On your Costa Brava holidays this year, why not try to get to know the local culture and differentiate yourself from the rest of the tourists. If locals see you trying to speak their language, they will more often than not be happy to talk with you in English if they see that you are struggling. A smile goes a long way no matter where you are in the world so remember to be friendly when approaching people. If smiling, shaking hands and being polite isn't getting you closer to the Spaniards, then try these tips to full cultural immersion on your travels.
1 - Think about hiring a local guide One top tip to getting to know the locals is to hire one to show you around on your holidays to Costa Brava. Spending so much time with a guide will mean you will have the chance to get chatting and they are guaranteed to be happy to answer any questions you have. A local guide will be able to show you places and tell you things that you wouldn't discover on your own or might miss if you tag along on a more typical tour. Ask your guide to help you to learn a few key phrases that might come in useful at a later stage.
2 - Get off the beaten track Rather than heading to the tourist hot spots and joining long queues, take a wander down that side street and see where it takes you. Keep your eyes out for the places that seem to be attracting the locals - you can almost guarantee the food in these establishments will be delicious and no doubt much better value for money.
3 - Be brave It can be intimidating to approach people, especially when you don't speak the language but learning a few simple sentences will make all the difference. Try not to be afraid to engage locals in brief conversations and you will find that most people are happy to offer advice, in fact they find it flattering to be asked! Ask for tips on places to eat, attractions and what they consider the best thing about their area. The Spanish are a friendly nation and will be more than happy to offer a little help to those who want to do something different on their holidays to the Costa Brava.
4 - Travel on public transport Tour buses and organised day trips are all very well but you are unlikely to meet any locals and are forced to stick to a strict schedule. Public transport is better value for money, allows you more flexibility and gives you a chance to mingle and observe the locals. You will be forced to engage with people when asking for tickets and directions so why not go one step further and ask where they would recommend you get off? If you have a lot of time on your hands you may even choose to get off in what seem like the most popular spots to see where all of the locals are headed.
1 - Think about hiring a local guide One top tip to getting to know the locals is to hire one to show you around on your holidays to Costa Brava. Spending so much time with a guide will mean you will have the chance to get chatting and they are guaranteed to be happy to answer any questions you have. A local guide will be able to show you places and tell you things that you wouldn't discover on your own or might miss if you tag along on a more typical tour. Ask your guide to help you to learn a few key phrases that might come in useful at a later stage.
2 - Get off the beaten track Rather than heading to the tourist hot spots and joining long queues, take a wander down that side street and see where it takes you. Keep your eyes out for the places that seem to be attracting the locals - you can almost guarantee the food in these establishments will be delicious and no doubt much better value for money.
3 - Be brave It can be intimidating to approach people, especially when you don't speak the language but learning a few simple sentences will make all the difference. Try not to be afraid to engage locals in brief conversations and you will find that most people are happy to offer advice, in fact they find it flattering to be asked! Ask for tips on places to eat, attractions and what they consider the best thing about their area. The Spanish are a friendly nation and will be more than happy to offer a little help to those who want to do something different on their holidays to the Costa Brava.
4 - Travel on public transport Tour buses and organised day trips are all very well but you are unlikely to meet any locals and are forced to stick to a strict schedule. Public transport is better value for money, allows you more flexibility and gives you a chance to mingle and observe the locals. You will be forced to engage with people when asking for tickets and directions so why not go one step further and ask where they would recommend you get off? If you have a lot of time on your hands you may even choose to get off in what seem like the most popular spots to see where all of the locals are headed.
About the Author:
Catherine McCulloch is a London-based travel writer and regularly goes on Costa Brava breaks. Click here for great discounts from www.mytravel.com.
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