The Ultimate Guide To... Everywhere!

So, you’ve done it, you’ve chosen a destination, you might have even booked your flights and dragged out your suitcase, so, now what? It’s the experiences that make the best memories, not just the sights and certainly not the souvenirs, so make sure you travel to have the experiences you’ll never forget.

Here’s the ultimate guide to what to do…anywhere! The format that has ensured we make the most of our time and what is on offer locally, from Northern China to Southern Europe, The West Coast of New Zealand to the East Coast of England, this formula always hits the target.

Stay

Choose your accommodation with TWO things in mind, that is transport, and transport! How will you get to and from your accommodation when arriving at and leaving your destination, and then how will you get around once you’re there. We always look for well-reviewed hotels close to major train stations, knowing that its generally easy to get trains to and from airports and cruise ports, and trains to places we want to explore. But, staying right among the action is important too. Don’t choose your hotel solely on price and deals – check out the reviews to look for mentions of transport and location.

Free breakfast anyone? If Breakfast is included in your hotel costs, then all well and good, however if you’re having to pay extra then think again. Heading out to explore your destination while locals are heading out to their day jobs give you great insight into local culture, and the opportunity to eat like a local. That pastry I had in Milan might be the best pastry I’ve ever had, and that jian bing in Shanghai was so unusual but completely delicious – and cheap! Commuters in any city will be grabbing their coffee and breakfast on the go, and you can grab yours, save some money and have a truly local experience, if not on the run, then certainly on the cheap!

Cycle

Cycling around the ruins of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Booking local cycle tours has been a magic staple of our holidays, particularly when travelling with our teenagers, but just as relevant now – although we often choose the e-bike option these days! Cycle tours have been highlights of our trips from Cambodia to Greece, and never fail to give a local flavour and slice of culture to the experience. Choose cycle tours that include a meal stop for a meal that’s often a fantastic feast of modest, local, fare.

Cook

Cooking up a storm in rural Yangshuo, China

Cooking classes vary wildly in how much cooking you actually do, but again offer a great insight into local culture, as well as time spent with friendly local people. Cooking classes we’ve loved in China, Vietnam and Italy gave us wonderful hands-on experiences, whereas at least the detailed demonstration on How To Make A Greek Salad in Corfu came with free wine (how to chop a tomato, anyone?)!

If you’d rather escape the domestic duties while on tour, and the thought of cooking sounds like the antithesis of a good time, consider booking a food tour instead. Let someone take you off to sample olive oil in a vineyard in Tuscany, or pineapple on an estate in Hawaii, and let someone else do the work!

Eat

Pizza in Milan, Italy

What is that local delicacy you must try? That little morsel of street food you’ve got to have? Every place has their own ‘thing’ you’ve got to try – so make sure you do, and if you’ve got the time – find the very best example you can.

Florentine Steak in Florence, cannoli in Sicily, paella in Valencia, croissants in France, egg tarts in Portugal, gelato in Italy, dumplings in Shanghai, pork buns in Hong Kong – you get the idea. Do a little research and find out what is special about your destination in the food world, you won’t regret it, and you might find this leads you to exploring further in your destination.

Do That Thing

What is famous where you’re going? Find out and book it in! Hawaii – take a surf lesson, Finland – have a sauna, Sweden – get a massage, Amsterdam – perhaps the local (ahem) greenery? You’re guaranteed to make memories and gather funny stories to tell, your experiences will create memories better than any souvenir tea towel ever could.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

These tours get a bad rap, and are often disliked by local communities, but they’re popular with tourists for good reason! They’re an easy, affordable, and practical way to get your bearings in a new place, and in some places, they do such a thorough job of getting you to all the highlights on your list you just can’t pass it up – like in Barcelona, Rome, or Tokyo. Anywhere you are, if you see these busses around, take a moment to stop and check out their maps, it might save you time and money.

What’s YOUR thing?

Do you play golf? A regular at your local pool? Got a soft spot for karaoke? A regular library user? Can’t stay away from art galleries? Or like me, love a good escape room? Check out your destination for opportunities to indulge in your hobby in exotic places, whether or not you speak the local language, you’re bound to get some joy out of checking out your local counterparts and you may get a fantastic experience to enhance your love of your favourite pastime.

Concert Anyone?

Take a moment to check out local ticket sellers, you might be pleasantly surprised to see that a comedian you love just happens to be performing a show that night you’re in Berlin, or that singer you’d love to see is in concert while you’re in Tokyo. These are the kinds of things that sell out months in advance – so get ahead of the game by checking early.

Similarly with sporting events – you might happen to be near Melbourne in tennis season or around Melbourne Cup time, or imagine finding that you’re in Monaco when they’re hosting the Formula One? Occasionally these might give you a reason to change your dates if it seems the place might be extra crowded, or you might be inspired to get some tickets and join the party!

Make It Your Own!

Use these tips to plan a holiday that truly inspires you, gets you out there in amongst your destination, meeting locals and doing what you love!

What do you love to do in a new place? Add your ideas below - we love to hear from fellow travellers!