A visit to the most attractive sites, and landmark in your travel list is great, but what about the hidden gems , the places that holds cultural meaning, the restaurant that houses the deep local food, the bubbling market that the locals can’t help but always visit because it bustles with the items that are most authentic to that location. These are the places you also want to visit. 

These sites may not make it to the first page of your google search, they would usually feature places that are deeply rooted in culture amidst the urbanization, and things that appeal to that culture making it an hidden gem.

Finding such spots takes a little more effort and time, it however improves your travel experience, deeper understanding of what the culture is really like, and will make your trip more memorable due to its authenticity. 

 

Here are few ways to find these hidden gems in your travel destination: 

 

• Research on the local communities: Take a deep dive into what the local area is like. While all the urbanized parts of your destination may be interesting for sightseeing, and enjoying the ambience. The local areas will embody activities, food , and cultural practices that are indigenous to that community. Before visiting, you can research online local community groups of your destination to know when they have gatherings like: art exhibition, painting events, cultural days to experience the culture in depth. 

 

• Visit at a seasonal period/Great hours: You’re sure to experience indigenous activities when you visit at a time when an event that is exclusive to that culture happens. E.g: Visiting Calabar during the yam festival or Osun state when they hold the Osun-Osogbo cultural event. Also, going out at certain hours like in the mornings when the sites may not be crowded to soak in the moment, and enjoy the environment. 

• Be Spontaneous and curious: Try new things, explore new places yourself especially when you’re  solo travelling. When you find something in the area, try to ask questions, check out a bizarre store, feed birds, walk around the gardens, go to the university in that location, talk to new people, ask questions about fun activities students engage in. This curiosity will make you find interesting places that may not feature in your map/guide, and you might just unlock what will make your whole trip memorable.

• Check out Travel blogs, and Vlogs: The place to find the most interesting piece of information and raw truth is on vlogs. Search Youtube, Tiktok, and Instagram for vlogs relating to that area– This will feature information that will ease your travel and help you navigate the area better. The comment sections are also a great source of information as they contain lived experiences of people. This will make you find the hidden gems, and have the best time. 

• Talk to the locals: The most authentic way is asking the people that live there, that have experienced the place. This could be the first driver that picks you up from the airport, the security man, the bartender, or the waitress. Ask questions on the best place to feel the vibe of your destination, ask them where the best local market to find indigenous items are. These will help you find the hidden gems, and have an overall great experience. 

 

 Conclusion

 

Taking a trip may be fun but experiencing it fully will create unforgettable memories which is why it is important to find hidden gems in areas that you visit. You can find these hidden gems by: Talking to locals, watching travel vlogs, and blogs, exploring comment sections on apps. Be curious, visit during the seasonal period, and research core community groups online, and you’re on your way to have a great and memorable trip.