Photograph by Zareef Cader
Although, travelling is the best way to experience new cultures, in many instances it can be a disappointing ordeal. Where there is the warm anticipation of the thousand year old monument right next to you and the crisp hope of witnessing scenic and sublime beauty of pristine beaches, there’s also the contrasting thirst to step into the unknown, explore “the real” as opposed to the “touristy.” Most travellers miss out on the non-tourist attractions of the country they visit. A mass of tourists streaming out of buses, the smell of McDonald’s chicken nuggets drowning the aroma of the local stir-fried noodles served in the alleyway. All the selfie sticks hoisted up and the relentless attempts for a clear view of historical monuments – irregularity and turmoil, funnily enough, is a constant. If you are a traveller who wants to get away from such dilemmas it’s time to throw away the travel guidebooks, add caution to your adventures, and take the road less travelled.
Getting off the beaten track can mean different things for people. It could be discovering a new region, eating an authentic dish or hunting down “hidden treasures.” You might be unable to tick off every “must see” landmark; nevertheless, being flexible is all part of the experience. In today’s “share all” social media world it’s easy to fall into the trap of new and trending “hot spots.” However, it’s also important to break free, step back and follow your instincts instead.
Plan as little as possible; book the flight, check-in to a hotel for one night and prepare for the unknown. It is best to take a short, organised tour to get the feel of a new country before starting to explore on your own. Asking the locals and seeing what they recommend is the best way to start. Locals usually love directing people to interesting sights. If you don’t speak the local language, use online meet-up sites to set up coffee meetings with willing expats or English students. You can also use translator apps to help you out. Avoid asking the hotel concierge or taxi drivers as they often direct you to touristy hangouts.
For a more daring streak, go alone. Albeit a little scary, it can also be a life-changing experience. When you travel by yourself you’re less distracted and more flexible, thereby more likely to spot unusual sights and events. Unusual places are everywhere, hidden in plain sight; you just have to make a little more effort to uncover them.
The mode of transport is crucial to accessing the unknown. Beyond the big cities there are countless beautiful little towns and villages that are often missed due to domestic air travel. Hire a motorbike, car or cycle – this will let you go places fewer people get to visit. Though the idea of such travel is to throw away the map, it’s not a bad idea to break the rules by keeping the map or GPS tucked away, you know, just in case. Public transport is also a great way to travel like a local. This may not support any romantic notions you have of a destination, but it will help you get a better grasp of how it really is. Buses weave through residential areas you would never see on a tourist coach. Trains are also a great way to view the countryside.
Even the world’s most popular destinations have hidden delights; back alleys and secret doorways let you glimpse a place from a fresh angle. In such big cities choose a road and walk in one direction. In less than an hour you’ll almost certainly be somewhere completely new. You see, the places in between destinations are where the real people live. Walking is the perfect speed to get a sense of the landscape, and experience the subtle changes in culture, cuisine, weather and everything else that makes the city beyond the famous glossy image.
Even the biggest tourist trap can feel like a new discovery if you sidestep the crowds. Try to avoid high seasons, the prices are also cheaper and sites are less crowded. Yes, you may risk bad weather but you may also stumble across an event or activity not available during the peak season. If you do end up travelling during the high season, time your visits to the major sights in order to avoid tour buses and peak hours. If there’s a spot that gets busloads of people at sunrise, go at sunset instead. Sometimes you may have to sacrifice seeing something at the best time of day for the sake of having it all to yourself.
Don’t plan every second and research every detail on the Internet before you begin. Having a sense of mystery is an essential part of the journey. Give yourself enough slack to let events unfold naturally. Factor in the time to meet the people, explore alleyways, and take those buses to nowhere. Such travel experiences are not without some risks, so take basic safety precautions. Check travel advice and research health risks before heading out.
The final tip is to pack light but remain self-sufficient. A sleeping bag, tent, down jacket, reliable rucksack and comfy hiking shoes are important. Also today’s essentials – a camera, smart phone and charging devices are vital. There’s no feeling quite as liberating as standing on the shores of a new country with your life on your back and no fixed plans.