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Homesteading Secrets: Companion Planting to Reduce Pests

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When you set out to increase your self-sufficiency by gardening, you probably want to do it organically. But when the pest pressure starts, you suddenly realize why organic foods often cost more. Those who are homesteading know a trick that can make garden pests easier to manage.

With companion planting, you strategically plant certain plants near each other to promote the well-being of the plants.

1. The 3 Sisters (Tres Hermanas)

Native Americans (across the American continents) have long planted squash, beans, and corn together.

Corn provides shade to squash and support for beans. Beans increase the nutrient-availability in the soil for corn — a very nutrient-demanding crop. Squash runs along the ground, keeping the soil cool and moist.

All the plants are healthier. Harmful insects and plant diseases target unhealthy plants.  

Here, you have a prime example of a permaculture system. You’ve created an ecosystem that can essentially take care of itself.

Just add water.

2. Basil & Nightshades

Nightshades include tomatoes, peppers and eggplant.

Basil with these doesn’t only make an amazing pasta sauce. Basil planted with tomatoes can both increase the yield and ward off many pests.

3. Herbs & Any Edibles

Planting fragrant herbs next to your vegetables deters pests.

Most insects have a plant of choice.  Often, insects find the plants by scent.

They can’t find them if the air is filled with parsley and cilantro. Similar to basil, these like some shade during mid-summer. 

But be careful with some herbs. Dill and sage, for example, make a great herb companion if they’re kept in a separate pot. Their roots release chemicals that damage anything planted too close.

4. Marigolds & Carrots

Many long-time homesteaders swear by marigolds. Some say the flowers can reduce cabbage worms, squash beetles, and white flies. 

But the real power of the marigold appears to be happening under the dirt.

The root produces a natural pesticide, which can kill bugs that attack root vegetables like beets and carrots.

It may also reduce the underground larvae that become next year’s pests.

So the pest-prevention of marigold gets stronger year over year.

Till them directly into the soil each fall to boost the effect. But don’t add them to your unfinished compost.

They will slow the process by killing microorganisms that break compost down.

5. Garlic & Beets 

Aliums like garlic, onions or leeks planted near beets will improve the beets’ flavor. The allium family also repels many garden pests. They don’t like the strong odor or natural pesticides these plants produce. 

Aliums can help tomatoes and peppers too. But since garlic and onions are usually harvested in early summer, you’d need to plant garlic and onion out of season to get the effects. Many people who are homesteading do. 

Honorable Mention: Sunflowers, a Homesteading Must

Sunflowers attract a variety of pollinating insects to the garden. More flowers turn into vegetables.

Sunflowers also draw pests away from nearby plants. Squash beetles, stink bugs, and grasshoppers will choose sunflower over your other edibles.

Homesteaders plant enough to enjoy seeds. They then sacrifice the rest to save their garden from pests.

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Get a Snake

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When it comes to pets, a snake is not generally the first animal that springs to mind. But for a small number of passionate enthusiasts, snake ownership offers a fascinating and rewarding experience like no other.

Common pets, such as dogs and cats, present many challenges, but at least these challenges are relatively well-known. Because fewer people own snakes, it is easy for a curious person to buy one with little to no knowledge of exactly what they are getting into.

Before choosing a snake as your next pet, you should familiarize yourself with the animal and its specific care requirements. These five facts provide a great place to start.  

  1. Snakes eat whole rodents.

People who are squeamish about handling dead rats or mice, should definitely NOT buy a snake. To ensure that your snake gets the nutrition it needs, you should feed it rodents that are as fresh as possible. Because live animals can bite or otherwise injure a snake, most experts recommend feeding snakes dead frozen rodents that have been recently thawed.

  1. Snakes need certain air temperatures and humidity levels.

Because snakes are cold-blooded animals, their body temperature adjusts to the temperature of the environment that surrounds them. This requires them to carefully regulate their own body temperature to promote optimal health and comfort. Therefore, snake owners must generally provide both a hotter zone and a cooler zone in their tanks. Set up as a designated basking area, the hotter zone may need to be as high as the low 90°s Fahrenheit. They also need exposure to ultraviolet light to help them absorb calcium from their food and adequate humidity to help them shed dead skin on their bodies and maintain the clear lids (spectacles) that cover their eyes.

