Tired Of Tourist Traps? Consider This

Tourist traps can be fun when you’re headed to a new place for the first time, or if you’re unsure of how to plan your vacation. There’s nothing inferior or uneducated about trying to see the mainline landmarks, or to go where the hype is. It’s true that some people might find it valuable to tell you how little they care about that stuff, but it doesn’t mean they’re a more sophisticated traveler. So, if you want to see the view from the top of the Eiffel tower, go for it!

But consider, bragging about going off the beaten path and being tired of the same rote suggestions for a destination aren’t necessarily the same thing. It’s fine to head to quieter locals if you’re exhausted by the crowds or you simply don’t think certain options are good value for you.  In this post, we’ll discuss what to do if you’re tired of the tourist traps, and feel like trying a new option:

Go For A Less-Traveled Road Trip

Getting in a car and heading somewhere you haven’t explored is still one of the most freeing ways travel, and it doesn’t even have to be far. It’s really nice to know you’re not locked into a strict itinerary.  If you plan an interesting route, you can take it at your own pace, stopping at side destinations that look interesting like a petting zoo, botanic garden, or quaint local restaurant. This way you’ll have no major queues and no guilt if you just want to stop for a sandwich on the side of the road and watch the scenery for a while.

Even better, if you’ve got your own little setup in tow, you can stop at a quiet RV park where no one cares what time you wake up or where your next stop is. You just go when you like instead of having a package-inclusive deal dictating your pace and stops.

Visit Family Abroad

It’s nice to book family visits, not just out of obligation, but when it feels more like a home-base you can travel from. It’s also true that if they live further away or even abroad, you get all the benefits of being in another state or country without trying to cram in a million things a day, and chances are they know a few corners of town the travel guides haven’t caught up with. You can also rest and relax and have a few nice plans together.  Whether you are celebrating the holidays or a special event, enjoy the person who is the attraction you came to see (so to speak), you get full access throughout the entire trip!

Go To Lesser-Appreciated Historical Locations

Some of the most interesting places in our world are tucked away, half-forgotten or still being developed. Smaller battlefields or places of historical significance, tiny and unique niche museums run by local initiatives, and weird roadside statues lead you into the history of a an area and can be lovely and interesting to explore. This also helps you frame your trip in more predictable terms, which we all need from time to time.

With this advice, you’ll no doubt see that tourist traps, if you like, but also take time to explore beyond the tourist trail from time to time.

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