In a recent informal poll of Travelocity’s Gnational Gnomad community, after spas, taking time to explore local sights was the second-most mentioned relaxing activity. Kirsten Maxwell, founder and editor of Kids Are A Trip makes it a point to learn about the destinations she visits with her family in her travels. “For too many people, sightseeing becomes an opportunity to check places off of a list. Turning a vacation into a race to see everything on a predefined list prevents people from really unwinding. Sightseeing should be about experiencing the people and culture of a new place, not just a mad dash to take selfies at the most popular landmarks.”
Taking time to slow down and travel like a local can make a trip more enjoyable. Some destinations Kirsten has found to be most amenable to leisurely explore include San Diego, Chicago, New Orleans, Lisbon, and Ireland.
San Diego
San Diego may be famous for its zoo and beaches, but heading away from the tourist spots is where visitors can find some hidden gems.
The town of Encinitas is a quaint seaside town with a chill surfer vibe. Stroll down the beach or cruise historic Highway 101 before grabbing a bite at one of its eclectic cafés.
La Jolla Underwater Park is a an ecological reserve that is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Tour companies offer snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking to the area’s two artificial reefs, kelp forest, and underwater canyons. The clear water in this area makes for spectacular viewing of the local marine life.
Foodies won’t want to miss a chance to visit the North Park neighborhood, where restaurant options vary from sushi to waffles! It’s also home to art galleries, unique boutiques, and a vibrant night life scene. Head here to mingle and get off the beaten path.
Photo: Mike Shubic of Mike’s Road Trip
Chicago
Chicago has twenty miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, architecture, and museums galore, but the best experience is exploring the city’s unique neighborhoods.
Pilsen is home to a large Latino community, the National Museum of Mexican Art, divine taquerias, and stunning street art. Spend a day here and immerse yourself in the culture.
Ukranian Village was settled by a large number of Eastern Europeans and offers plenty of opportunities to experience that Old World charm. Take a visit to the Polish or Ukranian museum, then grab a bite at one of the eclectic restaurants which offer everything from pierogis to enchiladas to pizza.
In the 1960s, Chicago’s Greektown introduced gyros to America and firmly established the Greek community in the city. Today it is home to the National Hellenic Museum, the Taste of Greece festival, and a multitude of Greek restaurants. These are only a few of the Chicago neighborhoods offering visitors a peek into the life of a local.
New Orleans
Say the words “New Orleans” and usually a few things come to mind: Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, and beignets. The city is so much more than that!
Seek out restaurants where local charm and Cajun/Creole cuisine are center stage. Head to the Garden District, Uptown, and Mid City for fantastic dining options on every corner. The French Quarter will have traditional dining as well. You just might have to look harder to get away from the tourist traps.
Take a stroll down Frenchmen Street past colorful buildings and enjoy the music all around. Don’t be afraid to step in a bar when a song grabs your attention. Better yet, stop and enjoy street musicians along the way.
To find the original area inhabitants, head to the swamps. Taking a boat ride through the bayou allows visitors a close up view of the gators and turtles that call the area home, while learning about local lore from a guide.
Lisbon
Lisbon is experiencing a renaissance as a top destination for travelers and there are plenty of reasons why. In addition to beautiful views from the city’s seven hills and delicious cuisine, the Lisboetas are extremely welcoming.
Make time to stroll the maze of cobblestone streets of the Alfama district and explore the trendy boutiques and restaurants of the Bairro Alto and Chiado,
Head to local favorite LX Factory (a revitalized former manufacturing district) in Alcântara where this mixed use space houses everything from art galleries to cafés.
When in Lisbon, don’t miss a Fado show, showcasing the melancholy folk music of Portugal. There are plenty of restaurants offering performances for tourists, so be sure to ask a local for their recommendations.
Ireland
The entire country of Ireland offers a myriad of opportunities for going off the beaten path and embracing local life.
Rent a car and drive part of the Wild Atlantic Way (it’s 1600 miles to cover it all), stopping in charming villages from Kinsale to Derby along the western coast. The dramatic coastline is the main attraction with cliffs, coves, and mountainous terrain offering Instagram-worthy views at every turn.
Another way to explore the countryside is taking a boat along the River Shannon and its many loughs (lakes). There are 224 miles of waterways to cruise with historic landmarks, small villages, and dramatic scenery to enjoy along the way.
Don’t miss the islands off the coast of Ireland, the most well known being the Aran Islands. Some are for fishing, others for hiking, but they’re all perfect spots to walk into a pub and grab a pint with the locals.
Kirsten Maxwell
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