Travelling for a longer period of time can become a little isolating. You no longer see the same places or people each day as you are not in your own community and are often moving from place to place. Not having grown up in Shrewsbury I never thought that this would be an issue for me when I travelled. I hadn’t felt I’d become particularly attached to Shrewsbury as I didn’t have any youthful ties to the town. But, wandering away from the everyday norms of the Shire has highlighted to me how much I enjoyed the place and community there.
As we have been bouncing from place to place it has become difficult to feel a part of the communities you are visiting. However, along the way we’ve come up with a few different ways to enjoy new places and become part of the community no matter how long you are visiting for.
- Participate in local events
This is great if you are only visiting for a short amount of time as it can often take just a few hours. If you are away when there is a national holiday participating in holiday traditions are a great way of learning about different cultures. Other times events are unique to a particular location. Along our way we’ve enjoyed Halifax Burger Week, outdoor movies and street hockey tournaments, to name a few. Each one is celebrated by locals and tourists alike and show you a different part of the community and culture you are visiting.
- Join or visit the library
I’m a book lover so in places where we’ve stayed for longer periods I’ve become a member of my local library. Not only do you get to enjoy a vast number of books but they often hold amazing events too. I got to flex my trivia knowledge at the library’s Friends trivia nights. Managing 93.5 out of 100 you’d think I would have won but competition was fierce, and I missed out on the trophy. Another bonus is being able to borrow DVD’s. Matt and I have devoured six seasons of Game of Thrones borrowing from the library. However, now I am person 335 in the line for season seven. Noooo!
- Volunteer
Volunteering across Canada has given us some great experiences. Using the website www.workaway.info/ Matt and I have helped out at a BnB, a boarding kennel, vineyard and rhubarb farm. By doing so we have been able not only to live within the community but be shown around by the people who live there. Our hosts have all been extremely welcoming and willing to show us their beautiful towns and cities.
- Visit markets
Not only does this one tackle your hunger but is a great way of enjoying local produce. By visiting markets across Canada I’ve been able to appreciate some great treats, bannock being one of my favourites (read about what bannock is here!). In Nanaimo I picked up some red pepper chutney that was great with cheese from a little old lady who goes to market every week selling, pickles, jams and chutney. Yum!
- Join a club
Again, another one if you are staying in one place for a little longer but a fantastic way of making friends in the local area. Matt has joined a football (soccer!) team during both of our long-term house-sitting assignments in both Calgary and Halifax. By doing so, not only has he kept fit, but we’ve had some great team nights out too!
- Visit your local community centre
Canada is great at recreation and the community centre is usually at the heart of this. They bring together people both old and new for a range of activities. Currently my local community centre holds a meal every Friday night which is always absolutely booming. They also have teams for basketball, pickleball, hockey, soccer and baseball. I have enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the gym there.
- Use independent stores and restaurants
We can sometimes rely on going into stores and buying brands we feel comfortable with. But supporting local businesses is far more than a boost for the tourism industry. They are often completely unique in products, recipes and atmosphere. My favourites have been Red Dog Art Studio in Cherryville on Vancouver Island which showcased many local artists in a colourful store. Restaurant wise there are many that stand out, Vandal Doughnuts, Hali Deli, Black Sheep and Hilltop Diner have been great eats and treats on our journey.
- Chat with the locals
At the end of the day the inhabitants of towns are the soul of the community, they are the ones that create the unique environments which we enjoy visiting. Being a tourist people are always willing to share their personal top tips for the area. By chatting with the locals, you can learn and experience far more than what google can ever tell you and maybe even make a few friends along the way.
How do you get involved with the community whilst travelling? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Such a wonderful post and so useful. I am an addicted traveler as well but do find it hard sometimes to link in with the local community particularly when backpacking and moving quickly. Thanks for the ideas.
