You’ve heard the expression of eating where the locals dine, well the same can be said about travel. When it comes to getting under the skin of a destination, the best way is to walk in the shoes of the locals.
So, before you hunt around for villas for rent, or book flights for your next vacation, take a read of these day-in-the-life roundups, on five of our favorite American cities.

Graced with country clubs, beautiful beaches and plenty of dining options, it’s easy to see why Palm Beach is a top choice with the jetset and retirement community. Start your day as many do, with a jog on Palm Beach island and take in the fresh air, before grabbing a coffee. For a mid-day brunch, Avocado Grill is a lively spot that encapsulates the spirit of the city, perfect for catching up with friends. From here, take a leisurely stroll around the Norton Museum enjoying its contemporary collection of art and sculptures. Afternoon tea is a popular pastime in Palm Beach and Restoration Hardware is a good choice for a long slow brew. As day turns to night, it’s time for a mojito in one of the many spirited Cuban bars. Then it’s all back to your Palm Beach villa to chill.

When in wine country, it’s important to slide into the slower pace of life. This means a fuss-free morning, enjoying grape juice and pancakes, whether at your luxury villa rental, or in the town. Visit between August and October, and you’ll enjoy comfortable weather that invites you to sit by the pool, or enjoy walks to the many wineries on offer. If you’re a wine aficionado, you might well have found a little slice of heaven! Along with this, there’s a first-class food scene that locals take full advantage of. Hit the top spots in and around Main Street, where you’ll find a host of charming eateries with delightful local produce and wine to indulge in.

Raleigh and the surrounding area is one of the best kept secrets. But perhaps not for long, many city dwellers are making the move, in part to the economic opportunity and great outdoors it presents. A day in the life of a local here is one filled with all the good things in life. A walk by its windswept shores, brunch with the Great Smoky Mountains wavering in the background, and home cooking al fresco style. If you stay in one of the luxury house rentals, such as Villa Hillary, you can enjoy it all.

From your Miami villa, ease yourself into the day with a healthy breakfast and dip in the pool. This is an active city, so why not dust off your sneakers and take a light jog down the beach, you might want to coincide this with a visit to one of the many shopping malls - another popular pastime sport! As evening comes around, watch the world float by from the comfort of your private yacht, there’s nowhere else quite like it for sundowners at sunset. South Beach has it’s pick of the best bars, clubs and restaurants. The Miami Edition and club at the Fontainebleau are top late-night haunts. For something more discreet, whip out your private members card and enjoy the privacy of Soho Beach House.

Just over the bay from San Francisco, Oakland is the quieter sister to mooch around. After a hearty breakfast, head to the river for a spot of kayaking, or perhaps you’ll visit the many galleries and museums in the wider area. Do as the locals and pitch up to an Oakland A’s baseball game, before settling in to one of the many sports bars for a well-earned drink. There’s no shortage of nightlife in the area, but San Francisco is where it’s at. Mister Jiu’s is a wonderful restaurant to start or end your night, and if you want to carry the party on – Monarch is the trendy club of the moment. Sometimes, 24 hours just isn’t enough!