18 Surprising Travel Opinions from Experts You Might Not Agree With

We typically follow popular travel opinions because we think they’re more accurate. However, many seasoned travelers believe that some of the best travel tips are the ones people rarely talk about. Exploring lesser-known places and trying new travel tricks can make your trips more exciting. Whether you travel often or are planning your first trip, these surprising ideas might give you a new way to see the world. Sometimes, going against popular opinions can lead to the best adventures.

Stick to the routes

Most travel bloggers recommend going off the beaten path for a more exciting adventure, but most routes are created for comfort and convenience. Going off the beaten path may be challenging, messy, or dangerous, and you may not even know where you are headed or where you end up.

Don’t dress to impress

Most tourists try to blend in and try hard to dress up like the locals. But trying not to look like a local makes you stand out more. Locals can always tell apart tourists, so embracing your style and being comfortable is better than wearing something you’re not used to.

Ditch backpacks

The travel world has picked up on the backpack trend, with almost everyone traveling with one, but these bags have limitations. You’ll get tired of carrying them, they’re easier to lose, and you must always be alert, etc. It’s best to go with roller duffel bags, as they are easier to carry around.

Tourist traps aren’t always a bad thing

Although most tourist traps are inconvenient and might turn your mood off, they may allow you to explore or experience something mainstream attractions won’t. You can try new cuisine, enjoy new experiences, and laugh about it later while sharing the story with your friends.

Don’t ask the locals

Asking locals for good eateries to try isn’t a great idea because they may not have tried recent chains. They may stick to smaller eateries or local street food, which may or may not be satisfying for your liking and taste. It’s best to check out foreign traveler reviews and decide accordingly.

Hostels are not always great

Many bloggers recommend getting a hostel to lower the overall cost of traveling, but it’s tough to find a hostel worth staying in. Most hotels are overrated, crowded, and have awful locations. They may even have bad customer reviews and are unsafe to stay at. It’s wise to do your research before booking one.

Don’t Focus on Social Media Posts

It’s easy to get caught up in planning trips based on Instagram pictures, but that can set you up for disappointment. Those perfect shots don’t show the reality of crowded spots or overrated tourist traps. Instead, pick places that genuinely interest you, not just what looks good online.

Travel doesn’t have to be life-changing

We think traveling somewhere new must be mind-blowing and life-altering, but you can always enjoy simpler things and your destination for what it is. You’ll find the new destination much more enjoyable if you take it casually, just relax, and go with the flow rather than trying to make something out of it.

Skip the nightlife

You don’t have to plan the entire vacation around rowdy nightclubs and bars. If you really need to, do this for one or two nights and spend the rest of the vacation exploring popular destinations and touring the city. You may be missing out on a lot while spending time at night bars.

Tacky souvenirs are fun

People avoid buying gaudy souvenirs because they want to take home something esthetic and expensive, but you won’t always find what you like. It’s much better to buy what’s available and take a memorable piece with you to home. At least you’ll have something to remember about that destination.

You don’t need an itinerary

Itineraries make travel easier, but they don’t always include fun activities. It’s better to get an itinerary that’s flexible enough to change a few destinations or swap activities; sticking with a strict itinerary will not be fun. However, you may want to stick to a plan when traveling with kids.

Don’t wait for kids to grow old to travel

You shouldn’t put a hold on your traveling so that your kids can grow mature enough to fly with you! In fact, kids learn a lot from the different experiences they have while traveling to new places. You can pick the ones that are kid-friendly, where you all can have a memorable time.

Global Entry is overrated

Although Global Entry promises a fast pass to many destinations in the United States, getting it is a hassle. The waiting times are brutal, and immigration may not deliver on its promise. It’s also only suitable for frequent international fliers. So, you can totally skip it if you want.

Overpacking is good

You don’t have to follow the minimal trend if you don’t want to. For some travelers, overpacking allows for more comfort and preparedness for unexpected situations such as sudden rain or hot weather, and filling a suitcase with what you want to keep is completely ok.

Spend more days in one destination

Instead of trying to cover multiple destinations in one trip, staying in one place for extended periods can allow you to see every little detail you may miss otherwise in a short trip. You can always come back later to explore other areas of the same country. This way, you will have more opportunities to travel.

Ignore The Weather

Don’t let a forecast of rain or cold deter you. Sometimes, bad weather means fewer tourists and more unique experiences. Additionally, you’ll often find that the weather isn’t as bad as predicted. So, don’t always trust the weather forecast on the internet unless you can see that temperatures are going to change drastically.

Traveling Alone Can Be Much More Rewarding

While many people love traveling with their friends or families, traveling solo is incredibly rewarding. It gives you the freedom to explore the destination at your own pace and enjoy what truly interests you. When you’re alone, you tend to connect more deeply with the place and its people, making the experience richer.

Staycation Is Just As Enjoyable

Exploring your own city can be just as rewarding as traveling far away. You can uncover hidden gems, support local businesses, and skip the stress and cost of long-distance travel. It’s a great way to see your hometown with fresh eyes and appreciate what’s right in your own backyard.

More For You

Ready for your most exciting vacation? Ditch the all-inclusive and discover unique travel experiences that offer thrilling adventures and new perspectives.

This article was inspired by Reddit and Buzzfeed and first appeared on Rbitaliablog.