vacation

The Great Smoky Mountains: According to the Locals

Angela Manning Travel , , ,
The Great Smoky Mountains: According to the Locals

Tourists come from all over the world to photograph the old-growth forests and trickling rivers inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to get their blood racing on adrenaline-pumping rides at Dollywood, and to treat their kids to a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment at Ripley’s. World-famous attractions like these have put the small mountain towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on the map. Yet, the region’s lesser-known activities are just as worthwhile! Locals often recommend these non-touristy things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains to give you an authentic experience of the region.

Stay In A Rustic Cabin

A visit to the Smokies would be seriously lacking without staying in a romantic log cabin. You could wake up each morning to magnificent views of the mountains, breakfast next to a freshwater stream, or hot coffee on a private balcony overlooking an enchanting woodland grove!

No matter what your accommodation requirements may be, HearthSide Cabin Rentals will set you up comfortably. Their luxury cabins range from one to twenty-one bedrooms, including pet-friendly options, across Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You’ll be within a short drive of the attractions and also get to escape to the privacy of a rustic mini-resort, complete with a private pool or pool access, a theater room, fireplace, arcade and table games, hot tubs and more top-of-the-line amenities. Lodging at HearthSide Cabin Rentals for a week is one way to avoid the crowds and get a quintessential Smoky Mountain experience at the same time!

Sample Locally-Made Adult Beverages

As any native to the Great Smoky Mountains area will tell you, you haven’t truly experienced the local culture until you’ve tried some white lightnin’! Tennessee moonshine originated when Scots and Irish immigrants brought their whiskey distilling tradition to Appalachia and then continued to produce shine secretly during the moonlit hours (hence the name), even when alcohol was prohibited.

Today, you can legally taste those same traditional moonshines at Old Forge Distillery. This authentic distillery sources its grains from The Old Mill, the original gristmill of Pigeon Forge built in 1830, and its water from the fresh mountain streams. Old Forge Distillery uses 18th-century distilling techniques to create modern moonshine flavors like Chocolate, French Toast, and Coffee. Stop by their Pigeon Forge location for a tasting of their moonshine, plus bourbon and rye whiskies, cream liqueur, vodka, gin and rum.

Not a fan of hard liquor? Or perhaps you’re looking for something to set the mood? Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is a must for oenophiles and hopeless romantics alike. This eccentric wine producer specializes in locally-made wines in distinct flavors, like Apple Pie, Birthday Cake, Midnight Blackberry & Blueberry, and Strawberry Fields. Most notably, Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is the creator of the award-winning Cotton Candy Wine. Visit their Gatlinburg location next to the national park entrance for a free tasting.

Treat Yourself to the Local Cuisine

Wherever there is locally-made drink, there is always a robust cuisine to match, too. The South is known for its fried chicken and barbeque, to which Tennessean locals are no strangers! You will be greeted like family when you come to Mama’s Farmhouse for dinner. This all-you-can-eat restaurant keeps the freshly-made side dishes coming as you dig into your chosen platter of delicious Southern home-cookin’. Lunch and dinner entrées of their award-winning fried chicken, meatloaf, honey-glazed ham, and country-fried steak will leave you fuller than a stuffed turkey. Plus, you can’t pass up a sampling of their classic Southern sides, like fried okra, mac ‘n’ cheese, green beans, creamed corn, and chicken and dumplings.

When your inner tiger starts to show a hangry attitude, there’s only one place to go to satisfy a carnivore’s deepest desire. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que has been serving some of the best ribs and barbeque in the Smokies for about thirty years. No matter your prey of choice — chicken, pork, or beef — Bennett’s smokes it over hickory wood for up to 14 hours until the juicy, tender meat slips off the bone. You can never go wrong with beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, pulled chicken, or burnt ends for lunch or dinner. Make sure to order some deep-fried pickle chips, potato skins, and deep-fried deviled eggs for an authentic Southern experience.

