Discovering hidden gems beyond tourist traps Joy of serendipity

Traveling has always been a source of excitement and discovery for me, having explored over 40 countries, with each new destination, I’ve learned valuable lessons through both triumphs and mishaps.

I've had the privilege of traveling to over 40 countries, and the thrill of arriving in a new destination never fades, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Along the way, I've encountered challenges and learned valuable lessons. Sometimes things didn’t go as planned, and I’ve even found myself temporarily stranded far from home. Yet, I always strive to see the positives and learn from every experience.

Here are five things I’ve learned not to do while traveling:

I avoid creating a strict day-by-day itinerary. While I research and outline my interests before the trip, I ensure there’s space for spontaneity. Some of my most memorable adventures have come from unplanned moments and unexpected discoveries.

One of my favorite examples of this approach occurred during a road trip from Paris to Andorra with my husband and son. Instead of meticulously planning every stop, we chose to seek out local recommendations.

In Paris, a tip from the car hire company led us to Loches, a charming medieval town in the Loire Valley. Following their suggestion, we spent a delightful afternoon strolling through its gardens, exploring a chateau, and enjoying pizza in a local park. It turned out to be a magical detour.

The next day, a server recommended Rocamadour, a picturesque clifftop village, as a place to stay. We were enchanted by its cobblestone streets, religious sites, and the soothing sound of church bells in the morning.

I also make it a point to book accommodations to avoid sleeping at airports. In my 20s, I endured some uncomfortable nights at airports, one particularly memorable instance being a late-night layover at Miami airport. With our luggage checked through and only the clothes we were wearing, I spent hours shivering, alternating my socks between my feet and hands for warmth. It’s an experience I never want to repeat.

One of my favorite travel strategies is to embrace spontaneity. For instance, during a memorable road trip from Paris to Andorra with my husband and son, we avoided planning every detail. Instead, we asked locals for their recommendations.

In Paris, a suggestion from our car hire company led us to Loches, a charming medieval town in the Loire Valley. We spent a delightful afternoon exploring its gardens, visiting a chateau, and enjoying pizza in a local park.

The following day, a server recommended Rocamadour, a picturesque clifftop village, for our overnight stay. Wandering its cobblestone streets, discovering its religious sites, and hearing the morning church bells were truly enchanting experiences.

Another lesson I've learned is to always book accommodations if I have a layover longer than six hours. After a particularly uncomfortable experience sleeping at Miami Airport, where I was left shivering without proper bedding or luggage, I vowed never to endure that discomfort again.

I also avoid restricting myself to only five-star dining. Traveling with someone who insists on high-end restaurants can be both costly and limiting. Some of my most memorable meals have come from street-food vendors or modest local eateries. Fresh ceviche in Panama City, steaming pho from sidewalk stalls in Vietnam, and spicy fiddlehead ferns at Bhutanese homestays are just a few examples of incredible, authentic flavors I've enjoyed.

Lastly, I always book accommodations for my first night in a new destination. This simple practice ensures a smooth arrival and a restful start to my travels.

There’s nothing quite like arriving in a foreign country without a clue about where you’ll be staying, especially after dark. We once made this mistake in Rome, opting to find accommodation on the fly rather than booking in advance. We ended up wandering the streets at night, desperately searching for a place to sleep after all the options had closed. The stress of that experience taught me to always have at least the first night's accommodation booked.

Now, I ensure I have a place to stay secured for the initial night. If I anticipate arriving late or feeling exhausted, I book a hotel as close to the airport as possible to minimize the hassle.

Another lesson I’ve learned is to avoid sticking solely to tourist hotspots. I thrive on exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations and uncovering hidden gems. For instance, during a recent trip to Bhutan, the highlight was visiting Laya, a remote highland village situated at over 12,500 feet. With no roads leading there, the journey required a challenging hike, but it was far more rewarding than visiting the well-trodden religious sites of Paro and Thimphu.

This approach has proven valuable in many destinations. The places untouched by mass tourism often leave the most lasting impressions and offer a deeper, more authentic experience.