8 Ways to Travel Beyond the Bucket List
How to Authentically Experience a New Destination
Ticking off iconic landmarks and world-famous sights has its place when traveling to a new destination. But if you're anything like me, what stays with you long after the trip ends isn't the perfect photo in front of a famous monument — it's the interaction with a local shop owner who recommended his favorite bakery down the street or the woman who taught you to roll pasta by hand in her Tuscan kitchen.
The magic happens when we travel with curiosity, openness, and willingness to go beyond the bucket list.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to connect more deeply with a destination and the people who call it home.
1. Visit a Local Grocery Store
Skip the souvenir shop and head straight to the supermarket. This is one of the best (and most fun) ways to get a peek into local life. What’s in everyone’s carts? Which snacks dominate the aisles? You’ll uncover culinary trends, regional flavors, and maybe even find a few edible souvenirs to bring back home.
2. Take a Cooking Class With a Local
Whether you're learning to make mole in Mexico or fresh pasta in Italy, cooking classes rooted in a family kitchen or small community space offer both delicious meals and meaningful stories. These experiences feed your stomach and your soul. Research classes offered at local cooking school or check out Airbnb Experiences.
3. Walk the City With Someone Who Lives There
Local walking tours are a goldmine. Choose one with a specific angle—history, food, social justice, street art, whatever piques your curiosity. You’ll hear stories that never make it into guidebooks and come away with a deeper understanding of the place and its people. I love finding local walking tours on Airbnb Experiences and Get Your Guide.
4. Sit, Stay, and Chat in a Café or Bar
It’s tempting to check off eight sights in a day - but some of the best experiences come when you sit still. Pick a corner café, a lively bar, or a casual restaurant and stay a while. Chat with the barista. Ask what they recommend. Smile at the regulars. People are often excited to share their city—especially when you're genuinely interested.
5. Pop Into a Bookstore, Music Shop, or Market
The arts and everyday culture live in neighborhood spots—not just in formal museums. Whether it’s flipping through indie magazines, listening to regional records, or wandering a street market, these places reflect what locals care about right now.
6. Ride the Bus, Subway or Train
Taking public transportation, even for a short trip, lets you see how the city flows. You’ll pick up local rhythms, spot neighborhoods that aren’t on your radar, and maybe overhear some fun conversations (one of my favorite things to do!). Just remember to keep your eyes and ears open for your stop.
7. Take a Local Class—Yoga, Dance, You Name It
One of the most fun ways to feel like you live there—even for just a day—is to sign up for a local class. Whether it’s a morning yoga session in a park, or a salsa class in the evening, you’ll meet locals who are just doing their thing—and you get to join in. It’s a low-pressure, high-reward way to experience everyday life from the inside.
8. Say Yes to the Unexpected
One important travel lesson I've learned is that not every moment needs to be meticulously planned. Some of the most authentic experiences occur when you leave space for unexpected discoveries. If you happen upon a street performance, consider joining the crowd. If you hear music coming from an alley, follow it. Allow your curiosity to guide you—it's your most trustworthy companion.
So yes, take photos in front of the famous spots — but then wander down the side streets, eat at the tiny place where the menu isn’t translated into English, take public transportation, and let a local tell you their favorite place to eat lunch.
Remember, travel isn’t just about where you go but how you go. The world opens up in return when you show up curious and open to connection.
Happy Travels! ~Shannon Gomes
Lovely
Slow travel - I LOVE IT!! Terrific ideas.