With the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend, the summer travel season is here, and it looks to be a busy one by all accounts. Be prepared for the many annoyances that come with the crows.
So, where is everyone going? According to WalletHub, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando and Chicago will be the top destinations this summer.
Now, no matter which port of call comes calling this summer, be sure to take a moment to enjoy some of the lesser known sights in addition to the popular destinations. If nothing else, it could help with sanity levels to step away from the crowds.
Find unique attractions
Consider Rome, Italy, as an example. While the Colosseum is an absolute must, the throngs of tourists make the visitor experience less than perfectly pleasant at times. So, why not mix in a museum like the Criminology Museum (Museo Criminologico)?
It has everything one could want. It’s educational, informative and home to the Milazzo Cage, a horrible body-shaped iron cage that still contains the remains of its last inhabitant. Kids will love it.
Make food a centerpiece
One fun way to experience the local culture through a city’s food, which can often, if not usually, be accomplished in areas with fewer tourists.
Perhaps, it’s hopping the 7 Train in New York City and exploring Queens, which many people consider the culinary heart of the city. In Phoenix, Ariz., it could be as simple as heading to a place like The Fry Bread House to enjoy authentic Navajo cuisine — something most people aren’t likely to find back home.
Visit a quieter destination
People always want to go to the hot spots. There is nothing wrong with that, but those are the destinations where everyone is going. Why not try a destination less popular with the masses?
As an example, if the Caribbean beckons, skip a more popular island destination such as Aruba and head to its sister island of Curaçao. It has beaches and boat drinks and is home to the famous liqueur that shares its name. Plus, the island’s culture and deep history are incredible and worth exploring.
Walk away from the email device
A new survey Wyndham Vacation Rentals commissioned found travelers need time to unwind and forget about the daily grind. Three in 10 U.S. travelers don’t feel truly relaxed until the second day of vacation or later, the survey revealed.
Here’s a novel concept. Turn off the email on your smartphone as soon as you board the plane, and don’t look at it until you return home at the end of the vacation. If that’s not possible, set aside a specific time window each day — perhaps just before lunch or after the fifth Blue Hawaiian — for reviewing email.