A beta choice in the Middle East would be to choose Muscat, Oman, over Dubai. The natural beauty spot – Wadi Bani Khalid – is just outside the city.
(Credit: AVC)
1. Betas are the best
A stay in a beta city (think: Verona instead of Venice and Memphis instead of Nashville) means fewer crowds and the chance to explore a lesser-known destination, discovering all its treasures you didn't even know existed. Choosing a location that is not among the most popular locations in a country (and therefore avoiding the “big hitters” like New York, Rome or Phuket, for example) has many advantages and is also a noticeable way to help to manage more tourism. These “unsung heroes” often offer more authentic travel experiences because they are away from the main tourist trails, with restaurants and shops aimed largely at locals. Choose carefully and you'll not only be able to access a new location, but you'll also be able to use it as a base to travel further and find areas that aren't well documented. So for example, go to Oman rather than Dubai to discover its cultural riches of the Middle East. Plus, from here you can always take excursions to other Emirates, including Dubai, if you wish.
2. Soak up September
Good weather in September in Languedoc, France.
(Credit: AVC)
With kids back in school meaning cheaper fares and fewer crowds, September is one of the best months to travel. In many places around the world, this “cross” month (neither quite summer nor quite fall) means you'll still find sunny days and mild temperatures. At this time of year, before stores and restaurants close for the season, it's still too early to deal with the more unpredictable weather of late fall and winter. Top destinations include the Greek Islands, the French Riviera and Portugal, for sunny days, and Southeast Asia is also a good choice, as it comes out of its rainy season.
Autumn bounty at organic farm in Daylesford, Cotswolds, UK.
(Credit: AVC)
Another plus is that September brings many nature spectacles, from bountiful harvests (which means the local cuisine is at its best, bursting with fresh flavors) and New England leaf displays to the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.
3. When a hotel is not a hotel
Apple Tree Cottage is one of several self-contained properties at Lucknam Park Hotel, near Bath.
(Credit: AVC)
For those looking to vacation with extended family or a group of friends, it can be tempting to book a villa for the perfect grouping. For many, however, this simply means moving chores (cooking and tidying) from home to a new address. So why not avoid (mostly) doing the dishes by booking a cottage, treehouse or villa within a hotel grounds. The trend for hotels offering self-catering accommodation exploded during and after the pandemic, when travelers were once again looking for a way to escape their four walls, but were still nervous about mixing with others (many hotels began converting buildings on their land or creating new offerings to offer a choice of luxury refuges and get their businesses back on their feet). Lucknam Park near Bath, Beaverbrook in Surrey and Chewton Glen in the New Forest are just three examples in the UK. This means you can enjoy the privacy and flexibility of home, while enjoying the luxury hotel facilities on offer, such as the spa, restaurants and sports offerings.
4. Read and research
Do your research to find hidden gems, like this view of the Paris skyline, taken from the Rochechouart hotel.
(Credit: AVC)
It may seem basic, but do a little homework before you arrive, so you don't find that the best restaurants are already booked or you waste time wandering aimlessly through unfamiliar streets. For impromptu travel enthusiasts, this may go against the grain, but in reality, you shouldn't be rigid about things. It's just a way to have reference points to get an idea of what to do in your chosen destination. Although Tik Tok and Instagram may have a bad reputation, they are actually very useful for narrowing down specific interests. Want to do your shopping in a French pharmacy in Paris? Research the best places to go and what to buy. Influencers have achieved this sort of thing. Same with the hottest restaurants (although that can mean the best places are booked months in advance). Online guidebooks and travel guides still have their place, however, and are a good way to gain a comprehensive understanding of a place or culture so you don't miss anything.
5. Look for locals
Mustafa, local guide in the Wahiba Sands desert in Oman.
(Credit: AVC)
The best way to discover a city is to ask a local to show you their hidden gems. Companies, like Visits by locals And Get your guideyou will be able to discover the best cultural experiences thanks to the knowledge of those who live there. If you're only in a place for a short time, talk to those you meet – taxi drivers, shopkeepers and, of course, the hotel concierge – and ask for local recommendations and suggestions on where to go. places to go and what to eat. Continue your own research and chances are you'll find the best in authentic travel experiences.
