Are you tired of fighting crowds and paying high prices at tourist traps for a vacation that’s supposed to be relaxing? Maybe you’re ready to get away from it all and have a unique trip somewhere in the countryside that is peaceful and quiet. Maybe you’d like to take a spontaneous adventure and visit a location that’s full of surprises. Whatever your wanderlust may be calling for, here are some tips and tricks for finding a dream getaway off the beaten path.
1. Pick a Location You’ve Dreamed of Living Someday
Maybe you’re sick of city living and have dreamed of living somewhere in the mountains like Chattanooga, Tennessee. Taking a trip to a small mountain town can be refreshing and help you appreciate a different way of life. While you’re there, it can also double as research for a potential move someday. You’ll get to meet the locals, visit coffee shops, enjoy new restaurants, and take in the local culture. Book enough time so that you can do normal activities, like going to the gym or buying groceries. This way, you’ll get a taste of your dream future life.
2. Visit During the Off-Season
Plan your unconventional trip during the off-season to avoid large crowds and save money. Perhaps you book a trip to Taos, New Mexico, in the early autumn when the summer tourists have left. Maybe you decide to enjoy a small town, such as Leavenworth, Washington, during the winter months for a cozy stay. When visiting a location during the off-season, you’ll likely be greeted with more warmth by residents and won’t be competing with tourists to visit local attractions. You won’t have to fight crowds and will be able to save money…a win-win for anyone!
3. Be Flexible
Being flexible with your itinerary can make for an exciting trip. There can be nothing more rejuvenating than booking a last-minute trip to Mexico when you’re feeling burned out at work. You may also be able to score some deals on cheap flights or hotel rooms if you are flexible with your itinerary. While living on the edge is exciting, do be sure to snag some vacation travel insurance to protect yourself from any unwelcome surprises, such as lost baggage or a medical illness. No matter where you travel or the length of your trip, an unexpected event will occur, and having travel insurance helps you be prepared.
4. Explore a Small Town with Big Personality
Visiting a small town can help you gain an appreciation for a slower, refreshing pace of life. Towns like Franklin, Tennessee, are beautiful and offer you the chance to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the countryside. A place like Marfa, Texas, which is a desert town, can allow you to explore eccentric art exhibits and see the stars at night. When visiting a small town, you won’t be surrounded by Instagram influencers snapping photos from every angle. You’ll be able to experience local farmers’ markets, farms, diners, and maybe even a speakeasy or two.
Choosing a vacation destination off the beaten path can be a rewarding experience. You can feel like the trip is more your “own” and experience the thrill of making your own discoveries.