  1. Snakes have relatively long lifespans.

Many people are surprised to learn just how long many snake species can live. While their lifespans are relatively short in the wild, they can have remarkably long lifespans when protected from natural predators and provided with ample food and ideal living conditions. For this reason, a captive corn snake can live 20 years, a captive ball python can live 30 years, and a captive boa constrictor can live 40 years or more. Even shorter-lived pet snakes such as rat snakes typically live for at least a decade.

  1. Snakes can grow quite big.

People purchasing a juvenile snake should know exactly how long and heavy that species might get as an adult. Larger types of snakes can approach 20 feet in length and weigh hundreds of pounds. The widely circulated idea that snakes can only grow as big as the tanks that contain them is frankly ridiculous!

  1. Snakes should come from a reputable source.

General pet stores, including large chains such as Petco and PetSmart, don’t generally employ dedicated reptile specialists who know how to properly care for snakes. To get a healthy snake and promote a humane marketplace, you should buy your snake from an expert breeder.

The Magic of Beirut – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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When it comes to global travel destinations, few cities have the unique beauty and historical significance of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Lebanon Mountains, this ancient city has long served as an important link between the Middle East and the rest of the world.

From its incredible architecture to its natural splendor, Beirut has attractions that are like no others. Here are just five that you don’t want to leave the city without visiting.

  1. Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

Positioned next to a Christian church and directly in front of ancient Roman ruins, the Mohammad al-Amin Mosque is the perfect place to reflect on Beirut’s amazing history and melting-pot culture. Popularly known as the Blue Masjid, the mosque is an exceptional example of post-modern Middle Eastern architecture with a central blue dome that is roughly 185 high and minarets that shoot more than 213 feet into the sky.

  1. The American University of Beirut (AUB)

Beirut’s most prestigious university is also home to some of its most historic buildings. But architecture isn’t the only thing that attracts hordes of visitors to the American University of Beirut (AUB). The AUB campus is home to a private beach, bird sanctuary, and impressive botanical gardens. It is dotted with hundreds of tree species that hail from locations around the world. Housing an immense collection of priceless artifacts, the AUB Archaeological Museum is open to the public throughout the week.

  1. National Museum of Beirut

If museum-going is your thing, you will certainly want to visit the National Museum of Beirut to peruse its diverse collection of 100,000 ancient and medieval artifacts. It is particularly rich in ancient Phoenician objects including a marble sarcophagus with a stunning depiction of a Phoenician ship and a bronze statue of the Phoenician god Reshep that dates back to 19th century BC.

  1. Raouche’s Pigeon Rocks

The top natural attraction within the city limits of Beirut is Pigeon Rocks. Located just off the Mediterranean coastline in the bustling residential and commercial neighborhood of Raouche, Pigeon Rocks loom large as geological monoliths surrounded by crashing waves. You can casually view them from a mainland café or hire a speedboat to examine their cavernous features more closely.

  1. Roman Baths

A breathtaking testament to Beirut’s Roman roots, its Roman Berytus (Roman Baths) are situated in the heart of its downtown district. These impressive ruins are divided into four sections that offer an exceptional look back in time. The Roman Baths is also the site of a world-class Mediterranean garden as well as regular musical concerts and artistic performances.

Homesteading Secrets: 5 Fundamentals to Compost Faster

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When you compost, you become a vital part of the circle of life. You take what would become toxic garbage in a landfill and help nature turn it into nutrient-dense dirt. You can use that dirt to live a more self-sufficient, homesteading life. 

But a slow compost can wreck your plans for living more sustainably. If not adequately managed, decomposition can take as long as two years. It’s even worse in colder climates. But you and your garden can enjoy that black gold in as few as 3-6 months if you apply these 5 compost fundamentals.

1. Check Its Temperature

An active compost produces a surprising amount of heat. It should generally stay between 50-70 C (125-160 F). It will steam on a cold morning.

You can check its temperature with a compost thermometer or a meat thermometer (that you do not also use for meat).

Don’t despair if you can’t keep it hot 100% of the time. But hot compost decomposes faster. The next 4 fundamentals are all about keeping that compost hot and active.

2. Set Up More than One Compost

Your compost will never finish if you keep adding to it. Instead, fill up a compost pile, preferably within about 3 months. Then let it fully decompose for the next 3 months while you fill up another one. 

Many homesteading enthusiasts have 3 or 4. They produce and need a lot of compost for their self-sufficient permaculture garden ecosystems. 

