Why Local Voices Matter
In today’s world, travel content is often generated by people who have never even set foot in the places they’re writing about. AI-generated listicles, SEO-chasing blog posts, and influencer-driven “must-do”s have flooded our feeds - and they rarely reflect the true soul of a destination.
Worse, they contribute to a troubling global trend: overtourism.
In cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Kyoto, locals are now protesting the effects of mass tourism: crowded streets, rising rents, loss of local culture, and environmental strain. When people travel without understanding or respect for the communities they’re visiting, the impact can be deeply damaging.
That’s why Trip Like A Local exists - to shift the narrative.
We believe travel can be a force for good - but only if we listen to the people who actually live there. Every itinerary, recommendation, and story on this site is created or approved by a local, or by someone who has built a meaningful connection with the place.
Tourist vs. Traveller
There’s a difference between showing up and truly showing up.
A tourist tends to follow the crowd. They stay where they’re told, eat what’s trendy, and snap the same selfies as everyone else. There's nothing inherently wrong with that - everyone has to start somewhere.
But a traveller digs deeper. They learn a few words of the local language. They ask questions. They care about context. They seek connection over convenience. Travellers leave room for surprise, for slow moments, and for experiences that can't be bought.
Our mission is to help more people travel like locals, not just tourists - to explore responsibly, support local businesses, and treat every destination with the respect it deserves.
Meet the Team
Meet our founders, lifelong travelers and adventurers. Learn why local insight matters, how to be a respectful traveller, and why overtourism is changing the way we explore.
Lizzie Lau
Founder
I’ve been lucky enough to spend much of my life on the road (and sea), working as a private chef on yachts in the Caribbean, traveling full-time with my daughter, and building a life around curiosity, culture, and connection. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most memorable travel moments don’t come from ticking boxes off a list. They come from chatting with a fruit vendor at a local market, taking a wrong turn and stumbling into a street festival, or getting restaurant tips from the barista who just made your morning coffee.
That’s the kind of travel we celebrate here.
Patricia Evans
Founder
Patricia Evans is a seasoned travel expert specializing in senior and multigenerational adventures. With decades of experience exploring the globe, Patricia has spent over ten years road-tripping with Habitat for Humanity’s Care-a-Vanners, combining purpose with exploration. She's also logged more than 150,000 miles on her motorcycle across several continents, proving that age is no limit to adventure. Patricia’s passion lies in helping travelers of all ages discover meaningful, accessible ways to connect with the world — and each other.
Michael Cowan
Founder
Michael Cowan is a rugged adventure specialist with a lifetime of stories from the road, sea, and trail. An avid sailor with decades of experience at the helm of both sailboats and motorboats, Michael is equally at home in a kayak, on a hiking trail, or around a campfire. With a well-worn passport and a tale (or ten) for nearly every country on the map, he brings a seasoned explorer’s perspective to every journey he shares.
Our Contributors
Ken Hunter
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Rachel Hicks
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Keith Evans
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Michael Wright
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Janice Ross
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Madison King
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Amy Hudson
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Jeremy Mason
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