Get Lost and Love It
There’s something to be said about heading off the beaten track in a city.
While some may relish the safety of an organized tour, more travellers are excited by discovering the unknown, even if not planned. Plotting your entire stay before departure is o.k. If you have minimal time, but leave yourself room for the unplanned.
Taking a wrong turn is not necessarily a negative; it can lead you to something delightfully unexpected or prompt you to converse with a local, which is often the best way to learn about your surroundings. Ask a local “what do you do on your weekend?”, from their favourite restaurants and cafes to quirky cultural experiences and current concerts, one question can open the door to beautiful experiences that you won’t find in a generic guide book.
Catch a local bus or train through the suburbs to watch the locals going about their daily life, or stay in the suburbs rather than the city centre for a more authentic local experience. The only prerequisite for a suburban stay is the accessibility to public transport. For those less adventurous, there are local sightseeing options that offer a far more exciting experience than significant group departures. One example is Tours By Locals, operating worldwide and bringing local people with their knowledge and expertise together with travellers who are looking for an authentic cultural experience, through personalized private tours.
Turning left instead of right can open the door to unexpected adventures, and that’s what holidays are all about!