How to Find the Top Spots in Any Destination

You’ve finally made it to your final destination, but you realize that you have no idea what to do from there. For some, this is the ideal way to adventure while in a new place. For others, however, the lack of a firm itinerary can be stressful, and many may fear they’ll miss out on the best things to see due to a lack of knowledge, planning or research. 

If you’re about to take a trip and want to find the best ways to get around, the top things to see, the highest-rated restaurants and the most interesting places to go, this guide is here to help. 

Check Local News

When you first start to plan your vacation itinerary, it’s a good idea to check up on the region’s current events. Look into local news sites, blogs, online magazines or state-sponsored guides for some of the area’s most popular happenings. There, you can go as deep as discovering the best fitness gyms by browsing Thrive Patch reviews left by locals or as basic as just getting a general idea for the spirit of your destination. 

Browse Social Media

There’s no better way to find out an area’s hot spots than to look to the trendsetters at your destination for guidance. Type in a few basic search terms into any social media platform and get scrolling. It likely won’t take long at all before you come across photo-worthy ice cream shops, picturesque landscapes, five-star restaurants and hidden gems that you may not find on other travel guides. Look across a few platforms for best results. 

Ask the Locals

If you know anyone who lives or used to live at your destination, they may be able to point you in the direction of the most exciting and interesting things to see while you’re there. Fortunately, even if you may not know anyone personally, you can find willing locals on message boards or forums that may have a few tricks up their sleeve, too. If you're comfortable waiting until you get there, you can ask your hotel’s concierge, rideshare driver or even muster up the courage to stop someone on the street for recommendations. 

Look Up Reviews

If must-try diners and can’t-miss galleries are what you’re after, do your research to find the most buzzworthy spots in town. Look at local rankings to find spots with a lot of positive reviews left by satisfied visitors, but don’t limit yourself to just one source. Sometimes, different sites attract different crowds, so one highly-reviewed restaurant on one platform may have overwhelmingly negative reviews on another. Do your due diligence to make sure you have an accurate picture of each spot, but keep an open mind for lesser reviewed or newer spots, too. 

Find Your Location

While you’re on your vacation, you may find a few hidden gems along the way. To give yourself the best chance at discovering your new favorite breakfast spot, turn on your GPS location and open a maps app to look around nearby. Type in any search term and plot points on the map to save potential spots or find a location easily the next time you’re headed out for breakfast. You never know what you may find unless you take a virtual look while you’re already there. 

Download Local Apps

Some destinations have apps that really come in handy for visiting tourists and locals alike. Some of these apps are built by the cities themselves, or notable organizations in the area, while others were put together by those who want to help others find their way around off the beaten path. Look for apps that can help you find local transit options, walking tours, museum events, historical sites and even lesser known oddities that you won’t find in other destinations. As well, even more basic travel-oriented apps can provide information about local shows, tours, restaurants and experiences that you may find thrilling on your vacation.