Explore Appalachian Arts & Crafts

While it’s true that Smoky Mountain folks have a talent for chowing down on barbeque and sipping on moonshine anytime, their unique artistic talents speaks for themselves as well. See for yourself, and spend an afternoon wandering along the 8-mile loop of shops, studios, and art galleries that make up the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This organization of independent artisans keeps traditional Appalachian craftwork alive and thriving. Explore and shop crafts like handmade baskets, candles, glass products, jewelry, fine art, leather products, pottery and ceramics, quilts, woodworking and much more.

In a similar vein, the Great Smokies Flea Market exhibits a spectacular diversity of artisanal products under a 200,000 square-foot heated and air-conditioned roof. It’s worth the trip out to Kodak, TN, to shop for anything and everything you could possibly want, from antiques and jewelry to apparel and beauty products to electronics and home gardening supplies. Aside from the 70% off clearance sale, the best part is the chance to bring your dog to the 43-acre farm and to munch on some free food samples. You’ll always find something new and unique among the hundreds of rotating vendors at the Great Smokies Flea Market.

Only In East Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in the world, covering Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina with sweeping landscapes of layered blue peaks. It’s no wonder the region is a popular vacation destination when the natural beauty is as breathtaking as the local attractions are exciting. When planning your getaway to these picturesque mountains, make sure to incorporate some unusual activities just as much as the popular attractions. After all, only the non-touristy pursuits will give you the kinds of experiences you can only find in this unique Appalachian region of Tennessee!

Popular Amusement Parks To Visit If You Love Rides

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
Popular Amusement Parks To Visit If You Love Rides

Thrilling rides, enticing shows, that feeling like you might be about to vomit: what’s not to enjoy about amusement parks? If you’re hunting for a vacation destination, why not choose to visit a theme park! You’ll get a break from work, the kids will have a blast, and you might be able to win your spouse a prize at a rigged game–if you’re lucky. But with so many different parks to choose from, and many of them are spread out across the country, how do you know which one to pick?

Disneyland

The grandfather of big-time amusement parks, Disneyland has it all: incredible rides, amazing shows, games, and best of all, Mickey Mouse. It contains properties from all your childhood favorites, such as Pixar, Star Wars, Avatar, specific Marvel products, and, of course, Disney. Climb aboard rides like Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean. While Disneyland resides on the west coast, there is also a park located in Orlando, Florida called Disney World, which offers customers just as much fun.

Universal Studios

Another amusement park powerhouse located in Orlando, Universal Studios is where movie magic comes to life. The park contains attractions from popular films and television shows, such as The Simpsons, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Marvel, and plenty of older classics, like Men In Black, The Mummy, and Popeye. Coincidental enough, Universal also happens to own another park in California, where Disneyland is residing–those two just can’t keep away from each other.

Six Flags

While it might stand a bit shorter than Disneyland, Six Flags still packs a major punch. They’ve got some of the best roller-coasters in the country, along with water parks that really make a…splash. And while you won’t find any Pixar or Marvel characters roaming about, you might find Bugs Bunny walking around the park. There are several Warner Brothers inspired rides, such as Loony Toons, Scooby-Doo, and many DC Comics attractions, like the Mr. Freeze coaster, a Batman coaster, a Superman free-fall tower, and even a Justice League laser shooter!

Ending Thoughts

If you have a deep love of theme parks and crave the exhilarating rush of wind on your face as you plummet towards the earth, these are among the best in the world. There are many other amazing parks to visit, too, both small and large in size, but all wonderful. Regardless of which park you decide on, you’ll inevitably spend a lot of time walking, so be sure to wear the proper footwear. Failing to wear comfortable shoes can cause blisters and possibly even bunions, in which case you’ll need to visit www.northwestsurgerycenter.com/ for information on how to cure them. If you’ve yet to experience the magical adventures of Harry Potter World or interact with Mickey himself, do yourself a favor: book a vacation to one of these exquisite amusement parks.

