Off-the-Beaten Path Travel: Planning a Unique Adventure
Travelling to see the popular tourist attractions and experiences makes for a great trip and a shared experience, but it is also exhilarating to find the lesser known, off-the-beaten path, locations.
When trip planning, I aim for the highlights and something off-the-beaten path. I loved going to the temples at Angkor Watt, touring the Tower of London and Stonehenge, and experiencing Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. I also enjoyed staying on a small island in Ireland, hanging out with monkeys in the wild in Kyoto, and spending a day at a quiet beach in Australia.
Get ready to step off the beaten path and adventure into the quieter world of travel.
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On road trips, we are almost famous for the fun, obscure things we do. While doing some research for a stop in Roswell, New Mexico, I was reading the things to do on Trip Advisor. The reviews for one of the official museums were not great but a few people mentioned a gift shop, where you can pay a few dollars to access an area for great photos in the back. We decided to skip the official museum and go to the gift shop. The reviews were accurate. We had a great time! We were the only people in there at the time, it cost us less than $10, and it was a quirky, memorable experience we still laugh about years later.
Key Considerations for Planning an Off the Beaten Path Adventure
When embarking on an adventure of exploring off the beaten path destinations, research is essential. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
Researching Hidden Gems and Unexplored Areas
- Utilize travel blogs, forums, reviews and guidebooks to discover lesser-known destinations.
- Seek recommendations from locals and fellow travelers who have experience exploring off the beaten path.
- One of the best ways to find unique things to do is to talk to people when you’re there. People are always happy to share a great place or experience they’ve had. One time I overheard two people talking about a natural hot spring nearby, in a bathroom of all places. I joined the conversation and got directions.
Be Prepared
- Heading out of the common tourist areas may mean fewer amenities and services.
- Research weather, transportation, services, and terrain if you plan on doing something out in the nature.
- Flexibility is good but having a plan may make for a better experience. You don’t want to spend a few hours driving somewhere only to find out an attraction or site is closed when you arrive.
Know Your Limitations
- The amount of adventure and flexibility a person is comfortable with naturally varies. Be realistic with what you consider fun and what will just cause you stress.
- Educate yourself on the risks for the places you are travelling to. Is there a travel advisory for the country? Is there dangerous wildlife you are not used to? Are there weather risks?
- Consider any physical limitations for everyone involved.
By prioritizing these key considerations during the planning stage, explorers can make the most of their off the beaten path adventures while minimizing negative impacts and stressful experiences.
Planning Apps and Websites
The internet and smartphones have really opened the world of off-the-beaten path travel.
- Google Maps is one of my favourite tools for trip planning. Google maps has search features that list things to do, sites, attractions, and places to eat. You can create a map to plan a route and highlight things you want to do. Then save it so you can use it offline, in the event there is no cellular service.
- Atlas Obscura is a great site and app for finding unusual sites. This is the first place I go when researching what to do on a trip.
- Road Trippers is another excellent site for researching routes and things to do.
- AI trip planning tools are available here.
Unusual Accommodations
Even if you are travelling to a popular destination, finding a unique place to stay can make for an off-the-beaten path experience.
With the increase in the short-term rental market, some people have created amazing places to stay with different themes and amenities. I also find the hosts are a wealth of information on the area and always happy to provide recommendations. If you want a more local experience, this is a relatively easy way to get it.
I use Booking or VRBO to find a great place to stay. I wrote about a couple of the unique places we stayed in Ireland and Edinburgh in this post on multi-country trips.
Tools for a Great Experience
I want your travels to be memorable for the right reasons. We have all had a series of unfortunate events that we laugh about after it’s over, but I try to avoid those experiences as much as possible. Here are some of the things that can help make an off-the-beaten path experience run smoothly:
Esim
Offline maps are a life saver, but I prefer the ability to search for current information and use live maps when possible. I have used an Airalo esim for travel to US, UK, and Fiji. It is the most cost-effective way to stay connected when travelling.
