Whenever people think of their next vacation, they’ll often think of doing all of the touristy things: seeing all the sights, paying whatever fees for whichever guided tours, eating at the famous restaurants (assuming you can get in, or just finding the nearest chain restaurant they like at home). While this is all well and good for a memorable vacation, it’s not the only way to travel.
You don’t necessarily need to stay in the fanciest hotels and eat at the hippest restaurants when you travel. You absolutely can, and our Denver travel agency will always be happy to help you book the most romantic, exciting, and luxurious vacation you want.
For those who want a different type of adventure or maybe don’t want to splurge on food and lodging, traveling to a destination hot spot and then exploring off the beaten path may be the ticket for you. But what activities include going off the beaten path? Isn’t that dangerous? Well, with everything, a bit of context matters.
Say you travel to New York City. The typical things to do would be to go to the Statue of Liberty, the World Trade Center Memorial, eat at a Michelin Star restaurant. You know, the big-ticket items. Maybe even check out a Broadway play, or take a guided tour through the city. If you wanted to go off the beaten path, you could look up other smaller museums and shows. You could find out where the locals eat and why. As a quick aside: haven’t you ever heard someone say the best food is in the smallest places tucked away? It’s often true, and it could save you money on your food budget.
Sometimes going off the beaten path is as simple as exploring the other side streets in your neighborhood. If you head to Rome, of course, you’ll want to see the Colosseum, maybe even the Vatican. But Trastavere, a small neighborhood of Rome, boasts a number of intimate, casual, or exciting dinner spots, and town squares boast street performers to entertain you. There’s always something to see if you keep your eyes open.
It may also save you money staying in a hotel off of the beaten path. Rather than choosing a resort, you can stay in a quiet little hotel and work your way through the city to see sights that are often overlooked. Each neighborhood just outside of a major city hub has art, food, history, and experience to offer if you just go looking for it.
You may even meet some interesting characters in your travels. Why be stuck having single-serving friends on the plane or that one guy you keep seeing around the resort, when you could make a genuine connection with someone and learn more about your area. The locals know the places to be; you should listen to them.
As far as danger is concerned, use your discretion and best judgment. Do a quick bit of research to see if there are any dangerous areas near where you’ll be staying, and then avoid them. Or, go with a larger group, since there is safety in numbers. It’s usually not advised to walk around your own neighborhood after midnight; try to apply that strategy wherever you end up traveling.
If you’re ready for a new adventure, give us a call so we can set up your next vacation and get you the hotel, travel, and packages you want for an unforgettable trip. Our Denver travel agency is happy to help you book family vacations, honeymoons, all-inclusive vacations, and more. Give us a call today to set up your next trip!