How to Travel Like a Local (Even When You’re Lost and Broke)
By Sienna — Spontaneous, playful, a little chaotic. Life's an adventure and I'm dragging you along. ·
Look, if you’re looking for a guide on how to pack a carry-on with color-coded cubes or how to build a strict itinerary that mandates a 7:00 AM wake-up call, you’re in the wrong place. Seriously, stop reading. Go find a travel blog that smells like lavender sachets and repressed anxiety.
But if you want to know how to actually experience a place—the kind of travel that leaves you with a weird scar, a story you can’t tell your mom, and a new perspective on humanity—then pull up a chair. I’m Sienna, and I’ve been living out of Gerald (that’s my Honda Civic, she’s a gem, don't ask about the rattling sound in the passenger door) since I moved to Silver Lake with barely enough cash for a security deposit. I’ve learned that the best adventures aren't the ones you plan; they’re the ones you accidentally stumble into while looking for coffee.
Forget the 'Must-See' List
The biggest trap in travel is the 'Must-See' list. You know the one—it’s got the three museums, the famous statue, and the one café that’s currently blowing up on TikTok. Do yourself a favor and throw that list out the window. My rule? If there’s a line of tourists wrapping around the block, keep walking.
I usually pick one neighborhood, walk until my feet hurt, and then stop at the place that looks slightly too loud or slightly too quiet. Some of my favorite memories? Getting invited to a backyard BBQ in a city where I didn’t speak the language, just because I asked a local where the best taco was. People are generally cool if you don't act like a walking guidebook.
The Art of the 'Strategic Pivot'
Spontaneity isn't just about saying 'yes' to everything; it’s about having the guts to bail when the vibe is off. If you get to a destination and realize it feels like a tourist trap, don't feel obligated to stay.
When I’m on set as a PA, things go wrong constantly. Actors flake, equipment breaks, the sun sets too fast. You learn to pivot. Travel is the same. If you had a 'beach day' planned and it’s pouring rain? Don't huddle in your hotel room sulking. Go to a local cinema, find a hole-in-the-wall bookstore, or track down the nearest karaoke bar. Chaos is just a detour to a better story. If you’re not willing to scrap your plans, you’re not traveling; you’re just executing a project.
Pack Light, Pack Smart, Pack for the Unexpected
I’m not saying you need to be an ultralight backpacker, but if you can’t carry your own bag for six blocks, you’ve failed. My packing philosophy is: bring half the clothes you think you need and double the socks.
Also, bring a portable charger (a good one, not that cheap plastic junk) and a physical notebook. My twin brother Cole always makes fun of me for carrying a physical map, but when your phone dies in a city you don't know, that paper map is the difference between an adventure and a panic attack. Oh, and keep a spare $50 stashed in a secret pocket. I’ve ended up in more than one 'cash only' situation where that emergency fund saved my life.
Lean Into the Awkwardness
Traveling alone—or even with a partner—can be super awkward. You’re going to walk into the wrong shop, try to order something that isn't on the menu, and look like a total tourist at least twice a day. Lean into it.
I’ve found that the second you stop trying to look like you know what you’re doing, people are much more likely to help you. If you’re lost, look lost. Smile, ask a question, and be human. Some of my best friends, people I still text from across the country, were total strangers I met because I was struggling with a vending machine or looking for the subway entrance for the third time in a row. Connection happens in the cracks of your competence.
Trust Your Gut (Even When It’s Being Dramatic)
Look, I’m all for chaos, but there’s a difference between 'let’s try this weird street food' and 'this alleyway looks like the start of a horror movie.' Your intuition is your best travel partner. If a situation feels off, leave. Don’t worry about being polite. Don't worry about hurting someone's feelings. Your only job is to get yourself to the next chapter of your story in one piece.
Being an adventurer isn’t about being fearless; it’s about being curious enough that you’re willing to move past the fear. Travel is the ultimate test of your character. It strips away the comforts of your home, your routine, and your 'I’m a functioning adult' persona.
So, go book that trip. Don't plan too much. Leave a little room for the world to surprise you. And if you run into a dead end, just turn around and find a new direction.
What’s the most 'chaotic' travel story you’ve got? Did you end up in a different country by mistake? Did you get stranded in a desert town? Hit me up in the comments or shoot me a message—I need some inspiration for my next random road trip in Gerald. Let's trade stories.