From first-time vacationers interested in planning a more memorable trip to seasoned travelers who are tired of the same old sites, finding and exploring lesser known attractions and destinations can often be worthwhile. A few basic basic travel trips may be all that it takes in order to start uncovering hidden gems on an upcoming trip, vacation or holiday. Whether its spending more time speaking with the locals or choosing a destination that is a little further off the beaten path, a more adventurous and original travel itinerary or vacation plan may hold the key to a more memorable trip.

Choose the Right Destination

When it comes to finding new sites to enjoy, the first step is to choose the right destination. While the most popular holiday destinations are no doubt well-equipped to provide visitors with a good time, such destinations rarely hold much in the way of surprises. Exploring any number of lesser known destinations can allow even the most experienced travelers to spice up their next trip. Unconventional sources of information like customer demographics, census data or climate details can turn up a range of destination ideas that may hold some truly interesting possibilities.

Talk to Everyone

Travel books, guides and blogs can provide tons of useful information for those planning a trip, but such resources are by no means complete. Speaking to the locals can turn up ideas, destinations and sights that might have otherwise been overlooked. There is often a world of difference between the cities and nightlife that travelers are familiar with and the destinations known only to the locals. Travelers who are willing to spend a little extra time and effort to turn up new destinations and attractions may be surprised at what they are able to find.

Avoid Planning Too Much

While detailed travel plans can help smooth over many of the potential pitfalls and rough spots that might detract from an otherwise pleasant holiday, there is such a thing as too much planning. Filling up every nook and cranny of a schedule or itinerary in advance may leave too little room for surprised. The best trip plans are often those that strike the right balance between scheduled activities and last-minute opportunities that are often impossible to plan in advance. Taking a more relaxed approach to the planning phase of a trip can pay off in ways that travelers might not have imagined.

Make Use of Mass Transit

Often the best way to get a better feel for a city is to take a bus or train. Car services and other high-end transportation options may seem more comfortable and convenient, but they may also mean missing out on any number of hidden gems that a city may have to offer. Taking a day to just explore or making an effort to get lost in their surroundings is a great way to ensure that travelers are able to find someplace or something new and unexpected. Relying on mass transit to get around can also help to ensure that travel expenses are less likely to get out of hand, an important concern for those who want to ensure that their holiday doesn't end up breaking the bank.

Getting the Most Out of an Upcoming Trip

While a few tips may be all it takes to begin planning trips like a seasoned traveler, there is simply no substitute for experience. Learning how to explore and making sure that travel plans do not lack for spontaneity may require more than a little trial and error, but those who are truly dedicated to exploration may find their efforts beginning to pay off much sooner than they might have expected. The decision to stray further off the beaten path can breathe new life into destinations that may have grown stale and tired or lead travelers to explore places, destinations and attractions that they never would have dreamed of in the past.