I was thinking about how we travel this week as we had guests staying at Lemonade Cottages from Canada. We really wanted to immerse them in the local culture, take them to lesser-known places, and help them understand why we love Ireland so much, rather than steering them towards the standard tourist traps.
How do you travel? Are you a tourist or a traveller? Do you clutch your guidebook tightly, following the well-worn paths and queuing in endless lines for attractions? Bagging a sunbed with your “much too small” towel at dawn and lie in the sun without enough sunscreen. Do you dine in places with laminated menus and pictures of the food, surrounded by others just like you? Do you scour tripadvisor for the restaurant with the most reviews?
“I challenge you to venture off the beaten path, seek the hidden gems, the local haunts, and the authentic experiences that transform a trip into a journey. “
To travel better, to truly immerse yourself in a new place, you must become a traveller. A traveller steps off the tourist treadmill and into the heart of the destination. They seek out the soul of the place, not just its polished facade.
Challenge accepted? Ok …Here are some tips to help you make that transition and discover the magic that lies beyond the obvious.
1. Eat where the locals eat
One of the simplest ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is through its food. Forget the restaurants with menus translated into five languages. Look for the small, bustling eateries where the menu is handwritten in the local language, often without translation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Use Google Translate if you must, but better still, strike up a conversation with the locals. In a small bakery or a bustling market stall, ask, "What’s good today?" You might discover a new favourite dish and make a friend along the way. Top tip, - “ you won’t find them with over 1000 reviews on tripadvisor!”
2. Learn a few phrases
Speaking of Google Translate, keep it handy but don’t rely on it exclusively. Learn a few key phrases in the local language. A simple "hello," "please," and "thank you" can go a long way in breaking the ice. Locals appreciate the effort, and it often leads to warmer interactions and unexpected kindnesses. Who knows, you might even get invited to someone’s home for a meal.
3. Ask for recommendations
When you’re exploring a new place, don’t just follow the guidebook. Ask the people who live there for their recommendations. In a store, ask the clerk where they like to eat. In a café, ask the barista what they do for fun. Locals can point you to the best-kept secrets - the cozy cafes, the quiet parks, the hidden art galleries - that you’d never find on your own.
4. Take public transport
Ditch the tour buses and take the local public transport. It’s a fantastic way to see the city as its residents do. You’ll get a feel for the daily rhythms of life and maybe strike up a conversation with a fellow passenger. Plus, you’ll often find yourself in parts of the city where tourists rarely venture.
5. Travel with gifts
Travel armed with a few gifts from your home country that scream your culture. An English children’s book if you’re visiting a non-English-speaking country, pens and pencils, or even a map can make wonderful tokens of goodwill. Something interesting but not too expensive, like maple candy or a book about Canada, can go a long way in fostering connections with the families you meet. These small gestures of kindness can open doors and hearts, creating lasting bonds and unforgettable memories.
6. Embrace the unexpected
Travel with an open mind and an open heart. Be ready for plans to change and embrace the unexpected. Some of the best travel experiences happen when things don’t go according to plan. Missed a bus? Maybe that’s a sign to explore the nearby village. Rained out of your planned hike? Perfect time to check out that quaint museum or cozy café you passed earlier. Last year we got off a train three stops too early and missed the last onward train stranding us in the most unforgettable picture perfect town in Northern Italy. Stranded and thrilled with the serendipitous accident we loved every minute.
7. Stay in local accommodations
Instead of staying in international chain hotels, opt for locally owned accommodations. Whether it’s a family-run guesthouse, a charming bed and breakfast, or even a homestay, you’ll have a more personal experience. Your hosts can offer invaluable insights into the local culture and suggest off-the-beaten-path activities.
8. Slow down
Finally, slow down. Don’t rush from one attraction to the next, ticking items off a checklist. Take time to wander, to sit in a park and people-watch, to linger over a meal. Let the place unfold at its own pace. This way, you’ll truly connect with the destination and create memories that last a lifetime.
Staying safe while exploring
If the thought of veering off the tourist path seems daunting, start by ensuring you're in a safe country. You can always share your location with a loved one using your phone. - I always share my location with Keith in WhatsApp. Having a local SIM card is crucial in case you get lost. Remember, truly authentic places might not be on TripAdvisor, so don't rely solely on it.
Spontaneity is my travel philosophy. Once, at a travel conference in Thailand, someone asked if I'd be willing to change my ticket and fly to Myanmar. Without hesitation, I said yes. What followed was an adventure into a land as beautiful as its people, yet marred by government turmoil. Tourism there was scarce, but the experiences were profound.
In Myanmar, I found an authenticity that was both humbling and exhilarating. Bagan, an area the size of St. Catharines, is littered with 240,000 temples of every shape, size, and type. This ancient cityscape is a testament to a rich cultural heritage, where time seems to stand still. The food in Myanmar is simple yet spectacular, bursting with flavours that reflect the heart and soul of its people. Locals, who often use their meagre tips to buy essentials for their villages, embody generosity and resilience. The late, legend, Anthony Bourdain said that Myanmar changed him and I would strongly agree. I have since returned three times but I feel travel there may be off the map for a while sadly.
While travel to Myanmar might not be possible right now due to political unrest, consider seeking out lesser-known destinations for your next vacation adventure. The world is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, next time you’re invited off the beaten path, just go. Adventure awaits for those who dare to stray from the script and write their own travel story. Happy travels!
Based on this article and something a beautiful client in her 70s said, I decided to create a small group trip for like-minded people wishing to escape the extreme cold of Canada in February and travel to the south of Portugal. This will be a long-stay trip in either a shared room or a single room of a villa in the centre of a pretty town called Obidous. It won’t be fully hosted, but I will pop over for at least a week of the trip to take you on an adventure. If you want to be on this list, just message me. More information about this coming next week.
Reach me or travel with me ;
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