You've probably heard the phrase, “Live like a local”.
It’s become a kind of travel mantra, especially on social media and in influencer circles. The idea sounds appealing: immerse yourself in the local culture, avoid tourist traps, travel “authentically”.
But as someone who specializes in accessible and ethical travel, I’ve been thinking about that phrase more critically. Is it even possible to “live like a local” when you're visiting a place? And more importantly, could that mindset unintentionally cause harm?
We’re Visitors – Not Locals
When we visit a destination, we are, by definition, transient. Whether we’re staying for a couple of days, a week or a month, we are not part of the community in the same way locals are. We come and go. We experience the highlights, but we don’t shoulder the burdens.
Travel, even in its budget form, comes with immense privilege. It’s estimated that only about 5% of the world’s population has flown on an airplane. Many travelers benefit from stronger currencies, making goods and services that are financially out of reach for locals feel “cheap” or “affordable” to us. We can enjoy the charm of a neighbourhood or market without dealing with the social, economic and political pressures that residents may face every day.
Local customs, foods, or routines may seem quaint or “authentic” to travelers, but for the people who live there, these practices often exist out of necessity, not novelty.
We cannot “live like locals” unless we actually live there – work a local job, pay local taxes, navigate local bureaucracy, and face the daily realities of life without the option to just leave when it becomes uncomfortable.
Do Locals Want Us Living Like Them?
That leads to a more ethical question: Do local communities want visitors trying to “live like a local”? In many cases, the answer might be no. For some, it can feel like cultural appropriation – visitors trying to mimic or perform a version of life that isn’t theirs. It may turn lived experience into content, reducing real lives into Instagram backdrops.
There’s also a subtle, sometimes smug vibe that can creep into this phrase, like travelers who aim to “live like a local” are somehow more virtuous than those who don’t. But travel isn’t a competition. It’s about respect, curiosity, and mutual understanding, not moral superiority.
What About Accessibility?
The “live like a local” mantra also overlooks a huge reality: not all locals have the same access to their own communities. People with disabilities – whether physical, sensory, cognitive, or invisible – often face significant barriers in their own hometowns.
A traveler might proudly navigate a maze of cobblestone streets, thinking they’re experiencing a place “authentically,” while a local wheelchair user can’t safely leave their home because of poor infrastructure. Trying to replicate an idealized version of local life often means ignoring the parts that are inaccessible, inequitable, or unjust, for both visitors and residents. If we truly want to travel ethically, we need to consider the lived experience of all members of a community, not just the ones we see featured in guidebooks or Instagram feeds.
Travel Thoughtfully, Not Performatively
So instead of trying to “live like a local,” perhaps the goal should be to travel like a thoughtful guest. Learn about the culture. Respect local boundaries and traditions. Support small, locally owned, and accessible businesses. Consider your impact, not just on the environment but on the people who call that place home, including those with disabilities or other challenges.
Sometimes the most respectful way to engage with a place is not by blending in, but by showing up with honesty, humility, and care.
Final Thoughts (and an Invitation)
Ethical travel isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware.
As a travel advisor, I help people plan trips that reflect their values – inclusive, accessible, and respectful travel that’s good for you and the communities you visit. If that’s the kind of travel you’re looking for, I’d be honoured to help.
Ready to plan your next journey with care? Contact me here.