Traveling is an adventure; while some people stick to guidebook attractions, you and the others prefer to march to the beat of your respective ‘travel drums’ and discover the hidden gems and local experiences that make a place truly unique.

This is the essence of non-touristy travel!

But, it’s not always black and white—in reality, the mindset of a non-touristy traveler is intricate and fascinating!

If you find joy in seeking out non-touristy activities when you travel, chances are you display these 8 unique behaviors.

These traits set you apart as an explorer at heart, embracing the world with curiosity and an open mind:

1) You’re a master at research

Travel for you isn’t just about hopping on a plane and landing in a new place.

Nope, it’s a whole lot more than that!

You love the thrill of researching and digging deep into the culture of a place before you even set foot there.

You find out about local customs, traditional foods, and hidden gems that are off the tourist radar—and you don’t limit yourself to Google!

Oh no, you go beyond that: Local blogs, forums, social media groups—these are your gold mines for information!

This research isn’t a chore for you, it’s part of the fun; it’s your way of immersing yourself in the experience before it even begins!

2) You’re not afraid of getting lost

I remember this one trip to Tokyo: I had my list of non-touristy things to do and places to visit.

But, instead of heading straight for those, I decided to just walk around the city, aimlessly.

I must have walked for hours, with no real destination in mind.

I ended up in a quiet residential neighborhood, far away from the neon lights and crowded streets that Tokyo is famous for.

It wasn’t part of my plan, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of my trip!

I stumbled upon a tiny, local ramen shop where I had the best bowl of ramen in my life—I honestly wouldn’t have found that place if I hadn’t strayed off the path.

That’s the beauty of getting lost; it opens up opportunities for discovery that you wouldn’t have had if you stuck to a rigid itinerary.

3) You’re adaptable

When you’re traveling off the beaten path, things don’t always go as planned.

The quaint local cafe you found online might be closed for renovation, or the hidden beach might turn out to be a popular spot on the day you visit.

In these situations, adaptability is key; you need to be able to switch gears quickly and come up with a Plan B (or C or D) on the spot.

And guess what? According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health, people who are more adaptable tend to experience less negative emotions and stress.

This adaptability doesn’t just make your travels more enjoyable, it actually contributes to your overall well-being.

If you’re a non-touristy traveler, chances are you’ve got this trait down to a T!

4) You value experiences over possessions

For you, travel isn’t about collecting souvenirs or ticking off famous landmarks from a list.

In your perspective, traveling is about immersing yourself in a new culture, meeting new people, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

You’d rather spend your money on a cooking class with a local chef than on a trinket from a tourist shop or watch the sunset from a quiet spot on the beach rather than from a crowded tourist viewpoint.

Your travel photos might not feature the usual landmarks, but they’re filled with real moments of connection and discovery.

This preference for experiences over possessions is what makes your travels so much more meaningful and memorable!

5) You’re always ready to learn

One of the things I love most about traveling off the beaten path is the opportunity to learn—not just about the place, but also about myself!

I remember during a trip to a small village in Spain, I ended up spending an afternoon with a local potter: He didn’t speak English and my Spanish was rusty, but somehow, we managed to communicate.

He showed me how to shape clay on the wheel and it was one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done.

But more than just learning a new skill, I learned about patience, about the importance of understanding the material you’re working with, and about taking pride in your work.

This willingness to learn is something I’ve noticed in many non-touristy travelers—we’re active participants in their travels, always ready to absorb new knowledge and experiences!

6) You’re comfortable with being uncomfortable

Traveling off the beaten path often means stepping out of your comfort zone.

You might find yourself trying food you’ve never heard of, navigating public transport in a foreign language, or even dealing with unexpected situations.

While this might sound stressful to some, you actually thrive in it—you see it as a chance to grow and learn!

Sure, it’s not always easy; there might be moments of frustration or even fear.

But you know that these moments are temporary and that the rewards—a richer travel experience and personal growth—are well worth it!

7) You’re a storyteller

Every travel experience, every interaction, every moment of discovery—to you, these are all stories waiting to be told.

You don’t just visit a place, you soak up its essence and weave it into narratives that you share with your friends, family, or anyone who’ll listen.

These aren’t your typical travel stories about visiting famous landmarks or taking guided tours; these are tales of unexpected encounters, of unique cultural experiences, of personal revelations.

Your stories captivate listeners because they’re infused with your passion for non-touristy travel.

They inspire others to step off the beaten path and discover the world in their own unique way!

8) You’re authentic

At the end of the day, the most defining trait of a non-touristy traveler is authenticity.

You’re not trying to impress anyone with your travels, like how you’re not aiming for that perfect Instagram shot in front of a famous landmark.

Instead, you’re following your own curiosity and interests!

You’re engaging with local communities, learning about their culture and way of life, and seeking out experiences that resonate with you on a personal level.

This authenticity is what makes your travel experiences so unique and meaningful.

This, like the previous behaviours mentioned in this article, is what sets you apart from the typical tourist and makes you a true traveler!

Embrace the journey

Non-touristy travelers are unique; they truly immerse themselves in them, creating meaningful experiences—for them, it’s about seeking authentic connections, embracing the unexpected, and valuing the journey as much as the destination.

As the famous travel writer Pico Iyer once said, “Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits.”

If you resonate with these eight behaviors, you’re not just leaving your home when you travel, but also your comfort zone, your preconceptions, and your habitual ways of seeing the world.

That’s what makes you a true explorer—someone who sees every journey as a chance for growth and self-discovery.

So, keep exploring, learning, and enjoying the journey!