Traveling is an exciting journey for many enthusiasts who want to explore new destinations. A Statista survey found that two in three Americans take two to three vacations annually. It was also found that over a quarter have not taken non-business trips even once in the past year.
Whether you travel once a year or more frequently, deciding what specific spots to visit at your destination can be challenging. Almost every state or country has numerous ideal tourist spots. Narrowing down the must-visit spots is key to making your trip memorable and enjoyable. Here are some strategies to help you choose wisely.
– Research the Local Highlights
The first thing you should try is exploring what the destination is known for. You can easily find many online travel guides, blogs, and tourism websites that will offer you a wealth of information about your travel destination. Use these resources to learn more about popular landmarks, cultural attractions, and unique experiences.
For example, you can choose a country and look for the most attractive spots on platforms like Tripadvisor. You will see a list of places that showcase the destination’s history, art, or natural beauty.
Consider other travellers’ evaluations and suggestions when conducting your research. Their firsthand accounts often highlight the true gems and help you avoid places that might not live up to the hype.
You can again use platforms like Tripadvisor to read reviews from different travellers worldwide. According to Tripadvisor’s Transparency Report, 23 million travellers on the platform shared around 73 million reviews and opinions in 2022. Of these, there were over 30 million reviews and 31 million photos and videos. Moreover, owners of the listings mentioned on Tripadvisor responded to 10 million reviews. Such insights can be extremely useful in helping you find the right tourist spot.
– How do I find reliable travel guides or websites for research?
Look for well-known travel websites such as TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, or regional tourist boards. Blogs written by residents or frequent visitors can also offer detailed and enlightening suggestions. You can also explore Instagram reels or YouTube videos to find information about tourist spots across the world. Of course, do not forget mytouristmaps.com!
– Consider Your Interests
If you don’t enjoy something you will find when visiting a tourist spot, it is not worth travelling there. The most important factor you should consider when selecting the right places to visit is whether you will like it there or not.
If you love art and history, museums and historical sites can be your priority. Similarly, nature enthusiasts can visit parks, hike, and enjoy scenic viewpoints. Food lovers, on the other hand, might want to explore local markets, restaurants, or culinary tours. Your travel plans should reflect what you enjoy most. If you love art and history, museums and historical sites might be your priority.
Some attractions, like the First Station in Jerusalem, may include several things that many people of different tastes might find interesting. For instance, the First Station has diverse food and drink kiosks along with a wide range of boutiques and restaurants. You can even find art workshops and theatre and musical performances at this location. This can attract people having an interest in not only food and culinary but also history and culture.
According to Isrotel, the First Station was originally built in 1892 for passengers and trains. However, it has now been replaced by many boutiques and restaurants and has emerged as a shopping and entertainment centre. Even the farmer’s market takes place here on Thursdays and Fridays.
– Balance Popular Attractions with Hidden Gems
Every destination has some iconic landmarks that are worth seeing, according to many other travellers. However, you should also keep space for some less touristy spots that offer an authentic glimpse into the destination. Small neighbourhoods, local festivals, or family-owned businesses often provide enriching experiences that aren’t on the typical tourist radar.
Ask locals for suggestions, as they often know the best-kept secrets of their area. A casual conversation with a shopkeeper or cab driver might lead you to an unforgettable experience that’s off the beaten path.
Locals are aware of almost every spot around them that can be breathtaking and exciting for new travellers. This can even be helpful if you get stuck in an emergency, something that happened with a writer from The New York Times.
The writer was hiking on a summer day and didn’t expect snow. However, it started snowing sideways, and the wind got strong with a lot of clouds. The visibility was at a minimum, and there was no phone available. This was when a local American drew a hand-made map that helped the writer get down the mountain and into safety.
– What’s the best way to find local secrets if I don’t speak the language?
Join online travel forums where locals or other tourists exchange advice or use translation applications to interact with locals. You can also seek translation services or a tourist guide who can help translate communication between you and a local.
– Factor in Time and Accessibility
You can easily find many great locations at any destination, but it can be challenging to visit them all. Therefore, when narrowing down the tourist spots you want, factor in the time it will take for you to reach them. Instead of going to a place that will take you six hours, explore three locations that will take only five hours combined.
Trying to pack too much into your itinerary can leave you feeling rushed. Instead, focus on a few key places that are close to one another or easy to access from your accommodation. Take into account journey times and available modes of transportation. You may enjoy each stop without worry or delays when your itinerary is well-planned.
You can also consider a city’s traffic congestion while planning for travel. Try to avoid adding too many tourist spots to visit in cities with high waiting times in the traffic. According to Bloomberg, some of the cities with the worst traffic in the world are:
• London
• Chicago
• Paris
• Boston
• Bogota
• Palermo
• Toronto
• New York City
• Monterrey
• Philadelphia
– How do I handle long travel times between attractions?
If you cannot avoid the distances between the locations, plan to visit fewer locations in a day. You can also plan leisurely activities or look for neighbouring locations to break up the trip to balance the speed. This will reduce stress and make the vacation more enjoyable.
The key to choosing the top attractions for your vacation is striking a balance between flexibility and preparation. You can design a trip that feels particularly yours by doing extensive study, considering your hobbies, and remaining receptive to new experiences. With the correct strategy, every location has the potential to provide unique experiences and discoveries.