3. Add Finished Compost to Your New One

Finished compost still has an abundance of microorganisms that break down the pile. Give your new pile a jumpstart by adding a gallon or more to the new pile.

It doesn’t take much.

4. Add a Mix of Materials

The ideal compost has approximately a 1:1 ratio of nitrogen-carbon. If too much of one or the other, it will rot and stink instead of decomposing.

In the homesteading world, we call nitrogen-adding waste “greens”. These come primarily from kitchen scraps like:

  • Veg tops, roots, and seeds
  • Corn cobs
  • Shells
  • Coffee grounds, loose tea leaves, and compostable tea bags
  • Spoiled food

 Grass clippings, weeds, chicken droppings, and prunings can also add nitrogen.

Items that add carbon are called “browns”. These include:

  • Cardboard
  • Paper
  • Dried leaves
  • Small sticks
  • Sawdust and shavings
  • Straw

Achieving 1/2 and 1/2 in a home compost isn’t an exact science. Most of these have a mix of both nitrogen and carbon. But you should strive for about half and half visually to get close enough that the compost does the rest.

5. Turn Your Compost Weekly

Composts must have air and water to decompose. Turning your compost and watering it if it’s dry can meet these requirements. 

Weekly turning is a minimum. Turning it every time it cools can speed it up. But if you’ve followed the other fundamentals, weekly may be sufficient. 

Compost piles can be heavy. So you’ll need to flip a shovel full at a time. Or get a compost aerator or auger, which makes regular compost turning much easier.

You can now look forward to nutrient-rich black compost faster than before.  

5 Key Tips For Training Your Dog

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A well-trained dog is a joy to have around. They listen to your commands and behave the way you want them to. In contrast, a poorly trained dog is hard to live with. They may steal food, have accidents in the house, or even behave aggressively towards other dogs. Luckily, with the right training, you can turn almost any dog into your best friend.

But where do you get started? How do you ensure your fluffy family member follows the rules and can even do a few tricks? Let these five critical dog training tips lead the way.

1. Set your dog up for success. 

Housetraining is one of the first things that you will teach your new pup. To make the process as easy as possible, set your dog up for success. Make sure you take them outside to eliminate on a regular basis. Very young pups need to go out every couple of hours, but once your dog reaches three months, they can usually wait about four hours between potty breaks.

Put your dog on a leash and take them to the same spot every day. Then, once they’ve done their business, praise them heavily and let them off the leash. If they don’t go within about 15 minutes, take them inside, put them into a crate, and try again about 15 minutes later. Most dogs will avoid peeing or pooping in the crate so this helps to ensure they’re ready when you go back outside for another try.

2. Use consistent cue words. 

Whether you’re trying to house train your dog or teach them to shake or sit, you need to use consistent cue words. For instance, when you take your dog outside to go to the bathroom, say the same word every time your dog squats down. Also make sure anyone else who lives in your home uses the same word.

With consistency, your dog will quickly learn the words you’re using. The average dog can learn about 165 words, but when you’re in the training stages, you really want to stick with the words and concepts that you need them to know.

3. Reduce distractions until you reach the proofing stage.

While training your dog, try to reduce distractions. A busy dog park, for example, is not the place to start training your dog to sit, speak, shake, roll over, or do other tricks. Instead, start working on these training essentials on a quiet day at home.

Also, make sure that you eliminate internal distractions as well. If your dog is hungry, needs to go to the bathroom, or has excess energy from being pent up all day, they won’t be able to focus on the lesson. Take care of their core needs before you start training.

That said, when your dog learns a trick, you can introduce distractions during the proofing stage. Ultimately, whether you’re out on a busy walking path, in a hectic dog park, or around lots of people, you want your dog to be able to follow your commands.

4. Have fun and end on a positive note. 

Have fun while training your dog. Use treats to keep them interested in the lesson, but also train your dog to do tricks that delight you. Your dog will be more likely to listen if they feel like you’re truly interested in their training. Also, make sure to end training sessions on a positive note by having your dog practice tricks and commands that they’ve already mastered.

5. Consider a dog obedience program.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to train your dog on your own. There are dog training experts who can work magic with pups. Consider signing up for a pet obedience class. These classes teach your dogs to follow commands, but they also show you tricks and tips on how to better train your dog.

