If you are traveling over the upcoming Holiday breaks and you are anything like me, you’re anxious to explore more than the usual tourist trap locations. Here are three things you can do to really get to know the place you’re traveling to.
Visit Small Art Galleries
Don’t get me wrong, art museums are wonderful too. But they are often crowded, expensive, and many systematically exclude artists who don’t come from wealthy backgrounds. To get a better understanding of a city and its populace you should try to find small, locally owned art galleries. There you can explore the art of up and coming artists as well as purchase original copies or prints, something art museums often don’t allow. Plus at a gallery you might even get to meet the artist! Art galleries might be a little harder to find but with the constantly expanding virtual resources we have, it’s not impossible.
Explore Nature Parks
Forget zoos and butterfly pavilions, you deserve to see real wildlife. Besides, there is so much variation in the natural world that you will never discover until you go looking. And luckily, unless you are in the huge metropolises of New York City or Chicago, you’ll definitely be able to find some amazing trails. So grab your hiking shoes, trail map, and portable phone charger and start exploring.
Dine at Local Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Markets
This one seems like a no-brainer, but I’m always surprised by how strong the urge is to just go to a Starbucks. Unless you plan to travel to the same place next year, you will never have the opportunity to eat at these places again! Take advantage of the time you have to explore as many local eateries as possible. Besides, we all know shopping local is better for the environment and the economy.
This holiday season, consider venturing beyond the typical tourist destinations. Embrace the local culture by exploring small art galleries, immersing yourself in nature parks, and savoring the unique flavors of the region at local restaurants, coffee shops, and markets to ensure a memorable and genuine connection with the places you visit.