How to Find Hidden Gems and Local Favourites When Travelling
When travelling to a new destination, it's tempting to only visit the major tourist attractions and most famous sites. However, some of the best experiences can be found by venturing off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems that only the locals know about. Here are some tips for finding those hidden gems and local favourite spots when you travel.
Use Travel Blogs for Tips
One of the best ways to find out about hidden and local favourite spots in a destination is to read travel blogs written by people who live there or have spent a significant amount of time there. Travel bloggers often share insider information about restaurants, cafes, shops, parks, museums and other attractions that you won't necessarily find in the guidebooks.
For example, search for best places to travel South America, or South America travel videos to find a helpful travel blog with recommended hidden gems and local favourites. The great thing about travel blogs is that they are typically frequently updated, so you'll get the latest and greatest local insider tips.
Ask Social Media Friends and Followers
Post on your social media accounts asking friends and followers for hidden gem recommendations when travelling to a particular destination. Chances are some of your connections have been there before and can suggest excellent under-the-radar finds based on their own travel experiences.
Even if people haven't been themselves, they may have other friends to refer you to who have. Crowdsourcing tips from your social circles can provide fantastic local intel.
Chat with Hotel Staff
Hotel staff, especially front desk concierges and bellhops, often have great insight into hidden gems and local favourite spots in the area. After all, they live there! When you check in, have a friendly chat with the hotel staff and ask for their personal recommendations of places to visit beyond the well-known tourist sights.
Where do they go on their days off? What is their favourite restaurant, coffee shop, or bar? Local hotel staff can point you towards some real gems.
Strike Up Conversations with Locals
Some of the best local tips can come straight from residents of the destination themselves. When visiting coffee shops, bars, restaurants, parks, or local markets, strike up friendly conversations with the locals. Many residents will be more than happy to share their favourite hangouts. You may get some fantastic suggestions that you won't find in any guidebook.
Take a Tour with a Local Guide
Booking a tour with a local guide is a wonderful way to experience a destination more like a resident would. Local tour guides will know the hidden corners, best-kept secrets, and businesses frequented by locals.
Whether it's a food tour, walking tour, or day excursion, local guides can provide insider information and help you discover places you wouldn't have stumbled upon otherwise. Tours are often small groups too, which allows for personalised recommendations based on your interests.
Wandering Around is Sometimes the Best Approach
While tips and recommendations from locals are extremely helpful, simply wandering around a new destination can lead you to stumble upon some real hidden gems too. Instead of rigidly sticking to an itinerary, allow time to explore different neighbourhoods on foot, poke your head into cool looking shops and cafes, and scope out city parks, plazas, and markets. Going with the flow and letting your curiosity guide you can result in wonderful, unexpected discoveries.
Getting off the standard tourist trail and doing a bit of digging can uncover all sorts of incredible local spots and hidden gems that will make your travels so much more memorable. Use these tips to tap into local knowledge and find the coolest under-the-radar experiences.