The Magic of Dubai – 5 Unique Attractions in This Amazing City

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In addition to its status as the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the wealthiest of the seven emirates in the UAE. It serves to reason that Dubai would have some pretty amazing attractions, but many of the tourist destinations in this luxurious city seemed to be plucked out of the world of fiction if not science fiction!

Here are five places that you’ll want to consider visiting on your next trip to Dubai:

  1. Dubai Miracle Garden

Aptly named, this massive 775,000-square-foot flower garden is likely the largest of its kind in the world. The real “miracle” here, however, is that these roughly 45 million individual flowers are blooming in the midst of the incredibly dry and harsh Arabian Desert. The Dubai Miracle Garden features flowerbeds of nearly every size, shape, and form. It even has a fanciful Smurf garden for children!

  1. The Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

This is a “must see” destination for visitors to Dubai, many of whom have seen photographs taken from its lofty, 1,800-foot heights. The Burj Khalifa Observation Deck (otherwise known as “At the Top”) occupies the 124th story of Dubai’s landmark Burj Khalifa building. Towering well over 2,700 feet in total, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building and self-supported structure in history. At the Top also offers guided tours to the 148th story of the Burj Khalifa.

  1. The Museum of the Future

Located on the boarder of Dubai’s famous financial district, the Museum of the Future is, first and foremost, a marvel of futuristic architecture that manages to stick out within a dazzlingly fascinating skyline. Its exterior is covered with Arabic calligraphy that spell out a poem by Emirate of Dubai leader Sheikh Mohammed. Inside, the Museum of the Future hosts a series of fantastic and innovative exhibitions that show just what future hold lead for Dubai and the rest of the world.

  1. The Queen Elizabeth 2

The longest-serving ocean liner in the Cunard Line and one of the fastest passenger ships of the 1900’s, the Queen Elizabeth 2 sailed 5.6 million miles while in active service. After idling in the breaker’s yard, it took on a new life in 2008. Permanently anchored in Dubai’s Mina Rashid harbor, it serves as a 224-room floating hotel with amenities such as the splendid Grand Lounge showroom, the quaint Golden Lion British pub, and the period authentic Chart Room.

  1. Ski Dubai

Flat, dry, and hot, the Arabian Desert is the very last place that you would expect to go snow skiing. But Dubai is nothing if not surprising. The massive resort Ski Dubai is home to an indoor winter wonderland with a 279-foot “mountain” that has multiple ski runs that include the first indoor course to get a black diamond rating. Because tourists generally don’t bring winter gear to Dubai, Ski Dubai’s entrance fee includes all the ski gear you might need.

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Australia

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Boasting just under three million square miles of space, Australia is simply massive. So, it’s often quite easy to only focus on the top tourist spots while visiting this country. Sydney Opera House anyone? But doing that leaves you without a glimpse into the real heart and soul of the land. Fortunately, you can broaden your horizons without having to explore every last inch of the country by simply heading out on any or all of these five adventures.

Go Back in Time with a Visit to Arkaba

For a journey into the past and future of Australia, a trip to Arkaba is a must. Set in the Flinders Ranges, this 60,000-acre wildlife conservancy lets you explore all the local birds and wildlife on air, driving, and walking safaris galore.

Emus, wallabies, and kangaroo regularly make an appearance, of course. But there are also wedge-tailed eagles, goanna, fat-tailed dunnart, and so much more wandering all across the land. If you simply cannot tear yourself away after your explorations, stick around to stay in their lodge for the weekend or longer. 

Explore Ocean Wonders at the Ningaloo Reef

If you’d like to see all the ocean wonders around Australia, put the Ningaloo Reef on your radar, for sure. Located along the western side of the continent, this 160-mile ecosystem faces the Indian Ocean, offering a truly unique snorkeling experience for all.

As you snorkel along the reef, you’ll get a chance to see dugongs and manta rays up close and even swim alongside whale sharks. Over 270 types of coral will come into view as well along with marine species not found anywhere else in the world, including humpback dolphins.

Take the City Circle Tram Through Melbourne

For a whirlwind tour of all the best sights in Melbourne, you just have to hop on the City Circle Tram. As you ride on the iconic green and yellow W-class tram, the audio commentary will point out all the landmarks along the way.

Depending on where you get on and get off, you’ll likely see:

  • Melbourne Museum
  • Federation Square
  • SEA Life Melbourne Aquarium

You’re welcome to hop off at any stop along the way to visit the major attractions that speak to you the most.