Here’s How You Can Protect Your Skin on Your Next Vacation

Angela Manning Health, Travel , , , ,
Here’s How You Can Protect Your Skin on Your Next Vacation

Whether you’re headed to a beach or a big city, Jet setting away from home can make you feel mentally and emotionally refreshed. That said, the change in temperature and atmosphere can have some physical effects on your skin.

It’s common for one’s skin to get dry and irritated on vacation. The thing is, vacation is a time for relief and relaxation — and how can you relax when your skin is burnt, dry and itchy?

Fortunately, there are products ranging from accessories to skin care items that can help you physically look as refreshed as you feel when you are travelling. With the help of these beauty items, you’ll be able to keep your skin protected on your vacation:

Facial Oil

There are various reasons why your skin may start to dry out when you are on vacation; a lot of people find that their skin dries on the plane and others find that a different country’s climate can wreak havoc on their complexion.

Of the many quality SK-II skin care products on the market, their most famous has to be their Facial Treatment Oil. With the help of a quality facial oil like this one, you can hydrate and moisturize to keep your skin nourished and protected from dryness.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water — and a lot of it. When you are travelling, it’s easy to forget to drink water because you get swept up in the excitement of being in a new place. Even the plane itself can leave you dehydrated; according to Marie Clare, on an average 10-hour flight, a passenger can lose up to 8% of their body water — that’s 4 litres.

When you are on the plane or walking around in the sun at your destination, it’s important to drink water to keep yourself hydrated and energized.

Slather on the SPF

When on vacation, people are outside a lot more than they usually would be — which is why it’s important to stay protected from the sun’s UV rays.

This means not only lathering on sunscreen all day every day but also making smart choices with your makeup — in other words, use products that have SPF in them. The good news is there are tons of reputable brands like BY TERRY and IT COSMETICS that make products like foundation and powder with SPF.

Wear Sunglasses When Out & About

The skin around your eyes is a lot thinner and more sensitive than other areas of your body, which is why it’s so important to protect your eyes.

The best way to do this? Invest in a pair of good sunglasses and wear them often. This will protect your eyes and your skin from the sun’s strong UV rays. The FDA suggests wearing sunglasses with a UVA/UBV rating of 100 for maximum protection.

Lip Balms

Your lips can dry and get burnt on your trip just like your skin can, which is why it’s important to protect your pout. By TERRY’s Baume De Rose is the perfect example of a lip balm that will tint and plump your nose, while also protecting it with SPF and various moisturizing properties.

With the help of these hydrating, nourishing and protective products, your skin will look as refreshed as you feel during and after vacation.

Chennai: The Capital of Serenity

Angela Manning Travel , , , , ,
Chennai: The Capital of Serenity

Chennai is the home of delicious Chettinad cuisine and the famous Marina Beach. But apart from these, the city is also a popular hub for gold jewelry and silk sarees. The heritage sites of the city tell a story of a rule and place way different than now. Formerly a fishing village called Madraspatnam, now it is the home of the biggest artificial seaport in India. It is also the home of the Royapuram railway station which is the oldest railway station still operational in India and it is also the first city in India to get free Wi-Fi. So this city has something old, something new, which come together to make something amazing.

You can reach this fascinating city through the Chennai International Airport which welcomes both domestic and international passengers. Thus, it makes the city connected to major hubs across the world. You can easily book Dubai to Chennai flights, Hong Kong to Chennai flights, New Zealand to Chennai flights and more.

While in Chennai, the city offers up a lot of activities which you can indulge in like:

● Visit Santhome’s Church: The stained glass chapel houses a statue of St Thomas in a sitting position. Apart from the church, it also consists of a library, a shop selling prayer material and a museum.

● Admire the Kapaleeshwar Parthasarathy temples: A fine example of Dravidian craftsmanship, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is a specimen of architecture and measures 37 meters high in its Gopuram structure. On the other hand, the Parthasarthy Temple is a historical place in Chennai since it is touted to be the oldest temple in the city.

