Off the beaten path

There are certain places that make people — even locals — feel particularly like a tourist. When visiting themed parks, fancy 3D galleries, themed marketplaces and cultural villages, for example, such a feeling grows so strong inside of me probably because they are destinations created specially for tourists. That’s why sometimes while travelling, I feel as if I am walking in a tourist trap created to lure money out of visitors’ pockets. These places entertain, give people an opportunity to take nice photos with beautiful backdrops while also sell expensive food and souvenirs. And these are mostly places recommended by travel websites and blogs on the internet.

For a long time I have wondered what locals think about such themed places that are mushrooming in their hometowns especially when they are close to hidden gems in their neighbourhoods.

In Chiang Mai, one of my friends admitted that she has stopped looking at updates with regards to new attractions in her area, particularly when it comes to new places and themed dining establishments where tourists love to hang out.

She finds that not all the places that tourists love to visit or are recommended to visit are favourite destinations for locals. Restaurant reviews on the internet may look nice with beautiful photos but like it or not, many of them cannot please town dwellers.

In the seaside town of Trang, a friend advised me to skip all the attractions recommended in the newspaper or on the internet.

She drove me around town to enjoy the best of her neighbourhood, secretly kept for the locals — from the best satay in town, a freshly steamed dim sum outlet, peaceful islets where I could meet friendly communities of fisherman to secret beaches, where most of the locals spend their leisure time.

In Beijing, I usually find meals served in big restaurants recommended by tourist guides hardly comparable in terms of quality to those served in small eateries recommended by my Chinese friends.

In those small neighbourhood shops, we usually find the best things, be it tea, silk or other produce from China, without having to waste our time bargaining.

Once in Paris, I stayed in the house of a Thai family whose children grew up in the bustling city.

There I learnt that the Eiffel Tower, only a short drive from their place, was something they were familiar with. Instead, places they loved to enjoy and were quite proud to show off were lovely enclaves that only Parisians enjoy.

From my experiences during all these trips, I have learnt that the best tourist attractions, wonderful themed parks or outstanding restaurants honoured in the media may not necessarily be the best thing for visitors.

Many times I follow in the footsteps of some good travel bloggers, but I often find myself disappointed with those touristy places.

In the digital era where hotel reviews and travel blogs are readily available at your fingertips offering advice by the dozen, it may sound great and handy.

But the truth is you have no idea if those wonderful reviews available on the internet come from sponsored trips or not.

But of course, it does not mean all those tourist spots are bad. Some are enjoyable too.

But for me, when it comes to those places, there is something missing.

Admittedly, no one knows about a certain place better than locals.

Compared to bloggers or reviewers, people in the neighbourhood know where people can have fun and enjoy great moments with real things, real people and in a real atmosphere.

Those hidden local gems might not be as convenient to visit as places recommended on the internet, but the experiences in those places are totally worthwhile.

“Many times I follow in the footsteps of good travel bloggers, but often find myself disappointed.”