Sign Up for a Full Tour of Beautiful Sydney

The sky is the limit in what you can do in Sydney, so why not see it all on a world-class tour? There are many tour options to consider, too, including cruises through the harbor, Blue Mountains retreats, and cheese, wine, and chocolate explorations.

If you plan wisely, you can work two tours into a single day, allowing you to see all the best sights around. Then, you can use the rest of your time to explore all the top spots discovered with help from your informative guides.

Travel Along Scenic Routes While Piloting a V8 Holden

If you just want to feel the wind in your hair while exploring all the Australian landscapes, rent a V8 Holden and hit the road in style. The continent offers seemingly endless road trip routes to explore, like:

  • Gold Coast to Cairns
  • Sydney to Brisbane
  • Red Centre Way Loop
  • Gibb River Road
  • Perth to Esperance

Plan your trip wisely because the wide-open swathes of land can take a considerable amount of time to traverse. Don’t forget to pack extra food and water, emergency supplies, a paper map, and a personal locator beacon along with all your other supplies.

The choice is yours on how you want to experience Australia. You just have to reflect on what you want to see and do, and then map out all your adventures before landing. 

5 Things You Need to Know Before You Get a Cat

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Have you thought about getting a cat? It’s hard to blame you. They’re cute and fuzzy, and when they mew, it seems they’re just begging you to take them home and make them yours. However, there are a few things you should understand before you take the plunge and become a cat owner. Here are five.

1. A Cat Is a Long-Term Commitment

That little kitten you’re eyeing could live as long as 20 years, and it won’t always fit in your hand. Like people, cats grow and change. Like people, cats become attached to their friends and their surroundings. They’re uneasy about moving, and they don’t like changing owners. If you can’t see yourself feeding that cat and changing its litter box 15 or 20 years in the future, it may be best to pass.

2. Cats Can Be Costly

The initial cost of a cat is only a fraction of what you’ll spend over its lifetime. There’s food, litter, toys, bowls, scratching posts, cat carriers and medical care. Some have estimated the ongoing cost of a cat at $800-$1,000 per year. If your cat is injured or develops health issues, the expense can be even greater. Emergency treatment can run into the thousands.

In addition, cats, especially kittens, can be destructive. If you don’t give them something to scratch, they may take it out on your pillows or upholstery.

3. Cats Should Be Spayed or Neutered

Nobody knows how many feral cats there are, but estimates run from 50 million to 150 million just in America. “Fixing” your cat not only fights feline overpopulation; it’s good for a companion animal. Spaying a female cat helps prevent uterine infections and uterine and breast cancer. Neutering males drops the risk of prostate and testicular cancer. Spayed or neutered cats behave better. They’re less prone to yowling, aggressive behavior and marking territory.

4. Cats Are Best Kept Indoors

Indoor cats are healthier and live longer. They don’t get killed or maimed in fights or get hit by vehicles. Outdoor cats are notorious for killing songbirds and bringing home “presents” such as small rodents. With a comfortable environment, cats are just fine staying inside. However, they do appreciate a sunny perch where they can look out the window.

5. Cats Need Human Contact

Cats are domesticated animals. They don’t need as much attention as dogs, but they still need your love. Sometimes they seem standoffish and uninterested in their people, and they can spend a lot of time hiding under the bed or napping, but sooner or later they’ll need human companionship and human touch. In fact, studies suggest that cats will sometimes choose human attention in preference to food.

A cat in your life can bring countless hours of companionship, happiness and even joy. However, there are also costs and responsibilities. It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you bring Fluffy home with you.

The Culture Guide: 5 Things You Should Not Do When Visiting Ireland

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Are you planning a trip to the Emerald Isle? With so much to see and do there, you are sure to have a wonderful time. However, if you want your vacation to go as smoothly as possible, here are five things you really ought not to do.

Five Things You Should Never Do as a Tourist in Ireland

Number 5: Embarrass Yourself in a Pub

While the stereotype of Irish people spending all of their free time in a pub isn’t entirely true, that doesn’t mean they’re teetotalers. A vacation to Ireland will likely include at least a few nights in the pub. If you are lucky enough to be invited to go out with locals, don’t be surprised if one of them buys you a drink. But that doesn’t mean you are getting a freebie. The person who bought you a drink will expect you to pay for the next round of drinks. 

