When you picture a perfect vacation, some of you might think of a peaceful getaway on the beach or in the mountains. Others might picture an exciting time swimming, windsurfing, or snowboarding. But most of us are looking for something intimate as well - getting to know the local culture, food, and cute spots and cafes.
The truth is, vacationing has changed over the last few decades. We can find almost every piece of information online, with no need for a tour guide. For exploring cities we use Google Maps, for hiking in nature we use Wikiloc, we are more connected and independent than ever.
If you are getting ready for your next vacation, keep reading for our top picks of ideas to scoop to the finest local spots for the best experience.
The best way to get to know the local culture intimately is to be in the middle of the happenings. Before booking your accommodation, do your research on the area of the city you’d like to explore.
Once you are settled there, you can start exploring by being spontaneous and walking the streets checking out the parks, restaurants, bookstores, and antique shops. Remember - you are on vacation, let go of the hurry and the rush, and allow yourself to be present at the moment. You’d be surprised by what you might discover and who you might meet.
If you are unsure where and how to book the right place for you, there are different platforms to help you out with that. Even if you are a corporate traveler, you can find a serviced apartment in London centre - or anywhere else in the world, to meet your needs easily.
Set up the filters according to your standards and get ready to discover the neighborhood.
Now that you have set your base up in the area, it is time to discover what it has to offer. For finding the finest local spots - who better to ask than the locals? For instance, Scotland’s Isle of Skye is a popular tourist destination. But while most travelers are busy exploring its more popular sights like the Fairy Pools and Dunvegan Castle, we recommend a few more off the beaten path outdoor experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the local way of life. For example, spend a morning with a local fisherman understanding the important tradition of deep sea fishing or an afternoon sea kayaking along coastal inlets to find the best hidden beaches and secret coves.
Scan the blocks for events that might be interesting to you and go mingle. If you are an introvert, you can also use apps for connecting and meeting new local friends.
Ask them about the culture, activities, and places to visit. They might be able to tell you much more than you’d be able to find out on your own in such a short period of time.
Cuisine is a very important aspect of traveling, for most of us. Whether you enjoy tasting new exotic specialties or need to follow a certain diet, choosing the place to eat should be done carefully. After all, you’re only on vacation for so long, you don’t want to spend your time and money on bad food.
Restaurant reviews can be very helpful in your choice-making. You have two kinds of reviews for each city - ones written by locals and the ones written by tourists. Either way, when searching for the best places to eat in the area, these shall overlap on more than a few points.
When it comes to food, reach beyond the neighborhood you are in. If you are in Columbia Heights, DC, but you’ve heard of the best restaurant in Logan Circle, make that trip. It can be worth your while, adventurous and delicious.
Panoramic views of the city are always an amazing idea for spending the day when on vacation. Having another perspective after walking the streets for some days can be refreshing and an active way to use your time.
If you are on a romantic holiday, organize a picnic at one of the best viewpoints in Paris and surprise your special someone. For more nature-oriented travelers, explore hiking and trekking trails that lead up to a high landmark above the canyon or the river.
You can discover beautiful places by consulting travelers and digital nomads online, by visiting their blogs and youtube channels to see their first-hand experiences.
Another innovative way to get ideas is to investigate these locations on Instagram and TikTok. Filtering by location is a great feature that can help you find everything - from five-star accommodation, through astonishing natural sights, to the best pasta you will have in the city you are visiting.
