Whether you've been to your particular destination before or not, you probably have a good idea of what kinds of places of interest you prefer. Are you a museum junkie who's travelled the world to visit the Louvre, all the institutes that comprise the Smithsonian and the Egyptian Museum? Or, are you a foodie who hits all the gastronomical wonders of the world on an epicurean adventure? Perhaps you have a penchant for parks, and love hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. Whatever your sightseeing preference, you'll have better luck if you first identify the types of places you want to visit during your trip.
Before you even make out your packing checklist, it's time to do some research. Once your destination has been identified, it's easy to get a sense of what the "must-see" sights are in a particular area. The Internet can help you with this particular task. National Geographic's Ultimate City Guide provides an introduction to many cities around the world, including must-do tips and general overviews. Especially if you're traveling on a shoestring, Budget Travel's website offers tips to help you eat, drink and sightsee like a local in cities all over the world. Aimed mostly at travelers in the 18 to 40 age range, Lonely Planet is another resource available to help you get to know your destination on an intimate level.
While Internet resources definitely have an edge as far as immediacy and timeliness of information, sometimes nothing can beat a good old-fashioned book as a travel resource. Investigate the travel section at your local library or bookstore to find books about your destination. As an added bonus, take a guidebook with you on your trip for on-the-go traveling tips.
You wouldn't be caught dead singing karaoke. Impressionistic paintings just look like a bunch of smears to you. Why ride a bike when you can catch a cab? You may have lots of preconceived notions about who you are and what you like -- and who doesn't? But when traveling, you have the opportunity to stretch your wings a bit and indulge in a completely foreign experience. So give something new a try. Visit a Buddhist temple in Thailand, ride a bike across Amsterdam or rock out to the latest indie sensation in Austin. The memories you make going outside your comfort zone can last a lifetime.
When you arrive at your destination, it can be tempting to just set out on your own for all those places of interest you've highlighted in your travel guide. But not so fast - -people who live in the area can be the best resource for the must-see's at your vacation spot. Chat up the hotel concierge, or strike up a conversation with the guy pushing the coffee cart. Ask where they like to go to eat, or what they do in their spare time. You may get some surprising answers and end up with a little travel secret of your own.