Number 4: Talk About ‘The Troubles’ 

The Troubles were the name of a conflict between the Protestant loyalists and the Catholic nationalists in Northern Ireland. Although the dispute has been mostly over for more than twenty years, it is still a touchy subject for many in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Don’t bring up the topic, and try not to give your opinion one way or the other if asked. Whatever you do, don’t order an Irish Car Bomb in a pub as a joke. It won’t end well. 

Number 3: Trying to Talk With an ‘Irish’ Accent

The number of foreign visitors to Ireland that try out their ‘Irish’ accents or slang hovers right at about 95 percent. If you want to keep a shred of respect among locals, don’t be one of them. No matter what anyone told you, your Irish accent doesn’t sound authentic, and no one says “Top of the mornin’ to you.” Oh, and if you are looking for the bathroom, forget about calling it “the Jacks,” and stick to using the word “restroom,” or you may wet yourself before the person you asked stops laughing. 

Number 2: Refer to St. Patrick’s Day as St. Patty’s Day

Have you ever wished someone “Happy St. Patty’s Day” on March 17th? Don’t do that in Ireland. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t say “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” or “Happy St. Paddy’s Day,” but the Americanized name of the holiday is particularly grating to Irish people. After all, the holiday is named after St. Patrick, and there are only two nicknames for Patrick; “Pat” or “Paddy” — with two D’s and never two T’s.

Number 1: Say You’re Irish If You Haven’t Been to Ireland Before

Although 1 in 10 Americans can claim Irish ancestry, it is probably not a good idea to proclaim yourself Irish in Ireland unless you were born there. Few things annoy locals more than Americans doing that. And no, just because you may share a family with a local doesn’t mean you are related, so don’t ask. 

Follow these tips, and you will surely have a wonderful time in Ireland. 

 

 

5 Hacks to Finding Hidden Gems When Travelling

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Travel is a favorite activity for many. But experienced explorers may be a bit tired of seeing the same old well-known tourist attractions. Luckily, there are incredible hidden gems waiting to be uncovered by travelers in just about every destination. Read on to learn the secrets to finding them!

1. Research

A little bit of research can go a long way toward uncovering some of the lesser-known but still amazing attractions during your trip. Even a simple internet search for “things to do in ____” (filling in the blank with your destination) can unearth a surprising amount of choices. You can opt for mainstream sites like TripAdvisor, which offer the benefit of the wisdom of crowds in sifting out bad options. But for real hidden gems, you may want to consult more off-beat choices like Atlas Obscura, which offers weird, wild, and otherwise strange spots from major cities to small towns. Another way to find some hidden gems is to get lost – deliberately! Using the Dérive app, you’ll play what’s essentially an exploring game, where you follow simple tasks that may help you see even familiar cities in an entirely different light. Other great ideas include reading local bloggers or local news to see what the residents are talking about and focused on – it could unlock parts of a place you’d never expected! 

2. Consult Your Maps

Sometimes, the easiest way to find hidden gems is to just go looking for them! A close inspection of a map of your destination (either via services like Google Maps or a physical paper copy) can reveal otherwise unknown towns, green spaces, attractions, and more. You might uncover a potential scenic route or day trip that would have gone unnoticed. 

3. Get Off the Highway 

Interstates and other big highways are great for getting where you’re going as quickly as possible. But this fast pace and limited-access travel can keep you from discovering many amazing sights. Taking local roads will extend your travel time but also put you face to face with diverse communities at a pace that allows you to stop and explore. Who knows what you might discover in exchange for a few extra minutes in the car?

4. Walk

The same principle applies once you’ve arrived in a particular destination. Walking puts you intimately in touch with the community and slows you down enough to observe little things you might otherwise miss. You may find yourself poking your head into museums, shops, restaurants, or other spots you’d have either skipped or ignored altogether. Plus, it’s great exercise!

5. Talk to the Locals

Who knows a place better than the folks who live there? This can be employees at your hotel, tourism workers at a visitor center, bartenders, or anyone else you come in contact with during your visit. Most people are proud of their home town, and simply asking them about the best things to see and do can often produce a detailed and enthusiastic response. This can be an excellent way to find out which much-hyped spots may just be overrated tourist traps and which under-the-radar options shouldn’t be missed. 

Find Those Hidden Gems Waiting For You On Your Next Trip

Don’t waste your time on your next trip seeing the same old spots everyone else does. Find the hidden gems that will make unforgettable memories for you and your traveling companions. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have no trouble, no matter where you roam.