How to Avoid Tourist Traps and Find Authentic Experiences
Experience your destination like a local? But what does that really entail?
Some travelers’ experience is that of avoiding tourist traps that have become popular due to long lines, overcrowded areas and souvenir shops; for others it means bypassing famous landmarks for neighborhoods that provide more authentic experiences.
Do Your Research
As with most tourist attractions, some have earned their fame fairly and squarely–such as the Eiffel Tower or Old Faithful at Yellowstone–while others may not. When traveling somewhere new, MyFlightOne suggests conducting your own research by reading articles or reaching out to friends that live or used to live there (or know them personally).
Search out red flags such as restaurants with menus in multiple languages and trinket hawkers selling trinkets. Additionally, avoid areas with large crowds of tourists; if it is essential, visit during off hours in order to bypass lines and visit as quickly as possible.
On their quest for authenticity, travelers are sometimes led astray by travel service providers that market experiences to fit into their definition of it. To prevent this from happening to you, define exactly what authenticity means before booking any experience and question providers when they use the term to market services.
Avoid Crowds
Avoiding tourist traps is unquestionably key, yet many still find themselves being lured in by them. For some this means avoiding famous monuments or landmarks that attract hordes of visitors; for others it could mean passing up overpriced restaurants that specialize exclusively in catering to visitors.
Tourist traps may seem difficult to avoid given how popular they are among visitors, but it is easy to find an alternative destination. Do your research online prior to traveling and read reviews carefully before choosing your location; take note of any mention of lines, “skip the line” passes, VIP tickets, or time slots as these can all indicate tourist traps.
Do not be intimidated to ask strangers (such as hotel or restaurant staff or bartenders) for recommendations; they’d love to share their favorites and steer you away from dull places; they might even have insider knowledge on hidden gems! Authenticity is subjective – what works for one may not for another – so whatever path you take, preparation and an open mindset are keys to creating an experience that’s both memorable and meaningful for you.
Go Where Locals Go
Tourist traps are designed to attract visitors while charging them exorbitant prices for an experience they aren’t receiving authentically. Attractions that take advantage of this can have long lines, high entry fees and large crowds which leave travelers feeling their trip is incomplete without seeing an iconic landmark or taking pictures at a notable site.
Attractively avoid these experiences by conducting research before traveling and carefully perusing reviews posted online. Look out for signs that a venue might be an tourist trap such as “skip the line” passes, VIP tickets or time slots that might indicate it could be.
Explore your destination on foot, visiting places that locals frequent. Doing this will allow you to avoid tourist traps while experiencing it through more authentic lenses – think local markets, locally made souvenirs and dining at family-owned restaurants!
Stay Local
Although visiting famous landmarks and attractions is enjoyable, sometimes the best experiences can be had in smaller towns and villages. Locals will provide genuine advice about where to eat and what activities there are available in their region – giving a truer picture of its culture than through online travel guides alone.
Travelers should keep an eye out for signs of tourist traps when travelling abroad, such as restaurants with old food on display and hosts who push them inside quickly – according to GoJourney, these are common indicators that an establishment is trying to quickly take money from tourists as soon as they enter.
Learn the local language if possible as this will open up many more experiences and allow travellers to communicate directly with locals in their native tongue. Getting familiar with local customs, traditions, and etiquette will also ensure you show respect for everyone you are meeting and avoid cultural miscommunication.
