It doesn’t matter how structured your life is, travel will always disrupt your routine. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a constant when you travel. That’s where rituals come in. People who spend a lot of time exploring new places tend to develop certain habits—things they do to stay grounded and connected no matter what part of the world they might find themselves. Some of these help in getting to know a new place, while others are just weird quirks we can’t really make sense of (I mean, pictures of doors, really?). Are you the guy collecting pictures of doors? Is hitting the grocery store the first thing you do when you land somewhere new? Whether you’re looking to feel seen, are curious about how your fellow travelers explore or are simply interested in seeing the world a little differently, you’ll resonate with something on this list of unique travel rituals we found on Reddit. Below, our curated picks of the most helpful and interesting habits, because no one understands your collection of door photos, sir.
1. Visit a local supermarket
Several Reddit users cited this as the first thing they do when they land. It’s a great place to pick up snacks to keep in your hotel, stock up on milk and easy breakfast when traveling with kids and get to know the local food. Spices, candy and chocolate also make for cheap and memorable souvenirs.
2. Take some kind of tour—walking, cycling, food, bus
Walking is an easy, low-impact activity when you're jetlagged. Not only will it keep you awake, but also help to orient you in a new city. Some people got even more specific and cited a walking food tour as their travel ritual to get to know the local restaurants. Tours of any kind are an ideal way to familiarize yourself with a city, see where the locals hang and get an expert’s perspective on a city—guides are a wealth of information.
3. Browse the local pharmacies
You didn’t hear it from us, but some prescription medication is available over the counter in other parts of the world. French pharmacies are also known for their incredible selection of well-priced beauty products. Or, maybe you just forgot your sunscreen. Whatever the reason, make sure to stop at a local pharmacy.
4. Join a local subreddit
Loyal Reddit users seek out like-minded folks to give them a lay of the land. Checking out a local subreddit is a popular way to get honest info about a new place.
5. Eat the famous dish
Bagels in NYC, Cuban sandwiches in Miami, cheesesteaks in Philly… you get the idea. Practically every city has a signature dish and you’ll want to try it when you’re in town.
6. Hire a taxi driver to show you around
One Reddit user likes hiring a local guide to take them along on their daily activities. “Meet their family, go to their local bars and restaurants, no basic tourist shit,” is how they describe it. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re into really living like a local, this one’s for you.
7. Go for a run
Meditatively look at a city and see parts of it you might not recognize while walking or driving.
8. Look for the local Chinatown
That’s it. That’s the tip. While no other information exists in the Reddit thread, we second this if only for the food.
9. Take photos of the boring stuff
Memory is a funny thing and unless you’re keeping a travel journal, you might forget where you had that amazing pizza or got lost wandering a tiny street. Snapping pics of the mundane, everyday things you did will help you recall it later.
10. Ride the bus
Public transit is a given for many travelers, but not everyone hops on the idea of taking the bus. For some, it’s a good way to see parts of the city you wouldn’t otherwise experience on the subway or train. It’s also an affordable alternative to Ubers and taxis, which provide the same view at a much higher cost.
11. Try a dating app
We didn’t find this on Reddit, but many friends have had success swiping right as part of their travel rituals. Who knows, you might make a new friend.