7 Things you MUST DO Every time you Travel

One of the most exciting parts of traveling is seeing a new place for the first time. It can sometimes be overwhelming to take it all in and really absorb everything that makes a place unique. After visiting a new destination, I want to leave feeling like I really got to know it, to experience more than just major tourist attractions and eating at popular restaurants. I want to take things a step further and feel like I sat down to dinner with this new place, and asked it all about itself. I want to hear its story.

Use these 7 tips to better experience the uniqueness of a new place, aside from visiting major tourist attractions and restaurants. By NO means am I suggesting you skip those things, just to take it one step further.

1. research

Before going to a new place take time to research it. Learn about the culture, cuisine and history of the area. Answer some questions like,

Who are the historical figures that have a connection to the area? Is there a specific architectural style used here? Where did it come from and what are some examples to look out for? What are the traditional dishes eaten at home?

If you plan to see an attraction or landmark, learn about what makes it special before you go. For example, it is normal to walk into a “must see” attraction like Notre Dame Cathedral with not much more info than it is famous and it is beautiful (I did)! Learn more beforehand. What details should I pay attention to? What do they mean? Why was it built here in the first place?

I will be honest; I am not usually too interested in things like architecture or history. Even so, spending just a little time researching these extra details makes a huge difference in how I see things. Now, I may see a special building or sculpture on the street that I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. These details are what makes a place special and memorable.

2. grocery shop

This one may seem silly but it is one of my favorite things to do in a new place! You can learn so much about the culture of an area from what you can find at the local grocery. I like to look at produce, the bakery, prepared foods and the snack aisle. Tastes vary greatly from region to region (not to mention country to country!) and this is represented in the choices on the shelves. I always pick up treats to drink or eat as snacks while visiting too.

3. Talk to the locals

I don’t mean asking hotel concierge what their favorite restaurant is. Talk to the locals who are there for the purpose of sharing information. Docents, tour guides, city historians at monuments ..these people all have great stories.. ask for them! Just asking “ can you tell me more?” can get some fun details besides the usual spiel. I have found that people in these roles love to talk, it’s the job they picked after all. I’m an introvert, and it is not my idea of fun to strike up conversations with strangers. Talking to people I already know want to talk makes it much easier.

4. Visit a Regionally Relevant Museum

Museums are a must see for many people, myself included. Besides a major art or history museum, seek out smaller museums specific to the area. These are often smaller and less well known, but they can give amazing insights into a place.

I recently traveled to New Mexico, and while planning I learned that a major historical figure to the area is the American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. I knew her name and had a general idea of her work, but that was about it. Her style of art is not what I typically prefer, but I made it a point to take a quick visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum while in Santé Fe. Seeing New Mexico through her eyes and learning a bit more about her really deepened my understanding of the state. It was actually my favorite museum of the trip.

5. Stay at a Boutique Hotel

I know I know, a lot of us are brand loyal and love to earn and use hotel points when traveling. Sometimes though,  it is worth to stay at a special bed and breakfast or historic hotel. Places like this are steeped in history and reflect the local culture of the area. I love to do this especially when I am only in a place for a short time, to make the most of my trip.

6. Pay attention to the Plant and Animal Life

Types or trees, flowers and birds can be easily overlooked, but they are another great way to take in what makes a place unique. Take a detour through a park or city green space and make it a point to look at the beautiful nature around you!

7. Do Something you Love

Do an activity you enjoy at home. I love visiting wineries so I make it a point to do that when traveling, even if the area isn’t known for them. The more places I visit wineries, the more I notice the differences and how they relate to the area. Whatever you love to do in your free time (Golfing, visiting fairs, watching local bands, volunteering..) try doing it when you travel!