● Drive on the beach road: From Royapuram or Ennore to Besant Nagar or ECR is the ideal stretch of road to flex your driving muscles and enjoy the wind in your hair.

● Visit St Thomas Mount: Widely known to be the site of St Thomas’ martyrdom in AD 72, the church is located along with the Church of Our Lady of Expectation. The church is believed to house a cross St Thomas carved and a fragment of his finger bone. Ideal for visiting in the evenings, you will be able to enjoy beautiful panoramic views from here.

● Be in awe at the Guindy Park and Snake Park: The only national park that is situated in the middle of a city and houses a rich population if animals, birds, and reptiles. You will be able to see spotted deer, jackals, and tortoise in here. The Snake Park, as the name says is home to pythons and cobras but birds like flycatchers, buzzards, quail, and partridge can also be easily spotted.

● Visit Armenian Church: This 18th-century church is reminiscent of the Armenian community which called the city its home centuries ago. Open from around 9 till noon, the church is a great example of stunning architecture. If you want some peace and quiet to gather your thoughts then the surroundings of the church will offer you to meditate on.

Chennai is a busy but laid-back city where you will be able to enjoy all of its delights in utmost safety and serenity. 

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Condo Hotels

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Condo Hotels

Americans are traveling more than ever. According to a survey published by AAA, approximately 88 million Americans plan to take a family vacation in 2018. That’s a lot of people hitting the road for adventure and time apart from normal lives and routines. With vacation travel becoming a given rather than a luxury for American families, new options are popping up to provide convenience and affordability. The condo hotel is one such option.

What is a Condo Hotel?

A condo hotel (condotel) is a condominium building which functions like a hotel with a front desk overseeing short-term rentals of its units. Most offer standard hotel amenities such as housekeeping, pool, lounges, restaurants and concierge, room and spa services for residents and guests to enjoy. Buyers purchasing a unit from a condo hotel buy a physical piece of property, as opposed to a timeshare buyer who usually only purchases the “right to stay” at a certain place for a certain amount of time each year.

How Does It Work?

Luxury hotel chains like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Hilton and Bulgari (among others) operate condo hotels in typical vacation destinations. Florida, particularly the Miami area, was the first area to have intensive condo hotel development with other large cities like Las Vegas, Chicago and New York following. Nowadays, condo hotels can be found in tourist destinations outside the U.S., as well.

During development, the hotel management company will advertise its units and services. Buyers purchase a unit – a hotel room, suite of rooms or any other number of floor plan types – and use it as a vacation property whenever they choose. Owners must pay regular maintenance and homeowner’s fees, but can place their unit in the hotel’s rental program when not using it in order to bring in income and offset some of its carrying costs. An owner may use the hotel management company to oversee his unit’s rental, paying the company a percentage of the rental revenue, or he may choose to oversee the process himself.

What are the Benefits?

Condo hotels have the potential to appreciate in value, but as with any real estate investment, it can’t be guaranteed. Nevertheless, a condo hotel can be a great option for families wanting a luxurious vacation with the potential to be a better value than other options. And even if you don’t have the funds or desire to purchase a condo hotel unit, you can still enjoy the amenities of one by renting one for your next vacation. So ditch that cumbersome timeshare at timeshareexitplan.com and plan a better trip now!

We Bet You Don’t Know About These Hidden Gems in Goa

Angela Manning Travel , , , , , ,
We Bet You Don’t Know About These Hidden Gems in Goa

It is a universally acknowledge truth that a person in possession of a wanderlust soul must be in search of hidden gems to explore. And who wouldn’t want to travel the unexplored lands if they are located in one of India’s most famous tourist destination, Goa!

The name of Goa itself sparks the travel cord in your mind that you cannot help but check what we have in the bucket for you.

