Traveling to a new city for the first time is pure magic – topped off with a little chaos (in the best way) for good measure.
The adventure kicks off the second you step off the plane and breathe in that new air that smells exactly like jet fuel and excitement. Don’t bother trying to have the perfect itinerary; half the fun of travel is getting lost and pretending it was on purpose.
Below are eight tips for exploring a new city as if you were born there:
- Local Food
Start with your stomach, it won’t steer you wrong.
Instead of endlessly scrolling through mixed reviews, or ones that were clearly paid for, ask the local people what restaurants you should try. They always know the best spots and where to find best food is!
Since every country has its own signature dishes, but take some advice from the pro travellers and start with the ones that have at least some familiar ingredients. No one wants to be an unexpected contender in their own street food survival show.
- Explore With A Local
There is no better way of seeing a new city than with a local.
Ask people around you to recommend a tour guide because they will show you the real hidden gems that you will not find on any apps or guidebooks.
Take Rome, for example, where you can smell freshly roasted coffee as scooters whiz by, a local will show you this and so much more for your home videos.
There are many sites where you can find inexpensive local tours.
- Try New Things
Do not get stuck in a routine of going to the same bar, restaurant, or entertainment spot just because you enjoyed yourself there yesterday.
Every city has its fair share of hidden gems, but you won’t find them in a spa getting a massage (which you can do back home) or scrolling through social media from your hotel bed.
If your idea of adventure includes some more daunting activities, such as white-rafting or launching yourself out of an aeroplane, make sure you’re covered. A solid Patriot travel insurance plan will be your best friend if something goes sideways.
Nothing ruins a great trip faster than realizing you forgot to get decent insurance.
- Be Attentive To Your Environment
Discovering a new city can and ought to be so wonderful, but always keep your wits about you.
Learn a few basic travel safety tricks, unless you want to end up wandering through the dodgiest parts of the city. Not all cities are created equal – some have charming streets with chirping birds, and others have less-than-savoury “character”.
If something feels off about an area or a street, turn around and head back. Trust your instincts and, if in doubt, ask for assistance.
- Walk More Often
Walking in a city will provide a perspective that you will never receive in a taxi or ride share.
Do some research beforehand, so you are aware of the safest areas of the city, and can plan a walking tour to guide you through them.
As an added bonus, walking more will burn enough calories to squeeze in that extra treat from your favorite bakery.
- Participate
Most cities are known for something – Mardi Gras, fashion week, cultural events, etc.
Find out what is on during your stay and then visit those and (if possible) participate in them as well. Attending and participating in cultural events are among the best ways to get to know a city and its locals.
- Explore the Urban Areas
In nearly every city, most of the action happens downtown.
Downtown is where the crowds are livelier, the shopping is better, and the parking is almost always full.
Enter Google Maps – an irreplaceable tool for all travelers. It will guide you through bus routes, shopping districts, and restaurants.
Before you make a reservation anywhere, check to reviews. Other travelers generally don’t lie, and their experiences can save you from overhyped restaurants and weird hotels – Google reviews are basically just modern-day word of mouth, but with way more sarcasm.
- Take a Tour
Walking or bus tours are among of the most effective ways to get to know a city.
Most city centers have tours that wander through different neighborhoods, complete with a guide who somehow knows absolutely everything there is to know about the area, and sometimes even what questions you are going to ask.
If you are a foodie, look out for food tours. Nothing says “I’m on holiday” quite like sampling ten desserts in one afternoon.
To End
Use the above advice so that you can get the most out of your next travel experience. Be sure to add some scheduled downtime as well, so you are not always running around in a frantic state.
