"The Road Less Expensive" Newsletter
How to Find Authentic Local Experiences When Traveling
Ditch the tourist traps and discover the real deal.
Happy February, everyone!
If you're already planning your next trip, we want to help. First, we're going to start with how you can break free from the usual touristy clichés.
We get it—tour buses, giant souvenir shops, and over-the-top "local experiences" aren't everyone's vibe. You want something that feels genuine, authentic, and not like it's been staged for Instagram (though, we can't blame you if you snap a pic or two).
To help you steer clear of the cookie-cutter tourist traps, here are a few tips to find those hidden gems. So let's dive in:
1. Talk to the Locals – But Not Just Any Locals
Ever noticed how the "locals" at popular sightseeing spots often seem a little... too polished? Or maybe the recommendations you receive all lead to the same overpriced café. Steer clear of places where you might be directed simply so someone can earn a commission for sending you there.
Instead, try chatting with locals who aren’t in the business of tourism. A person in a bookstore, the gas station attendant, or even a fellow traveler who’s been living there a while might have the lowdown on spots that don’t make it onto every "Top 10 Things to Do" list.
- Pro Tip: Ask for their favorite neighborhood lunch spot, hidden park or place to hear live music.
2. Step Off the Beaten Path (and Stay There) – On Both Macro and Micro Levels
When it comes to avoiding touristy spots, you can play it on both a large and small scale.
- Macro Level: Instead of heading to the well-trodden tourist capitals (we’re looking at you, Paris), consider visiting a lesser-known city or town that doesn’t see the same influx of visitors. A small town in Southern France, for example, can offer a more genuine experience with fewer crowds. Problem solved, right?
- Micro Level: You can also take this approach within a single city. Don’t just stick to the city center. Wander through side streets, non-aesthetically pleasing local markets, and neighborhoods that haven’t been commercialized for tourists. A lot of the charm comes in the unexpected little corners you find once you get off the main avenues.
- Pro Tip: If it feels like you're entering a place built specifically for tourists, it probably is. The real gems are the ones where people actually live and work, and the vibe isn’t “designed” to be photogenic.
3. Be Regional About It
A little pizza doesn’t hurt, but if you’re in Venice, don’t get sucked into a pizza-making class. The thing is, pizza has nothing to do with Venice. The region’s culinary magic is in its seafood, cicchetti, and risotto, not dough and sauce. Do a bit of research to find experiences that are actually tied to the region you're in. In Siena, embrace a Tuscan wine tour. In Bologna, you can’t skip the ragù. Stay true to the local flavors, and you'll find experiences that feel really local.
- Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about asking what regional specialties the area is known for. You might find yourself savoring something you didn’t even know you were missing.
4. Scour Google Maps for "Local Guides"
Here’s a little secret: Google Maps isn’t just for finding directions. It's a goldmine for discovering local gems, too. Look for reviews with the "Local Guide" badge—it’s a clear sign that the person knows the area well and is often a great resource for finding hidden spots. Check out their past reviews and see what kinds of places they've recommended. You'll often find the kinds of places that aren't plastered all over travel sites. Think local dives, offbeat attractions, and tucked-away natural wonders.
- Pro Tip: If a Local Guide's review has a personal anecdote or a quirky detail, that’s usually a good sign that it’s something special. Let their passion be your guide!
And there you have it—four ways to go beyond the tourist trap and find experiences that are truly worth your time, wherever you travel to. The beauty of traveling is getting to know a place as it is, not as a perfect picture that’s been pre-packaged for you. So, take a deep breath, leave the selfie stick at home, and dive into something real.
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