Ditch the Apps. Find a Dog.
The best local advice may come from the person at the end of a leash
Excellent English
When I lived in Rome’s historic center, I’d often get stopped by tourists asking directions while I was out walking Mocha.
“Scusi,” the visitor might say, then, with raised eyebrows, “Colosseo?” They’d look at me nervously.
“Preferisce parlare in inglese?” I’d ask -- “Do you prefer to speak English?”
A look of relief would wash over the other person. “Yes, yes, please.”
“Do you want the fastest way or the most scenic?”
We’d often end up chatting for a minute or two. They might want to know Mocha’s name or how old she was, or they’d ask where they could get a good coffee or an authentic carbonara. I was usually happy to help.
Before we parted, they’d look at me with sincere eyes and pay me what was intended to be a grand compliment. “By the way,” they’d say, “your English is excellent.”
“Grazie,” I’d reply.
The local language
Savvy travelers already know the standard guidelines for avoiding tourist-trap restaurants.
A sign reading “tourist menu” is a clear give away, for example. Same for photos of food on laminated menus, loitering waiters trying to cajole passers-by in the door, or windows framing a supposed nonna rolling out pasta.
A lesser-known travel strategy I trust more than the advice of almost any influencer or broad online ratings or listicle-style content: filter for reviews in the local language.
