My Go-To Ways to Get More Off the Beaten Track While Traveling
Traveling is about more than just ticking destinations off a list—it’s about immersing yourself in new cultures, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing the world in a way that feels unique and personal. While popular tourist attractions can be amazing, I’ve found that the most rewarding travel experiences happen when I go off the beaten track. Venturing beyond the usual paths lets me connect more deeply with local culture, escape the crowds, and create unforgettable memories. Here are my favorite ways to get off the beaten path while traveling.
1. Ditch the Guidebooks and Follow Local Advice
Guidebooks can be helpful, but they often send everyone to the same places. Instead, I like to talk to locals—whether it’s my taxi driver, a café owner, or someone I meet at a market. Locals know the best spots that tourists overlook, from secret viewpoints to the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants. I ask questions like:
- “Where do you go for a quiet weekend getaway?”
- “What’s a place that only locals know about?”
- “Where can I try the best traditional food without the crowds?”
By following their recommendations, I’ve stumbled upon charming villages, secluded beaches, and stunning hiking trails that were nowhere to be found in travel books.
2. Stay in Small Towns and Rural Areas
Big cities are exciting, but I’ve found that small towns and countryside villages often hold the most authentic experiences. Instead of staying in a capital city, I look for smaller nearby towns where life moves at a slower pace. These places often have rich traditions, friendly locals, and landscapes that are untouched by mass tourism.
For example, instead of staying in Florence, I once opted for a tiny Tuscan village where I joined a local olive harvest and learned how to make fresh pasta from a grandmother. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life!
3. Use Alternative Transportation
The way you travel can also dictate how much you explore off the beaten track. Instead of relying on flights and major highways, I like to mix things up with different modes of transportation:
- Bicycles – Perfect for exploring the countryside, cycling lets me stumble upon hidden trails, farms, and quiet villages.
- Trains – Some of the best views come from train windows, and rural stations often lead to lesser-known towns.
- Boats – I always look for ferries, riverboats, or traditional wooden boats to see a destination from a different perspective.
- Walking – Simply wandering on foot allows me to discover tucked-away streets and unexpected sights that I’d miss otherwise.
One of my favorite discoveries was while biking through the Netherlands, where I found a tiny cheese farm run by a local family that offered tastings and tours. Had I been in a car, I would have zoomed right past it!
4. Learn Basic Local Phrases
Speaking even a little bit of the local language can open doors to incredible experiences. It shows locals that I respect their culture and often leads to genuine connections. I always make sure to learn:
- Basic greetings
- How to order food
- How to ask for directions
- Phrases like “What do you recommend?” and “Where do locals go?”
In Morocco, my attempt to speak basic Arabic led to an invitation for tea with a Berber family in the mountains, where I learned about their way of life firsthand.
5. Say Yes to Spontaneous Opportunities
Some of my best travel experiences happened because I was open to spontaneity. I always leave room in my itinerary for unexpected invitations and adventures. This has led to:
- A last-minute hike with a group of locals to a hidden waterfall in Colombia
- A village festival in Vietnam where I was invited to join a traditional dance
- A spontaneous road trip in New Zealand with fellow travelers I met at a café
Being flexible and saying “yes” to the unknown has made my travels far richer than if I had planned every detail.
6. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
I’ve found that visiting a place in the off-season gives me a completely different experience—fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Instead of going to Greece in July, I visited in October and had the beaches almost to myself. In Japan, I skipped cherry blossom season and visited in late autumn, when the foliage was breathtaking, and there were fewer tourists.
Off-season travel also means locals have more time to chat, and I get to experience daily life more authentically.
7. Stay in Local Accommodations
Rather than staying in big hotel chains, I prefer options that connect me more with the local culture:
- Guesthouses & Homestays – I love staying with local families who share their traditions and stories.
- Eco-Lodges – These accommodations are often located in remote areas and are great for connecting with nature.
- Farm Stays – Learning about traditional farming practices and getting hands-on experience is always rewarding.
One time in Laos, I stayed in a remote homestay where I helped prepare meals with the family and learned to weave baskets with local artisans.
8. Explore Local Markets and Family-Run Restaurants
Food is a gateway to culture, and I always make it a point to eat where the locals eat. Instead of touristy restaurants, I seek out:
- Family-run eateries with handwritten menus
- Street food vendors with long lines of locals
- Local markets where fresh ingredients and regional specialties can be found
In Mexico, I ditched the resort buffets and ended up at a small family-run taqueria where I tasted the best tacos of my life, made from a recipe passed down for generations.
9. Use Lesser-Known Apps and Forums
Instead of relying solely on mainstream travel websites, I use apps and forums where locals and seasoned travelers share their insights. Some of my favorites include:
- iOverlander – Great for finding off-the-grid campsites and travel tips.
- Atlas Obscura – A fantastic source for finding unusual and lesser-known places.
- Couchsurfing Hangouts – A great way to meet locals and other travelers for spontaneous meetups.
These tools have helped me discover places I never would have found otherwise.
10. Volunteer or Take a Local Workshop
Getting involved in the community through volunteering or workshops allows me to experience a place in a deeper way. Some options I’ve loved include:
- Helping with conservation projects, such as turtle rescue in Costa Rica
- Learning traditional pottery in a small village in Greece
- Assisting on an organic farm in New Zealand through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
These experiences let me give back while also learning skills and making connections that last long after my trip.
Final Thoughts
Getting off the beaten track isn’t just about avoiding tourist crowds—it’s about discovering the soul of a place and connecting with people and cultures in a meaningful way. By being open-minded, curious, and willing to step outside my comfort zone, I’ve had some of the most incredible adventures of my life.
So next time you travel, take a step off the main road. Ask a local for a recommendation, hop on a bike, or stay in a small village. You never know what unforgettable experiences await you just around the corner.
Happy exploring!
