Have you always been a travel-like-a-local vacationer?
Guidebooks can offer great ideas for local neighborhoods and restaurants but they quickly get outdated. Luckily, there are great apps that show you how to travel like a local and stay up to date.
We've poured through some of the best travel app reviews to share a few of our favorites.
If finding the best coffee during travel is a must, the Beanhunter app can help you find and share great coffee and cafes.
Users browse through cafe and coffeehouse listings, view gorgeous images and read reviews.
“Authentically local, on-the-ground advice” – The Guardian
For only $3.99 per city, Spotted by Locals is an offline city guide curated by locals who write about their favorite spots.
The app runs 100% offline, which is great if you want to avoid overseas roaming fees. It offers full city maps, local recommendations only (no tourist traps) and is updated regularly.
If you really want to travel like a local and find authentic gems in a city, Spotted by Locals ensures your selection process aren't overwhelming.
Times may be tough, but it doesn't mean we can't all support local businesses by embracing that to-go life. Check out a few of our favorite spots in Chicago offering takeout and/or delivery. // My personal favorite at this late-night classic is the chicken and waffle pizza (yep), but Dimo's makes incredible classics as well. There is truly an option for everyone, including multiple vegan pizzas so good even a non-vegan will to want to order! [Pssst, they also deliver alcohol and will bring you grub as late as 3 a.m. on weekends.] - @stephvlamis // If you’re craving a delicious, slightly dressed-up bowl of ramen, Urban Belly is where it’s at. They even cater to the vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free crowds so everyone can chow in peace. But don’t get married to a particular dish; some items get taken off the menu by the season, and they have monthly specials you’ll want to try as well. - @heidi.flowbirthandbody
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“When you’re visiting a city that’s not your own, you’re going to need some tips for where to go, what to do, etc. Yes, you could Yelp it…but wouldn’t you rather hear it straight from a local you trust?” – Mashable
Similar to Spotted by Locals, Localeur can help you discover locals-only, insider tips on the best places to eat and drink, shop, and see the outdoors. You can search for places by category.
The app will save your favorites and build your itinerary for an upcoming trip.
A little like a dating site that matches you with tour guides, travelers can sign up to find a local for a tailor-made city tour and discover the true beauty of a city from a local’s perspective.
Some of the best travel memories are made at events and activities unknown to the traveler. An art gallery opening, a pop-up chef’s meal tasting, or even sipping Champagne in a rooftop garden lit by 10,000 twinkle lights can be unveiled to you by a city insider.
As a local, you can create a profile, sign up to give tours, and create your own schedule. As a tourist, you can see the locals in the selected area, filter locals according to criteria such as languages and activities. Simply create a trip for your next destination and receive suggestions from locals.
For the active traveler that wants to get outside and cover a lot of ground, CycleMap helps visitors in new cities get the most out of their bike ride with recommended or customized bike rides and detailed information about routes including road surface, distance and elevation gains.
Cyclists can find bike share stations and recommended points of interests that other cyclists enjoy on their rides such as scenic lookouts, bike shops, water, and more.
Travel Like a Local
Nothing beats a real conversation with locals chatting about all the things they personally love about their city. Travel like a local on your next getaway with Hilton Grand Vacations.