Why you should be a tourist—not a local—in 2026 I'm working on a story challenging the travel industry's Golden Rule: "Live like a local." Has this trend devolved into nothing more than gentrification with a passport? Has it just displaced residents, inflated prices, and ruined the very neighborhoods travelers claim to love? I’m writing a column that suggests that sometimes, the most ethical (and enjoyable) way to travel is to stop pretending you live there and stick to the so-called "tourist traps." I'd love to hear from travelers who have abandoned the "live like a local" fantasy. Did you rent a "charming" apartment in a residential neighborhood that turned out to be a nightmare for you (and the neighbors)? Have you decided to consciously embrace the infrastructure of tourism—hotels, guided tours, and major landmarks—because it’s actually more honest, convenient, or ethical? I want to hear your anti-local epiphany. I’m also seeking experts—urban planners, sociologists, and ethical tourism experts—who can unpack the real cost of living like a local. How does the demand for "authentic" experiences hollow out communities? Why is the tourist trap (the defined tourist zone) actually a necessary protective barrier for a destination? What should the smartest travelers be doing in 2026?