Avoiding Tourist Traps

Times Square. The Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Tower of London. If one of these attractions is located where you live, feel free to roll your eyes or let out a groan. Let’s face it: These attractions regularly make the list of worst tourist traps. Don’t find yourself stuck in a tourist trap on your next trip. Follow these tips for experiencing the hidden gems in your destination.

Before your trip, research the city. If you know you want to visit several museums, opt for ones lesser known instead of popular, tourist-driven museums. You’ll avoid the crowds and see unique exhibits.

Get advice from friends who’ve visited the destination before or ask locals for tips once you arrive. Hotel concierges will be able to assist with specific inquiries.

Stay away from gimmicky eateries or chain restaurants. Instead, look for authentic places serving your favorite style of food. Download apps like Yelp or FourSquare to find great nearby places with ease.

While it can be exciting to say you watched the ball drop on New Year’s Eve at Times Square, unless it’s on your bucket list, avoid this type of event.

If you can’t avoid stopping at a tourist trap, do your best to stay calm and enjoy the experience. At least you’ll have a story to tell when you’re home.