So, you’ve got your flights reserved and your vacation rental apartment booked. You might even be congratulating yourself for choosing an apartment over a hotel, and you are well on your way to having a bonafide like-a-local experience. Good for you!
But don’t stop now! There are some easy things you can do before your apartment vacation or Untour to set yourself up well. With these tips, you should be ready to jump deeply into the culture that you are visiting on your European vacation.
Read about the culture before you go. Not just travel guides, but novels set in the location, history of the region, cultural context about its artists and intellectual history, poets and writers from the culture. Watch movies about the place, shot on site and/or directed by local people.
Read up on current events. The New York Times has great international coverage, and you can sign up for news alerts by location. Arrive ready to ask about the recent elections or comment on the local soccer team. Small talk can turn into meaningful conversation quickly if you are curious and modestly prepared.
Learn about the cuisine. Cook some dishes at home. If they don’t turn out, you’ll appreciate the real thing on site that much more. Visit ethnic restaurants and learn what to order.
Plug into your special interests and hobbies abroad. Whatever it is you geek out on, you will likely find others who share your passion: beer, design, folk music, you name it. Visit your favorite sites and online groups and reach out to the international community for suggestions ahead of your arrival. Post questions on TripAdvisor.
Save some errands for your trip. Plan to get a haircut or buy new glasses. A barber shop visit is a quick shortcut to the heart of the culture. A friendly pharmacist can help you get back on track. Buying undergarments is an absolute adventure! So this is your pass to procrastinate or forget something when you pack!