Here is an exclusive list of some of the hidden gems in Goa, we bet you don’t know about. Read them fast and don’t forget to open a new tab for Delhi Goa flights booking to not miss on the deals that you catch on the advance booking!

Arvalem Caves

When talking about the hidden places, caves always come in the picture, else it feels incomplete. Goa too has its fair share of ancient caves, and the ones we want to tell you about are the Arvalem Caves. Situated in North Goa, these caves are supposedly known to exist since the 6th century. Due to its mixed form of architecture, it has been associated with various stories. While some say that the caves have a connection to the Pandavas, others argue that these are rather Buddhist caves as there is a huge statue of Buddha inside the cave.

Well, whatever the truth is, one cannot deny the fact that these caves are indeed a marvel of architecture that has a charming and mysterious appeal altogether.

Butterfly Beach

Just like butterflies, this beach is mesmerizing, nestled in Palolem in the south of Goa. Untouched by the throng of tourists, Butterfly beach is adorned with glistening sand, azure water and stunning scenery with fluttering butterflies.

You can come here with your loved one and spend quality time together where nature is at its best. And who knows you can get the thriving opportunity to witness the dance dolphins as well!

Cabo de Rama

An impressive fort located near Agonda Beach, Cabo de Rama is one of the oldest forts in Goa. Just like the Arvalem caves, this fort is also believed to be associated with an ancient Indian Epic, namely, Ramayana. The name of the fort is also derived from the name of Lord Rama. People believe that this place was the home of Lord Rama and his wife Sita when they were on the 14-year exile. Over the centuries, the fort was occupied by various rulers.

Today, this majestic fort stands tall facing the Arabian Sea and exploring this interesting fort is one of the best things in Goa that is unknown to many.

Chorla Ghat

If you are a lover of nature and wish to be around exotic surroundings, then Chorla Ghat is our suggestion to you. It is situated at the intersection of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Here, you can indulge in adventurous activities and also see the various rare species. Visit this spectacular spot during monsoon, and you will not stop admiring the beauty of this place. So, get done with your Delhi Goa flights booking soon and book the tickets in advance.

Cumbarjua Backwater Canal

You might be thinking that this will be just another boat ride but wait before you judge Cambarjua Canal up to that level for it is not an ordinary boat tour. The boat tour of Cumbarjua Backwater Canal is an adventurous feat for those who wish to spot crocodiles. Yes! You read it right. On a half day boat ride, you will get the chance to wander in the quiet backwaters of the canal where you can witness the large reptiles basking in the sun, exotic birds and peaceful time with nature. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Goa is not all about the beaches and these hidden gems successfully break that age-old image. And now that you are aware of this fact, pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden gems and witness a whole new face of gleaming Goa!

4 Cities to Consider for a Family Vacation

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
4 Cities to Consider for a Family Vacation

Assignment Content

Family vacations are so rare and precious that you have to make the most of them, which means going places that everyone will enjoy and participating in activities that will please the kids and the parents. Check out the following family-friendly hotspots for your next family getaway. What experiences will you put on your itinerary?

Share New Experiences in Columbus

Image via Flickr by Always Shooting

Columbus, Ohio, is a middle-America town with big-city experiences. It’s a wonderful place to take a family vacation because of the variety of activities waiting for you. At the North Market, the whole family can create their own meal and let their palates run wild. The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), is one of the highest-rated science centers in the country. It offers a wealth of hands-on exhibits that will inspire a love of science in your kids. The Columbus Museum of Art’s Center for Creativity is another place to set your imaginations free as a family.

Look for Columbus hotels in the downtown area. When you travel with the whole family, proximity is everything. Try to situate yourselves close to all the places you want to visit.

Play in the Water at Hampton Beach

Image via Flickr by Gail Frederick

Hampton Beach is one of the hottest vacation spots in New Hampshire. Unlike some boardwalks up and down the coast, it’s family-friendly through and through. Take a tour to Star Island on a Steamship. If the waters of the Atlantic are too chilly, head to Water Country and ride the slides. Let the kids learn how to surf, and then finish the day at the Seacoast Science Center.

