Research done on millennial explorers via Airbnb last year uncovered that more than 80% of recent college grads looking for remarkable travel encounters, inclining towards underrated versus traveler top attractions. Not that there’s anything amiss with top places to see. They’re generally well-known on purpose. Yet, there’s a sure added energy to tracking down encounters that vibe more legitimate or unseen by most explorers.

Assuming you’re on the chase after a more authentic and valuable experience, regardless of where you travel, here are probably the most effective ways to observe unexpected yet invaluable treasures as you go.

How to Find Hidden Gems In Any City For Restaurants, Hotels, Attractions

AVOID OVER-PLANNING

Travel necessitates preparation – you must schedule your trip, purchase a plane ticket, pack your belongings, and find a place to stay, among other things. However, it’s easy to go overboard while planning the perfect schedule, especially if you only have a limited amount of time to go. However, adhering too rigidly to a set plan may result in missing out on other opportunities that may be even more memorable. Leave some holes in your schedule to allow things to evolve more naturally.

When you’re not so concerned with checking off a precise set of activities on your to-do list, there’s more opportunity for spontaneity, which always adds to the fun of travel and boosts your chances of having unique or authentic experiences.

INDULGE WITH LOCALS

Locals, for the most part, enjoy directing tourists to their favorite spots. If you’re friendly and open, you’ll probably get a positive reaction, so ask for help. You never know where you’ll be headed depending on who you ask, whether to a market solely visited by locals or a neighborhood worth seeing that isn’t mentioned in guidebooks or on travel websites. If there are language issues, find out where expatriates or English teachers hang out and ask them what their favorite locations are as people who were not born and raised in the area but have a more local experience.

GET LOST

Strolling without a plan or a definite route to guide you is one of the most acceptable and reliable ways to discover hidden travel gems. A small side street or laneway that appears to be completely unremarkable could be home to a hole-in-the-wall eatery offering the delicious fish tacos you’ve ever tasted or a shop loaded with locally manufactured or sourced gourmet treats that make perfect carry-on souvenirs. Walking (or driving or bicycling) without a set destination can be liberating, and often when you come across things that inspire or excite you.

SLOWDOWN

It’s easy to feel compelled to rush from attraction to attraction if you’re on a rigid travel schedule. I understand. I’ve been there. You want to get the most out of your time. Rushing, on the other hand, implies you’ll lose out on a lot. Slowing down (even a little) can mean having more time to ask that local where to eat dinner or walk down that quiet side street rather than skipping it to save time, similar to avoiding over-planning.

TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK TIMES

While it may not always be possible to avoid peak season for the area you’re going to, if you can escape the crowds, you’ll have a far better chance of feeling like you have a more authentic experience. Because there are fewer people, even the most well-traveled trails might feel more authentic or unexplored, improving your overall travel experience. You’ll lose out on some attractions at their best during peak times, but you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a destination without the crowds.

USE LOCAL TRANSPORT

Sometimes, taking a taxi, renting a car, or using ridesharing services is the best (or safest) alternative. Outside of those hours, make it a point to take public transit, whether it’s a tram in Lisbon, a songthaew in Chiang Mia (a shared cab popular with locals), or the London Underground. Traveling like and with natives will give you a more authentic destination experience. Consider bringing a daypack and hopping on a city bus to see where it goes or traveling routes through local neighborhoods (rather than tourist areas) to get a greater sense of a location. You never know what you’ll find, which may be the trip’s highlight.

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA

When looking for local gems and secret adventures in your city, Instagram or Tiktok might not seem like the most apparent pick. However, more than a billion individuals utilize social networking platforms. Let’s face it, who doesn’t appreciate sharing gorgeous photographs of their travels?

The accounts of the local tourism board, lifestyle publications dedicated to your city, and regional influencers and photographers are the most incredible places to look for intriguing locations and activities in your town. Search, look through content, and see if there are any areas that you haven’t visited before. When searching, search hashtags relating to the city can also yield intriguing results.

GET A TRAVEL GUIDE FROM THE CITY

Everything from vacation guides for far-flung destinations to buying guides for everyday things may be found online. Tourists can use reputable travel guides like Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to see all of the significant landmarks, local jewels, and secret adventures. Start by looking for the handbook that covers your location. Make a list of all the fantastic places and things to do that you didn’t know about.

JOIN A LOCAL INTEREST GROUP WALKING TOUR

Walking tours may be organized by a local, with a local’s perspective, such as heritage or historical foundations, to allow visitors to visit and learn more about various places and areas in your city. Please take one of their tours to get a unique perspective on the area.

CONSULT ATLAS OBSCURA

Atlas Obscura is one of the best websites for discovering local treasures, personal experiences, eccentric attractions, and scenic, Instagram-worthy locations. The site visits destinations worldwide in search of the strange and fantastic. See what you may find by searching for your city or town on Atlas Obscura.

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