I love to travel. From pungent smells of spices in Asia's wet markets, to quirky street art dotted along the Chelsea High Line in Manhattan, my travels hold an indelible place in my memory. Visiting, eating and staying at places that have been a part of local community life and culture well before the town became a tourist destination is, for me, the real treasure of travelling. When I travel, I find myself flipping dusty covers at second-hand bookshops, meandering through the narrowest alleyways, and listening to the chaotic sounds of life being lived around me.  

A Paris laneway. France

Les Calanques in Cassis, France

Sleep local: Stay at accomodation provided by individuals, families or local businesses using pre-established places. Airbnb is a great way to experience local living. If you're heading to Italy, I highly recommend staying at an Agriturismo - a traditional farmhouse turned guesthouse. I'll never forget my stay at the farmhouse of a warm and gregarious Italian family in the Medieval Tuscan town of San Gimignano; not only were we welcomed with luscious, homegrown tomato basil bruschetta, I had my first taste of propolis (a home remedy for a sore throat. It comes from bees, tastes like tar, and my hospitable Italian hosts swore by it, like Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding). If you want to stay at a resort, there are eco-resorts all over the world that maintain responsible environmental and social impact. 

Definitely not an eco-resort. Atlantis the Palms, Dubai

Eat local. Let your palate be adventurous! Taste local dishes from street vendors or hole-in-the-wall cafes, look for food markets and buy local produce. Food blogs in your destination city are a gold mine of recommendations and reviews for local eats. 

Wet market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Buy local. Wander through markets and flea markets, antique and vintage stores, secondhand bookstores. Locally crafted and handmade souvenirs are much more interesting and special than typical "souvenirs". 

Nap time in Malacca, Malaysia

Organised tours. Tapping into local living is not always easy, and can take a lot of research. If you're not up to creating your own itinerary, check out tourism companies who organise local living tours. Companies such as G Adventures and Intrepid employ local businesses and take you to areas that are less tourist-worn. 

San Gimignano, Italy

Living, eating and buying local not only gives you a richer travel experience, it also gives back to the local economy.