Traveling and exploring relaxes the mind, feeds the soul, and reduces stress. When you explore a new city, you never know what you’re going to find. Maybe you’ll discover a new critter of some sorts that you’ve never seen before.

You might even learn a new language or become intrigued by a different culture. Although there’s no way to know what all you’ll learn and find when you visit a new city, one thing is for sure: city exploring is an experience worth your time.

If you have a love for traveling, then you’ll want to refresh your mind with a few tips on how to explore a new city with as little stress as possible. Continue reading below to learn more!

Research the Area Ahead of Time

A great starting point is to research the area ahead of time. You don’t have to do any extensive research, but do get a good idea of the area you’re traveling to. This research will be a good way to determine what places you want to visit, where you want to eat, and more.

Are there any parks around the area that you want to visit? What about beaches, museums, and attractions? Be sure to read reviews about the city you’re visiting as well.

The reviews sometimes give you insider tips on where and where not to go while there. You might even learn about some hidden gems you wouldn’t find otherwise. If you know anyone who’s been to this city before, then don’t hesitate to ask them for advice as well.

Schedule City Tours

While doing your research, you’ll most likely find a city tour or two. Scheduling a city tour is a great idea! These tours can teach you about the history of a town and information about some of the best local spots to dine at or stay at.

When you schedule a city tour, keep in mind you may have a few different options, so don’t select the first one you find. Instead, look into all the different tours offered. Is the location near the water?

There might be a boat tour available! Are you exploring a big city? Consider looking into a trolley tour to take you downtown!

You might even be able to rent bicycles or scooters as well.

Take a Journal With You

When you’re packing your bags for the trip, be sure to take a journal with you. A journal gives you the opportunity to record everything you see and do while there. You waited so patiently to finally take this trip, but with so many exciting things going on around you, it’s easy to forget.

To ensure you remember all those fun and exciting things you saw and did, keep a daily journal. You can even collect scraps (like you would a scrapbook) and glue them into your journal. These scraps can consist of items such as maps, menus, brochures, and more.

Have an Itinerary but Explore Freely

When you’re visiting a new city, you want to see and do everything before leaving. To ensure you don’t miss a thing, it’s a good idea to have an itinerary. Plan all the things you want to do, but also explore freely.

Sure, there are several things you must do before you leave, but don’t fill your itinerary too full to the point where you don’t have time for free exploration. Leave gaps so you can take time to go where your heart and soul lead you. Exploring freely is normally when you discover all those amazing hidden gems.

Get Enough Sleep Before Your Trip

Why waste time sleeping when there’s so much to do and see in a new city? Instead, be sure to get lots of sleep before you arrive. If you have to sit on a plane, train, or bus for an extended period of time before arriving, then use this time to get all the sleep you need.

The last thing you want to do is arrive in the new city and head straight to your room for sleep. Be sure to arrive refreshed and ready to explore!

Talk to the Locals

Talking to the locals will provide you with lots of information you might not be able to find anywhere else. Speaking to people who live in the area will give you insight into the best places to eat, stay, and explore. Sure, tourist areas are fun to visit and offer lots to do, but when you’re able to sneak away into those hidden places only the locals know about, you’ve opened a whole new world of traveling.

Speaking to locals and learning about their culture and the things they do and places they go is the right way to travel and see the world as a whole.

Use Your Google Maps

Google Maps is an excellent resource to have when visiting a new city. Google Maps will automatically refresh to give you a map of the area you’re in. Google Maps can also give you lots of helpful advice.

Using this app, you can search for nearby restaurants, cafes, dessert spots, museums, other things to do, parking, and more. If you must take a vehicle with you on your trip, then using the ParkMobile app can also be beneficial. This app will show you different parking availability and allow you to pay for parking right on your phone!

Use the two apps together for the best results.

This Is City Exploring Done Right

If you want to explore a city without frustration or stress, then this guide is the perfect starting point. Use the helpful information above to ensure your city exploring is done right. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos while there as well and schedule in an extra day to relax.

For more posts with helpful tips, check back here on a daily basis.