Most of us do the same thing when we travel. We head for the main drag. The city or town centre. Why not? It’s usually the heart of a place – where the place started and grew from. But time has changed things and now the main drag is the least appealing street in town. How come?
France’s Champs Elysée, London’s Piccadillly and Toronto’s Yonge Street were one the places to stroll and enjoy big city experiences. Splendid architecture, glamorous stores and restaurants. But in case you haven’t noticed these places now have become tourist avenues. Souvenir shops, over-priced cafés and big brand stores. The same stuff you can find at your local mall. Old world creativity has been replaced by smart corporations tuned into popular taste.
So, what should the traveller do? I suggest you start by identifying the main drag, and skirt around it. Get away not only from what I’ve mentioned, but your fellow travellers – especially the selfie and Instagram gang. Find out where the locals live and play. Plan a ‘city loop’ and go on an adventure, finding your own ‘sights’ and having your own experiences. My favourite is to treat all the ‘must sees’ as the ‘must avoids.’ Seek out the alternative and it will welcome you – with open arms, because you found it. Get off the main drag or save time and money on travel expenses, and go
