off the beaten track while traveling
Most travelers stick to popular tourist spots, but the real magic lies beyond the crowd. Whenever I travel, I prefer exploring hidden lanes, local culture, and lesser-known places. Here are my go-to ways to get more off the beaten track while traveling.
🚶 Walk More, Drive Less
One of the simplest ways to discover hidden gems is to walk around. While in Varanasi, instead of following the crowd to the main ghat, I wandered into a side lane and found a peaceful riverside spot. No tourists—just locals and silence.
👉 Walking often leads to unexpected discoveries.
🏡 Stay with Locals
Hotels are comfortable, but homestays offer stories. In Himachal, I stayed with a local family. They served me “siddu” (a traditional dish) and took me to a hidden forest temple unknown to guidebooks.
👉 Homestays open a window into culture.
🍲 Eat Where Locals Eat
Skip the fancy tourist restaurants. Once in Goa, I ate fish curry and rice at a fisherman’s home. That meal had more warmth and flavor than any beachside café.
👉 Food is the gateway to local culture.
🗺️ Ask Locals for Recommendations
Instead of Google, ask people around. In Kerala, an auto driver suggested a less touristy backwater ride. It was cheaper, quieter, and far more authentic than the usual tours.
👉 Locals are living Google Maps.
🚲 Try Alternative Transport
In Bali, I rented a scooter instead of a cab. This allowed me to explore hidden temples, rice fields, and roadside cafés at my own pace.
👉 Scooters and cycles bring true adventure.
Travel isn’t just about checking off landmarks—it’s about experiencing life as locals do. By walking, staying with families, eating local food, and exploring hidden corners, you’ll find memories that stay with you forever.
👉 Next time, don’t just be a tourist. Be an explorer. 🌍✨
🎭 Join Local Activities
While in Rajasthan, I attended a puppet show in a small village. Instead of sitting with tourists, I sat with the villagers. The experience felt real, intimate, and unforgettable.
👉 Participate in local activities for lasting memories.
🌿 Explore Nature Trails
Sometimes, skip the famous trek. In Manipur, I hiked a small hill and got a breathtaking view of the entire valley—something not found in guidebooks.
👉 Nature trails lead to personal discoveries.
Prashant Deshmukh
