1. Beta version is best
Beta’s choice in the Middle East would be to choose Muscat in Oman over Dubai. Wadi Bani Khalid, a spot of natural beauty, is located on the outskirts of the city.
(Credit: AVC)
Staying in a Beta city (think Venice instead of Nashville or Verona instead of Memphis) means less crowds, exploring lesser-known destinations and discovering all the treasures you never knew existed. You will get a chance to. Choosing a location that is not the most popular spot in the country (i.e. avoiding the “big boys” like New York, Rome, Phuket, etc.) has many benefits, as well as a clear solution to the over-the-top problem. It is also a method. -sightseeing. These “unsung heroes” often offer a more authentic travel experience because they have restaurants and shops that cater primarily to local residents and are located away from the main tourist routes. If you choose carefully, you can not only venture into new places, but also use it as a base to travel further afield and discover less well-documented regions. For example, to discover the cultural richness of the Middle East, head to Oman instead of Dubai. Additionally, you can make side trips from here to other Emirates, including Dubai, if you wish.
2. Enjoy September to the fullest
A sunny September day in Languedoc, France.
(Credit: AVC)
September is one of the best months to travel, with kids back in school, cheaper fares, and less crowds. In many places around the world, this “crossover” month (which is neither full summer nor full fall) means continued sunny days and mild temperatures. This time of year, before shops and restaurants close for the season, means it’s still too early for the unpredictable weather of late fall and winter. Popular destinations include the sunny Greek islands, the French Riviera and Portugal. Southeast Asia is also a good choice after coming out of the rainy season.
Autumn bounty at Daylesford Organic Farm in the Cotswolds, UK.
(Credit: AVC)
Another benefit is that, in September, there are many opportunities to enjoy the bounty of the harvest (meaning local cuisine is at its best, bursting with fresh flavors) and fall foliage in New England to the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. The sight of nature is to come.
3. When the hotel is not a hotel
Apple Tree Cottage is one of a number of independent accommodation options at Lucknam Park Hotel near Bath.
(Credit: AVC)
Those looking to vacation with large families or groups of friends may want to book a villa to perfectly accommodate their group. But for many people, this simply means moving household chores like cooking and cleaning up from their home to a new address. So why not book a cottage, treehouse or villa on the hotel grounds and avoid (most of) the washing up? The trend of hotels offering independent accommodation has exploded during and after the pandemic. Although travelers wanted a way to escape their four walls again, they still felt uneasy about interacting with other hotels (at the time, many hotels were renovating on-site buildings or building new hotels). ) to provide luxury bolt hole options and get the business back on its feet). In the UK, Lucknam Park near Bath, Beaverbrook in Surrey and Chewton Glen in the New Forest are just three examples. This means you have the privacy and flexibility of home, but still have access to luxury hotel facilities such as spas, restaurants and sports facilities.
4. Read and research
Research to find hidden gems, including a rooftop view of Paris taken from Hotel Rochechouart.
(Credit: AVC)
It may sound basic, but do a few things before you arrive so you don’t find out the best restaurants are already booked or waste your time wandering aimlessly down unfamiliar streets. Please prepare for. This may go against common sense for those who like impromptu travel, but the truth is, you don’t have to be so rigid about things. This is just a way to have a reference point to get an idea of what to do at your chosen destination. Things like Tik Tok and Instagram may have a bad reputation, but they can actually be very useful for honing specific interests. Would you like to shop at a French pharmacy in Paris? Find the best addresses to go to and what to buy. Influencers have done this kind of thing successfully. The same goes for the most popular restaurants (although the best ones can be booked months in advance). However, guidebooks and online travel guides still have their place and are a good way to get a holistic understanding of a place or culture and make sure you don’t miss anything.
5. Respect local people
Mustafa is a local guide in Oman’s Wahiba Sand Desert.
(Credit: AVC)
The best way to discover a city’s charms is to ask a local to show you its hidden gems. Companies like Tours by Locals and Get Your Guide can help you find the best cultural experiences from the knowledge of the people who live there. If you’re only in a place for a short time, talk to people you meet, such as taxi drivers, shopkeepers, and of course your hotel concierge, and ask for local recommendations and suggestions on where to go and what to eat. Please. Do your own research and you may find the best authentic travel experience.
