With eating at restaurants recommended by residents, shopping in the local grocery stores, and walking or cycling to explore an area all high on the list of ways to have an authentic experience.
The poll, of 2,000 adults who have travelled abroad from the UK, found 47% of those who like to holiday like a local also enjoy visiting smaller towns and villages nearby while away.
Others try to blend in and get off the tourist track by visiting neighbourhood markets, using public transport instead of coaches or taxis and hiring a car to get away from the usual hotspots.
The research was commissioned by Skyscanner, which has created a Road Trip Planner to help holidaymakers who are planning to check out local hidden gems.
Laura Lindsay, travel trends and destination expert for the brand, said: “There’s something truly special about stepping off the tourist trail and embracing the pace, traditions, and tastes of local life.
“Living like a local adds depth and colour to your holiday and creates a genuine connection with the destination.
“It’s not just more rewarding – it’s often more fun, too.”
The study also found of those who try and ‘holiday like a local’, 45% do so for a more authentic experience, while 35% think it’s respectful.
But 34% like the fact it allows them to find the best places for food and drink, while 33% like supporting the local economy.
More than four in 10 (43%) travellers are more likely to try and live like a local on holiday now, than they were five years ago.
With half believing social media has made it easier to find hidden gems while getting away, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
As a result, 66% were left surprised at how different a country or place felt once they got off the tourist trail.
More than one in four (27%) have even booked accommodation specifically because it looked like somewhere a resident to the area would live.
However, language barriers (41%), lack of confidence (26%) and being unsure where to start (20%) were some factors potentially stopping people holidaying like a local when away.
It also emerged finding new foods and flavours was the most important experience to those going away (43%), although 36% simply hope for a few moments of peace and quiet.
To get this, 27% opt for hiring a car to get a more authentic local holiday experience, as it gives them more freedom to explore (36%), be more independent (27%) and find spontaneous discoveries (22%).
How to live like a local on holiday
Here are 20 great ways you can live like a local during your holiday:
- Eat at restaurants recommended by locals
- Shop in local grocery stores
- Visit neighbourhood markets
- Eat street food
- Visit smaller towns or villages nearby
- Walk or cycle to explore the area
- Use public transport instead of tourist coaches or taxis
- Speak or learn some of the local language
- Visit local parks or beaches rather than the tourist ones
- Shop at independent stores instead of big chains
- Ask local people for tips and advice
- Attend a community festival, event or concert
- Stay in a locally owned guesthouse or apartment
- Try to live by the local rhythm (e.g. eating times, siesta, nightlife)
- Book tours run by local guides
- Go to places not listed on popular travel blogs or Instagram
- Stay in a residential area rather than the city centre
- Try to dress like a local / not stand out
- Choose car hire to get off the beaten track
- Use apps or websites locals use (e.g. food delivery, event listings)
Laura Lindsay, from Skyscanner, added: “Living like a local doesn’t have to mean going completely off-grid – it’s about making small, intentional choices that enrich your travel.
“And best of all, it helps support the communities you visit, from independent businesses to artisans and family-run restaurants.
“It’s a win for travellers and locals alike.”
