you, and not only that, but welcome you in with open arms. And who am I but some writer? Well, as someone who has traveled extensively for the past 10 years, I can say with utmost certainty that the locals are overjoyed to have respectful strangers join in on the fun.

This also doesn't always mean crashing a party. You can immerse yourself in another country's culture simply by finding out what a popular dish, experience, or event is there, and visiting a museum, a class, or attending a festival. As Hewitt says, "Wherever you go, make a point to figure out what everyone's excited about and jump on that bandwagon, whether or not you think you find it interesting." 

For example, Hewitt dives right into discussing Slovenia and the locals' admiration for beekeeping. Do you need to be a fan of beekeeping to join in and learn about the local tradition? Certainly not. According to Hewitt, "honey in every form — from bee pollen to beeswax candles to sweet honey mead — is ever present in Slovenian life". This isn't to say that to join in the fun, you need to don a beekeeping suit. For example, just outside of Bled, with Kralov Med,  local beekeepers are eager to share their knowledge about the Carniolan honey bee and offer visitors delicious tastings of honey and pollen. 

Hewitt goes on to say that Slovenia isn't the only location where traditions run deep, and that "every community and country seems to have their own version of this", so why not jump in head-first to experience it? The beauty of this approach is that it transforms you from an outsider into a temporary local — even if just for a moment.

You don't need to fully understand the history of sherry making in Spain to join the locals in some tastings, or be as excited as the people of England are about celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday. What matters is that you show up with curiosity and openness. When you lean into the local passions, you're not just sightseeing — you're participating.That's what makes your trip feel alive and memorable. And maybe, you'll come home with a new appreciation for something you never would have given a second thought to before — whether that's beekeeping in Slovenia or learning to make hard apple cider in a Norwegian village — the possibilities can be endless when you step outside your comfort zone!