Places To Go Where You Won’t Feel Like A Tourist

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Places To Go Where You Won’t Feel Like A Tourist

First of all, we want to mention that there are things you can do when you travel, so that you don’t stand out like a tourist. Firstly, walk or use public transportation when getting to know the area.  Learn some of the basic words you will need to communicate either others such as (hello, goodbye, how are you, how much and where is the all important where is the bathroom.)  Avoid having a camera around your neck.  Look restaurants up online and eat where the local go, vs. tourist traps.

That being said, no matter what you do, some destinations are so overrun with tourists that the locals will easily be able to spot you a mile away. In order to keep this from happening, travel to one of the less touristy places below so that you can fit right in.

Colmar, France
This city has a lot of the charm of Venice without all of the tourists. It’s picturesque and filled with French flair. Visitors can take a gondola ride along one of the canals. One of the neat things about this city is that many of the buildings are pastel in color. Because this area is car-free, you don’t have to worry about trying to dodge a vehicle while you are walking the cobbled streets. When you are here, make sure you sample as much of the cuisine as you can and visit a covered produce market as well.

Easter Island
This destination is one of the world’s best kept secrets. While in Eastern Island, make sure you check out Mapa Nui National Park as it is filled with a number of archaeological sites. The Inca Trail is also a must see for those that like to hike. Home to many gorgeous beaches, the island also has some pretty impressive five star resorts. This includes Explora Rapa Nui that features a variety of rooms and suites.

Malaga, Spain
Malaga is a great alternative to Seville. This city is full of culture and you will find plenty of places to visit. The Calle Larios is beautiful as it’s a promenade made out of white marble. It’s the perfect place to go just to people watch. The Picasso Museum features much of the works of the artist as he was actually born in Malaga. While here you must check out one of the beautiful beaches. Those found in the neighborhood of trendy Pedregalejo are particularly lovely.

Hamburg, Germany
You can still experience the culture and of course, the beer, of Germany without having to go to a large city like Berlin. Hamburn, located to the north of the country, has a wide variety of museums and galleries. The Fischmarkt is a favorite among both locals and tourists. This outdoor market is filled with things to buy and it gets pretty lively. Hamburn also features many different canals to enjoy. St. Pauli is considered to be one of the largest red-light districts in Europe. Here you can find a lot of nightclubs and luxury hotels like Empire Riverside.

Zimbabwe
There are so many beautiful things to see here, that this landlocked country had to make the list. There’s everything from white-water rafting to immense wildlife. Victoria Falls is a must see while in Zimbabwe. This massive waterfall is twice the height of Niagara falls. Hwange National Park is a great place to visit for those that love wildlife, especially elephants. With more than 30,000 elephants located here, the park houses one of the world’s largest elephant populations.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.