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Thanks for reading! I’m in Canada at the moment and the locals are super friendly and always willing to tell you about their area. Happy travels ☺
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Such a nice idea for an article! I love to feel involved and leave something when travelling so this is perfect! Nice tips on how to do that…
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Thanks Alice! I feel it definitely adds a new dimension to travelling! Thank for reading 😊
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These are some great tips! I wish I had gotten more involved in the community when I was living abroad. Will be thinking of these next time I live abroad 🙂
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Thanks for reading! It can be tough, I’m not super confident so find it harder than my partner does. But I’ve been pushing myself to do more. .. i loved the friends trivia night! Happy travels 😊
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Great post! I can’t recommend more to volunteer or simply walking on the street. By walking on the street you will meet so many local people who will actually ask you to join them in their activity (happen to me all the time in Vietnam).
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That’s great to hear, I’ve always worried about language barriers and have yet to venture into countries that don’t predominantly speak english. But nice to know it didn’t hinder too much! Thanks for reading 😊
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Nice suggestions! I love connecting with locals, especially in small towns or cities with a lot of history and culture.
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Thanks for reading, i agree it’s a great way of learning 😊
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Great idea for an article and excellent tips! I think the local markets, independent shops and chatting with locals are particularly good for people like me who tend to pass through places fairly quickly.
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Thanks Alex! It can be tough when you’ve got lots to do in a short time, but if they can be orientated around food even better! Happy travels 😊
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Great ideas! Despite our limited time on trips, I always make the time to talk with locals and shop at local markets. I try to visit sites with local guides and they can add flavor, only by asking.
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I agree, the locals have the best stories to tell for sure! Thanks for reading 😊
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I am a massive library fan too! My mum worked in one when I grew up. I also love markets and local food so this list has really helped me!
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Me too! I’ve been spoilt by the one where i am at the moment (Halifax, Nova Scotia) thanks for reading 😊
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I totally AGREE with you! Whenever we travel, we connect with animal rescues or visit sanctuaries or volunteer. We have met SO many great people this way AND learned more about the area than following regular guide books. Great Post!
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Yes, volunteering with animals is the best, they are so loving! Is a great way of hearing more about the area too! Thanks for reading 😊
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You offer some great ideas!
While at a house sit in New Zealand last winter, I did a couple of shifts volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store (at home, my wife and I volunteer on builds, but they weren’t looking for those volunteers, so I sorted and priced second hand clothes). The best bit? Having tea and lunch breaks with the other volunteers in the back room. It’s a great way to chat with locals and learn something about real life in a different country.
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I couldn’t agree more! New Zealand is next on my list. Thanks for reading 😊
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Love this! We def do a lot of these since we are full time travelers with kids. The library is our favorite spot!
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Yes librarys have so much going on particularly for young ones! Thanks for reading 😊
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I love immersing myself in the communities!! My husband and I had the best time in a small town in Maine- only because we went to their local festival and saw men sprint in high heels! These tips are the best htings to do when you travel!!
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Haha I bet that was entertaining, some local festivals can be peculiar, but they are always the best ones! Thanks for reading 😊
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Totally agree with all 8 points. I always tell visitors to Japan (where I live currently) to try plan to see a local festival/event… like you said, it’s a great way to experience the culture and especially in Japan it’s a way to see another side to the people that isn’t shown everyday!
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I can imagine festivals in japan being a great way to see the culture over there. I’d love to go during cherry blossom season! Thanks for reading 😊
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This is great information. This is something we all need but never thought much about it. I also try to visit local markets and chat with locals.
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Yes markets are one of my favourite ones too, vendors always have great info on the local area. Thanks for reading 😊
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Totally agree with your idea. We need to get invovle with locals to get the more familiar touch of the place. Volunteering too is good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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Thanks for reading! I’ve had some great experiences volunteering and would definitely recommend doing it at some point 😊
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I think these are excellent tips how to actually dive into another culture, how to experience another country to the max. Actually, for me that’s the quality of travelling – not the posh hotels, not the luxurious restaurants: I enjoy experiencing a country as originally as possible.
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I totally agree, it’s not about staying in the most expensive hotel, they are usually the last original! Thanks for reading 😊
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