Check out Hampton Beach hotels right on the beach for gorgeous views. Opt for a room in the city center to see the skyline from your window. Wherever you stay, you can smell saltwater in the air.

Get Your Museum Fix in Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky, is well-known for horses, bourbon, and bluegrass, only two of which are kid-friendly. Fortunately, the city is home to a wealth of museums as well, including the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and the Muhammad Ali Museum. The Louisville Zoo is another must-see spot, and you just have to book the family for a river cruise on an authentic riverboat. Check out hotels in Louisville in or near downtown so you’re near everything.

Enjoy a Taste of Everything in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, Florida, there’s something for every vacationer—even the little ones. When you’re not at the beach playing in the water and learning new water sports, get to know the city. Picnic at Big Talbot Island State Park. Beaches Museum & History Park teaches the kids about the railroad. At the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, the family can get to know some very big cats. Find hotels in Jacksonville near the things you want to do, be it the beach, the zoo, or downtown with a view of Friendship Fountain.

Embrace the opportunity to make memories with your family. Ask the kids what they want to do, too. What are your most memorable vacations?

4 Things to Do While Visiting Leeds

Angela Manning Travel , , , , ,
4 Things to Do While Visiting Leeds

An incredible city of real historical importance, Leeds is a city that has a little bit of something for everybody. Rich culture and vast history are only a few of the things that make up Leeds as a whole. From visiting the theatres, running in long and challenging marathons, to sipping cocktails in the clouds, there’s a huge amount of things to do while visiting Leeds. This gem in Yorkshire attracts millions of tourists from all around the world, and with a good reason. There’s always something to do, and it’s always great fun.

Shop in the Corn Exchange

A building of special importance, the Grade I-listed Corn Exchange is part retail centre and part food hub. It hosts a splendid community of shops and boutiques that entice visitors away from the bustling and noisy boulevards outside, and it welcomes them with grandeur. It resembles an inner chamber of some giant airship, and sports plenty of quirky shops, bookstores, salons, and lots of different food stores with all sorts of food available.

Explore the Arcades

The architecture in Leeds is a very unique case. It’s a fascinating blend between the old and the new, and the best place to witness that are the arcades. The bazaar-like atmosphere is only enhanced by the sheer number of the many independent shops you will find there – there are practically no chain stores present in the arcades. You can eat cake while perusing clothing stores, and after that try on some vintage jewellery. The arcades are definitely delightful.

Party and dance ‘till the early hours

Leeds is definitely a city that likes to dance. You can freely partake in the fabulous vintage tea dances that pop up around the city all the time, or join classes held at Yorkshire Dance that allow everyone to join the fun whether it’s lyrical jazz or flamenco. If that’s not your style, don’t worry, because Leeds has you covered. The nightlife is astounding, with its many areas coming to life in the late hours. Call Lane has been likened to Manchester’s famous Canal Street, and that’s where a lot of fantastic bars and clubs are located. It’s an entire pedestrianised road filled all sorts of locales, and the best of all; those aren’t the only party venues Leeds has to offer. You’ll definitely find a fun place like no other.

Drink cocktails in the sky

One of the finest things about Leeds is that the city is truly stunning at night. That’s a fact that its many bars and restaurants have come to appreciate, and they offer a fantastic panoramic view across the metropolitan skyline and beyond. A few places like the Angelica and The Alchemist – both of which are located in Trinity shopping centre – offer fantastic views of the already stunning and beautiful city. Located on the top of the shopping centre, you’ll be able to sip delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that you’ll never forget, on top of a balcony that overlooks the entire city. That’ll definitely be a moment you’ll never forget.

