The Ultimate Guide to Side Tours Discovering Hidden Gems Beyond the Main Attractions
When planning a trip, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of visiting well-known landmarks and major tourist spots. While these are essential to any travel experience, there's a growing trend of exploring lesser-known destinations through side tours—the excursions that take you off the beaten path. These tours offer a unique opportunity to discover hidden gems, engage with local cultures, and experience a destination from a fresh perspective.
What Are Side Tours?
A side tour is essentially an additional, often more personalized, excursion taken outside of the main tourist activities. These tours focus on less-commercialized or lesser-known areas that may not appear in typical guidebooks or mainstream itineraries. While major tourist attractions provide their own charm, side tours offer a way to escape the crowds, avoid the usual tourist traps, and dive deeper into the local essence.
Why Should You Consider Side Tours?
-
Authentic Local Experiences
Side tours often take you to smaller villages, hidden towns, and remote areas where you can experience authentic local culture. You'll have the chance to interact with residents, try traditional foods, and learn about the history and customs that are not found in the bustling city center. -
Avoid the Crowds
Main tourist sites can be overcrowded, especially during peak seasons. Side tours give you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of these crowded areas and enjoy a more peaceful, relaxing experience. You’ll be able to take in natural beauty or historic sites without jostling for a good view or waiting in long lines. -
Unique Photo Opportunities
Since side tours often visit unconventional spots, you'll be able to capture photos of lesser-known, yet stunning landscapes and cultural sites. Whether it's a remote beach, a quaint town, or an untouched natural wonder, side tours give you the chance to document moments that will set your travel photos apart. -
Personalized Experiences
Many side tours are smaller, more intimate experiences than the typical large-group tours. This means your guide can offer more personalized attention, allowing for a deeper dive into specific areas of interest or even a more flexible schedule. This adds to the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the trip.
Types of Side Tours
-
Nature and Adventure Tours
For outdoor enthusiasts, side tours can take you to beautiful hikes, wildlife sanctuaries, or off-the-beaten-path nature reserves. Whether it’s a hidden waterfall, a remote mountain trail, or an undiscovered beach, nature side tours provide a refreshing escape from city life. -
Cultural and Historical Side Tours
Cultural side tours often focus on the traditions and history of a destination. This could involve visiting ancient ruins that aren’t part of the typical tourist circuit, taking cooking classes with local chefs, or exploring small artisan workshops where crafts are passed down through generations. -
Day Trips to Nearby Destinations
Many destinations offer exciting day trips to surrounding areas. These side tours might include trips to neighboring towns, scenic drives, or visits to local farms. A day trip could provide a great opportunity to experience the diversity of a region, especially if you’ve already spent time exploring the main city or town. -
Food and Culinary Side Tours
Food lovers can enjoy side tours dedicated to local cuisine, from street food tours to vineyard visits. These tours provide a chance to savor local delicacies, discover hidden dining spots, and learn about the culinary history of the region.
How to Find the Best Side Tours
-
Ask Locals for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find amazing side tours is to ask the locals. Often, the best recommendations come from people who live in the area and can point you toward authentic experiences that aren't widely advertised. -
Look for Niche Tour Companies
While large, commercial tour companies focus on mainstream attractions, smaller, boutique tour providers often specialize in side tours. These companies typically offer more customized experiences and are eager to show you the hidden treasures of a destination. -
Use Online Platforms
Many travel websites and apps now feature side tour options. Websites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Airbnb Experiences allow you to book personalized side tours that take you off the beaten path. -
Talk to Your Hotel Concierge
Concierges often have insider knowledge of local side tours, especially ones that are less advertised. They can recommend off-the-beaten-path experiences that are tailored to your interests.
Conclusion
Side tours are an excellent way to enrich your travel experience. They provide opportunities to explore the less-visited, but equally fascinating, aspects of a destination. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, side tours offer a memorable way to experience a place beyond the typical tourist attractions. So, next time you plan your trip, don’t forget to make time for a side tour—you might just find your favorite part of the journey in the most unexpected place.
