From Tourist Maps to Hidden Gems: How to Travel More Authentic

Peek behind the tourist curtain and experience the city in a new light.

There’s a special kind of magic in exploring new places. And all the globetrotters can relate to me when I say this!

Ever stared at a map (or these days, your phone screen) filled with exotic destinations? Wondering where to begin? I can still vividly recall my early trips — following the guidebooks religiously, ticking off landmarks like items on a grocery list, and ending up feeling more like a spectator than an explorer.

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there!

The truth is, every adventure and trip you take has its unique charm. Whether it’s scaling mountains or strolling the streets of a city.

But with so much to see and do, how do you make the most of your trip?

I don’t have a one-stop solution to see it all! But over the years, I have learnt to make an almost perfect itinerary for a place. To avail a place like a local and get the maximum experience as a traveller.

I would love to share how my travel experiences transformed from tourist traps to treasure troves, all thanks to a simple shift in perspective: embracing the local culture!

So grab your sense of adventure, and let’s delve into how to avail most from a destination:

Learn the Local History

Skip the Guidebook’s must-see attractions! Iconic landmarks are crowded and impersonal. Take a detour. Learn about the history, to know how that destination came into being and evolved over the years.

Every place has a story to tell! Start your trip by learning about the city’s past. The best way to learn this is to know about its ancient ruins, architecture, or heritage.

History Buffs — Seek out museums, historical landmarks (take the help of Google Maps), or evening walking tours led by local experts.

Culture Vultures- Craving a deeper cultural experience? Attend a traditional performance at a local art and culture club. Visit religious sites and talk to people in charge there or old age people for folklore and stories of the place. Participate in local festivals.

Superstore Hunt

Local superstores became my treasures over the years! To start with, I seek out local residential areas. Then I visit a supermarket there, which is well stocked with local brands and everyday essentials. here’s why I do this-

• I get to know about the local delights — Forget overpriced restaurant meals! Supermarkets are a goldmine for delicious and affordable local snacks, drinks, and even ready-made meals. Perfect for giving my palettes a local delight.
• Hidden Gems- Superstores mostly have a notice board, where they hang a flyer of a local event happening in the city or upcoming festival celebrations. You won’t find this on Google Maps!
• Conversations! Trying to understand unfamiliar labels? Take the help of the superstore staff or ask the shopper shopping next to you. And suddenly you’re interacting with locals and making a friend. They can suggest some hidden gems and help you learn about their culture

On a rainy afternoon, stuck in a foreign city, I stumbled into a local supermarket. Suddenly, I was surrounded by everyday life — locals stocking up on groceries, families picking out snacks. It was a revelation! Here was a chance to peek behind the tourist curtain and experience the city in a new light.

Visit Public Libraries/Book Stores

Visit it even if you are a non-reader.

A public Library/Bookstore in a city has a collection of books from local authors. Authors who write fiction plots set up in that city. Giving you a glimpse of how they perceive a place and the emotional value it holds. If there is a non-fiction written on that place, then you got your read of the day + Guidebook. Follow the text of the book and learn about the place like only rare knows! You might also come across some nearby places, where you can plan a day trip.

See the Sights from a New Perspective

Many cities offer unique ways to get around. This will not only take you around the city but will give you a good feel of where things are in the city.

• Hop on a Bike/2-wheeler— Explore at your own pace and get some exercise while taking in the sights.
• Take a Boat Tour — See the city from a scenic waterways point-of-view.
• Take a local Metro/Public Transport — Hop on the metro or a local city bus. Get to meet locals who help you discover lesser-known places. The bus or metro route will take you to places which you didn’t know existed. And of course, public transport is cheaper!

Travel is all about stepping outside your comfort zone and immersing yourself in new cultures. Following these travel hacks made me learn and adapt to a city better. By offering a unique window into the everyday life.

Now it’s your turn! Let me know in the comments below or drop me a line on Instagram — what are your travel hacks to discover hidden gems in a city?