How to go Beyond the Expected on your Next Vacation

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
How to go Beyond the Expected on your Next Vacation

Traveling is a wonderful way to expand your horizons. A great trip forces you out of your comfort zone and places you face to face with a new culture. That’s why traveling is so rewarding, and people spend months if not years, planning for their “next great vacation.” Unfortunately though, if you’ve traveled enough, you’ve probably had at least one holiday that let you down. A disappointing trip can be heartbreaking; fortunately, though, there are steps you can take to ensure your next vacation avoids the common, touristy pitfalls that can doom even the most meticulously planned trip.

Forget the Hotel

You want to experience a city? Get ingrained in a new way of life? Then don’t book a hotel. A hotel – especially an expensive one – is the antithesis of authentic. It might be nice, but you shouldn’t be traveling to marvel at the inside of your hotel room. Depending on where you’re headed, there are many options superior to the hotel – Airbnb, hostels, or even renting an apartment short term can be a great way to get in tune with the true pulse of a place. You’ll never get that staying in a room where they tuck the sheets in for you.

Plan to Improvise

Having a game plan is a great way to squeeze the most out of a short vacation. But remember that surprise and serendipity are essential to a fulfilling travel experience. The quaint little record shop on the corner, the coffee shop with hand-painted murals along the walls, the mom-and-pop stand with the best shawarma in the city – these places aren’t going to have a fifty-foot banner sign plastered across their business. Their hidden gems because they’re well hidden. Give yourself time to explore and find them. They’ll provide better memories than standing in line at a tourist trap.

Fraternize with the locals

Most people love it when strangers take in an interest in their city and again, most will be more than willing to offer great advice on where to go and what to do. In this endeavor, the local bartender can prove an invaluable asset. They know where the best places are – especially the spots off the beaten track. In fact, anyone in the service industry will likely have a few hot tips on the best spots around town. Make sure to tip them, though! Who knows, you may even make a long-distance friend this way – the ultimate goal of a great trip.

Be Your Own Tour Guide: Why Walking a City Works Best

Angela Manning Travel , , , , , ,
Be Your Own Tour Guide: Why Walking a City Works Best

Want to see the best of a city? You could try an open-top bus tour or a coach tour. You could get in a car and drive around. You could hire a bicycle and pedal through highways and byways. But if you really want to get the feel of the place, the unchallenged winner is to walk. Boston is a good example of a city that is best discovered on foot.

Be Organized

If you are in a historic city like Boston, there are many must-sees, whether your interest is in history, culture, or nature. It pays to plan your walks in advance if there are things that you would regret missing. Spend a happy 30 minutes with a map and guidebook, marking the places you want to see and sorting out your route. Or use one of the ready-made routes that are available. For Boston, the classic route is the Freedom Trail around the city center.

Be Spontaneous

Once you have ticked off the sights you cannot miss, you are free to wander a little more aimlessly. In many cities, you only need to step outside your hotel and walk in the general direction of interest. You could come out of the Marriott Boston hotel and within a few minutes be admiring the world-renowned campus of either Harvard University or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, before strolling along the Charles River waterfront.

Be Observant

Walking helps you to see things you would miss if you had to watch the traffic. You can look up (something we don’t do enough of) and see the city as it would have appeared to its residents a century ago before the street level was “cosmopolitanized.” You can look down and notice the plaques in the sidewalk which commemorate events of long ago at that very spot. You can look around and spot the side alleys leading to quirky little shops.

Be Expectant

When walking, you can be confident that you will find things that others will miss. It is much easier to take photographs while on a walking tour. You can just stop and take as long as you need to frame the picture, which on a bus or car would be gone before you turned on the camera.

You will be free to stop whenever you feel like eating or drinking. Coffee breaks and snacks are an important part of the city hike—there are so many opportunities and you always feel you deserve it. Yes, you can check out Tripadvisor for the best restaurants, but the ones that you will cherish, and tell your friends about for years, are the extraordinary local ones that you come across by accident.

All This and Fitness Too

There are so many reasons why walking is the best way to discover a city and to get a feel for its unique character. And all the time you are walking, you are looking after your body and mind. What more could you want?