Navigation is vital, whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or taking public transportation. If anything goes wrong, internet access may be key to getting directions, help, or the information you need to get back safely.
Translation
If you do not speak the primary language of the country you’re in, a translation app is very helpful. I use Google Translate. You can type what you need to say and it will provide a translation to the language you request.
The feature I use the most is the camera. You point your camera at a sign or anything with writing and it will translate the words. This is a lifesaver if you’re in a restaurant that does not have a English language manual or you need to understand a sign.
The google translate app allows you to download a language, so you can use it even when you’re not online. I used this a lot in Ukraine and it worked well.
Dress Appropriately
This is where I give advice based on mistakes I have made. On a small island in Fiji, we went for a walk on the beach, and then onto some rocks. We decided to keep following the rocks around to see where we would end up. About an hour later we did not want to venture back around the rocks so we walked up another beach and onto a path. This would have been a much more fun adventure if we were wearing shoes of some sort but we headed for a little walk on the beach in bare feat. It took us a couple of hours to get back and my feet were sore from walking on a gravel road.
The moral of the story is, try to dress for the activity you plan on doing and be prepared for any spontaneous off-the-beaten path adventures you may embark on.
Weather Protection
If you are going to be outside, please protect yourself from the sun! A sunburn can ruin a trip, and potentially lead to skin cancer in the future. I speak from experience. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and cover up.
If you are going to be in the ocean, this is my favourite reef safe sunscreen.
On the other side of the equation is preparing for bad weather. If it is rainy season or you’re venturing out in Ireland or the United Kingdom, it’s a good idea to have a raincoat and an umbrella with you. In colder climates and higher elevations, make sure you have the right layers, clothes, and footwear for the activities and amount of time you’re going to be out. The more extreme the weather, the more planning and preparation you need to do.
Embracing Nature Through Off the Beaten Path Adventures
Exploring off the beaten path destinations provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in the splendor of the natural world. Dive into the following aspects to make the most of your nature-centric adventures:
Discovering Hidden Trails and Untouched Wilderness
Unveil uncharted paths that lead you through unspoiled landscapes and remote wilderness areas. Encounter majestic waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and dense forests teeming with biodiversity. Experience the serenity and peace that comes with being surrounded by the raw beauty of nature.
Apps like All Trails are great for identifying walks and hikes but you will have to do a deeper dive to find the areas with fewer people. If you’re looking for places to paddle, Go Paddling is an excellent app.
Engaging in Sustainable Outdoor Activities
Participate in eco-friendly outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, or stand up paddle boarding in untouched nature reserves. Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact and preserve the pristine beauty of natural habitats. Support local conservation efforts by contributing to wildlife monitoring programs or participating in volunteer initiatives.
Are off the beaten path destinations safe to explore?
Exploring off the beaten path destinations can be safe with proper preparation and caution. It’s essential to research the area, inform others of your itinerary, carry necessary supplies, and be mindful of local customs and safety guidelines.
How can I find off the beaten path destinations to visit?
Discovering off the beaten path destinations can involve exploring travel blogs, online forums, reviews, and guidebooks, seeking recommendations from locals and seasoned travelers, and engaging with local communities to uncover hidden gems.
What should I pack for an off the beaten path adventure?
Packing essentials for an off the beaten path adventure includes lightweight and versatile gear, first aid supplies, navigation tools, and appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.
How can I support local communities while exploring off the beaten path?
Supporting local communities in off the beaten path destinations can be done by purchasing products from local artisans, participating in community initiatives, respecting cultural traditions, and choosing sustainable tourism practices.
What benefits can I expect from exploring off the beaten path destinations?
Exploring off the beaten path destinations offers benefits such as unique experiences, unspoiled natural landscapes, authentic encounters with local communities, opportunities for personal growth and reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the world.
Share Your Experience
Have you had an off-the-beaten path travel experience? Comment below and share your experience.
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