- A slower pace. Whether it’s because you’re staying longer in one place or because your destination is a small town infrequently visited, your pace as a traveler will slow down. You’ll return home more relaxed than if you had traveled as a typical tourist.
- Friendlier people. When you’re in a busy, touristed area, the locals can be a little exhausted by tourists and sometimes not particularly hospitable. Beyond those areas, locals have more time for tourists. They are more friendly. Chat and learn the local history and find out what homegrown entertainment is happening while you’re there.
- Quirkier events. Lobster suppers, pancake breakfasts, grape harvests, and more: big cities and small towns both have their festivals and events. The difference is that when you’re in a major city, you’re likely one in a hundred thousand and the event is slick. When you’re at a local event in a less common destination you may be one in a thousand and you can feel the love that the volunteers have put into it, making the most with limited resources. It’s a great experience.
- Less expensive options. Whether it’s the cost of a meal or a room, it’s less expensive to travel where there are fewer tourists
- A slower pace. Whether it’s because you’re staying longer in one place or because your destination is a small town infrequently visited, your pace as a traveler will slow down. You’ll return home more relaxed than if you had traveled as a typical tourist.
- Friendlier people. When you’re in a busy, touristed area, the locals can be a little exhausted by tourists and sometimes not particularly hospitable. Beyond those areas, locals have more time for tourists. They are more friendly. Chat and learn the local history and find out what homegrown entertainment is happening while you’re there.
- Quirkier events. Lobster suppers, pancake breakfasts, grape harvests, and more: big cities and small towns both have their festivals and events. The difference is that when you’re in a major city, you’re likely one in a hundred thousand and the event is slick. When you’re at a local event in a less common destination you may be one in a thousand and you can feel the love that the volunteers have put into it, making the most with limited resources. It’s a great experience.
- Less expensive options. Whether it’s the cost of a meal or a room, it’s less expensive to travel where there are fewer tourists
My go-to ways to get more off the beaten track while traveling
