They say that travel broadens the mind, but not if you hit the same spot in Fiji every year and never leave the resort.
Eat like a local:
For me, eating like a local is key to my experience of a new city, country or state and, although I’ve been challenged at times, the positives far outweigh the negatives. A huge part of the travel experience is getting to know local history and culture. Happily, you can get in touch with both just by eating where the locals eat. Whether witnessing a Japanese tea ceremony or experiencing the sights and smells of Singapore’s hawker markets, sampling a country’s cuisine in the way the locals themselves enjoy it, is a sure-fire way of making your trip much more memorable. And that applies to solo travellers, honeymooners and families – make like a ‘locavore’ and reap the benefits.
A great idea is to research local foodie websites before you go, as opposed to Trip Advisor. I’ve sampled dubious-looking tacos on the streets of Mexico City, a classic tagine overlooking Marrakech’s hectic square, and tonkotsu ramen in its home city of Fukuoka, and will never forget the experience. The Vanuatu capital of Port Vila has Mama’s Market – another spot that will always stick in my mind, both for the street food and the football-sized avocados!
Oh, and it might sound like stating the obvious, but a higher ratio of locals to tour groups is usually a good indication of how true to the culture a restaurant or stall may be. If you still prefer the safety net of a trusted dining spot overseas, however, aim for the ones that come with incredible reviews for their innovation and commitment to using local, seasonal produce. These kinds of spots can be found all over Bali, with a large concentration in the town of Ubud.
Stay like a local:
I love the luxury and reliability of a five star property as much as the next person, but recently I’ve come to appreciate the concept of ‘staying like a local’ and opting for traditional-style accommodation when I’m exploring a new place.
In April, I travelled through the countryside of Kunisaki in Japan and was lucky enough to stay in some beautiful Japanese inns. Ryokan are the most commonly used accommodation in the area, and despite not having the added extras that a five star may deliver, they serve an important purpose.
They provide tangible glimpses of the experiences of Japanese travellers of old, and offer an authentic touch like no other. As is traditional, in some inns bathing and toilet facilities are shared. This could prove challenging for some, but the trade off is one of the most unique glimpses into Japanese life that you may ever encounter.
In Morocco I stayed at La Mamounia Hotel in Marrakech, but when I return I’m keen to explore some of the legendary city’s more traditional options. Many visitors to Marrakech looking for less pricey but still fabulous places to stay, head to one of the many riads, which are traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards that have been converted into accommodation.
My personal pick of the bunch is El Fenn, a unique creation devised by the enterprising Vanessa Branson (sister to Virgin’s Richard). It began as just one property with six rooms, before surrounding riads were added to the mix. It now has 28 rooms and suites, tree-filled courtyards, and a family of resident tortoises.
Filled with hideaway nooks, the hotel is just minutes from Djemaa el Fna and the bustling maze of streets that make up the souk. It is also home to a fabulous rooftop bar and restaurant, and a carefully curated boutique, for those looking to take a piece of Morocco home, that’s a little more bespoke than many of the offerings in the souks.
Shop like a local:
Which brings me to shopping. Shopping like a local in any city supports the local economy so much more than throwing your money at fast fashion, and you’ll take home real memories as opposed to yet another t-shirt.
I loved that the designers I saw based in Morocco were moved by their surroundings and history. Saint Laurent was motivated to start using colour in his collections after spending significant time there, and today’s designers tend to focus on combining tradition – embroidery techniques, styles, textiles – with modern looks. A designer I discovered, and have kept in contact with since, is Sana Berrada, who creates kaftan dresses under the name Sana’s Atelier, and everyday pieces under Alasr.
Also in Marrakech, the concept store known as 33 Rue Majorelle is akin to the now-closed Collette in Paris and one of a new breed of shops selling contemporary Moroccan fashion and homewares. It’s where you’ll find Bakchic, the label created by Insta-famous designer Sofia El Arabi who designs clothes that effortlessly mix traditional Moroccan style and contemporary French chic.
In Japan, I made sure to bring home some beautiful examples of Kunisaki pottery, and as a beauty fanatic I loved getting lost in the J-beauty stores all over Fukuoka. Getting skin as soft as that of a baby on every part of your body seemed to be the goal, as well as investing time in some serious nail art!
I also loved exploring the shopping precincts of Barcelona last year, as the Catalan city really is an enclave of originality. Its boutiques are hives of independent labels and designers, and merchandise is more than just beautifully crafted. Many of the stores have a moral compass too; a commitment to supporting local brands, to giving young creatives opportunities and to sustainability, eco-design and ethical manufacturing. (HELENE RAVLICH)
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