My Battered Suitcase

I write about breaking from sightseeing mode. But I have to admit that when I travel I often face a conflict. I’m in a new and fascinating city and I want to see the popular sights, but I also want to have unique local experiences. What’s a girl to do?

The answer is simple. See them! But then make sure to budget ‘box checking’ time with ‘experiencing’ time. Take the group tour to Stonehenge, but then stay at a small B&B and spend an extra day riding your bike through the countryside. See the Colosseum, then walk to the Trastevere neighborhood and have lunch with the locals. It’s all about balance. And here are a few more ideas to see a place through a unique, deep and local lens, while crossing off a few things in your guide book.

5 WAYS: To Balance Sight Seeing and Experiencing

Check the box then wander. While the crowds are rushing to the Sistine Chapel, wander astray in the vast collection of works throughout the Vatican Museum along your way. When you slow down and take time to absorb your surroundings and see other lesser known works and sights, you’ll see a place from a different perspective. As you wander look for details in architecture, landscape and design.
Take a city tour. If time is crunched and you want to see the major sites and experience local flavor at same time, take a tour with a guide. You'll check the ‘must see’ boxes but also be able to ask your tour guide lots of questions. Guides are usually incredibly knowledgeable and welcome an insightful question or two. Plus you'll deepen your experience beyond the scripted tour.
Listen to an Audio Guide. Guides at museums and sights will highlight key works, make you wander and give a deeper level of info than just reading the plaques. There are a lot of great and free podcasts or audio guides available to download for museums and other attractions on their websites. On iTunes RIck Steves’ is a popular podcast choice for European destinations. Lonely Planet also has a bunch of free podcasts.
Eat Local. I can’t let an article go by without mentioning food. When it comes time to eat wander a few blocks from the major attraction. You’ll often find cheaper and better food. And don't be afraid to ask a local at the site for a nearby recommendation.
Walk, Walk and Walk. Seeing a place on foot allows you to see the major sites while also taking in the surrounding areas. Absorb the sounds, textures and people of the city. Many guide books include walking tours. You can also find podcasts and audio guides online. For European travels Rick Steves is (again) your go-to guy.

BONUS WAY (5 + 1): While touring a place take time to people watch. Sit on a park bench or in a cafe and watch the locals and tourists pass by. You’ll observe a lot about the pace and face of a city.

Seeing the Vatican is a box-checking activity, but you can also turn it in to a unique and rich experience. Moral of the story is don’t ever leave a place regretting not seeing something. But look for ways to to turn it in to a meaningful and memorable experience for you.