There is no doubt that traveling to a new country, city, or town can make you feel more alive and connected with the rest of the world.
And if you look at most people’s bucket lists of cities to see, many of the major players make appearances: Paris, Rome, London. But what about those lesser-known cities? Visiting somewhere you’ve never heard of is a very different experience, and perhaps, an even more incredible one. Not convinced? Here are 7 reasons why somewhere you’ve never heard of should be your next vacation destination:
1. You have no expectations.
People who meticulously plan every aspect of their trip end up missing out on the spontaneous adventures that await. If you have no idea what to expect, you can’t possibly be let down. And without a picture already in your mind, the beauty will probably be even greater. There is something so freeing about just showing up somewhere with no idea where to go. You’ll be able to choose what to do in the moment; simply walk around and let the city show you what it has to offer.
2. It forces you to be adventurous.
You’ll have no choice but to try new things and meet new people. Become one with nature, try scary foods (escargot anyone?), have a conversation with someone you don’t know. You’ll have to get outside of your comfort zone, possibly WAY outside it. With nothing you recognize around you, you’ll be able to completely let go and learn something about the place you are visiting, the culture, and yourself. And for a real adventure, maybe try somewhere that scares you.
3. You get to tell a story that no one else can.
Everyone who’s been anywhere has seen the basics: The Louvre, The Coliseum, Buckingham Palace. Those places are great to see, but anytime you try to tell your friends about the experience, they will have their own stories to share. If you go somewhere you don’t know, you’ll get to see the interesting and original places, and no one else will know how that feels.
4. You can avoid tourists (and tourist traps).
Everyone knows the Eiffel Tower, but does that make it the best part of Paris? In a city that doesn’t depend on tourism, you’ll figure out what you really need to see — because it’s worth it, not because it’s well known. And no tour buses or lines will get in your way, so you’ll have more time to get to know the place instead of waiting around for something. Not to mention that locals tend to be friendlier towards those who actually attempt to get to know their way of life.
5. You will get to have a REAL experience.
Not to say visiting a tourism-driven city isn’t real, but this way, you will get to take a look into the actual culture of a new place. The people and food will be original and a better representation of the culture of the country. You can eat at a McDonald’s anywhere, but it’s a lot harder to find an authentic cultural dish. You can actually immerse yourself into culture, instead of just viewing things through your camera’s lens.
6. Its cheaper.
You can’t put a price on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but one that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg is so much better. Its a no-brainer that tourist traps up the price of everything, but in a smaller city or town, you pay the prices that the locals do, whether that be a whole dinner for under ten euro, or a much cheaper night at a great hotel. You’ll save a ton of money, but the experiences will be just as memorable.
7. You’ll really discover who you are.
Traveling anywhere teaches you a lot about yourself, but none so much as finding yourself somewhere you don’t know, with no knowledge of the local language, no maps or guide books, and no predispositions. When you leave, you’ll have made friends, memories, and hopefully gained insight to the way you live your life — or want to live it going forward.
So the next time you’re planning a trip, try to go somewhere new. Maybe visit the blue grotto in Capri, or watch the humpback whales on Isla Contadora. Paris will always be there, but a smaller city or town will teach you so much more.
[Featured Image Credit: photolabels.co]
