21 Jul2025
Traveling through the United States offers endless opportunities, from iconic landmarks to charming small towns with a local flavor. It is one of the most freeing ways to explore the country at your own pace and plan.
According to an article from The Conversation, approximately 66.5 million international tourists visited the United States. While it is an exciting opportunity, it’s easy to end up in crowded spots that feel more like photo opportunities than genuine experiences.
Many travelers find themselves spending time and money on places that look better online than they feel in person. This article provides practical tips to help you avoid those pitfalls and uncover the places that truly reflect the character of each region.
Research Beyond the First Page
Everyone does a small amount of research before traveling. However, many people rely solely on the results appearing on the first page of Google search. The top results you’ll find online are usually the most advertised or promoted ones, not always the most interesting or affordable.
This is true whether you’re heading to popular cities like Las Vegas or small towns in the South. The first page of search results often lists chain restaurants, major tour companies, or attractions with paid promotions.
Instead, look for blogs written by locals, niche travel websites, or destination-specific forums where residents share honest feedback. Sites like Atlas Obscura, small travel subreddits, and regional Facebook groups often mention places and activities you wouldn’t discover through a typical search.
You might find a quiet historical park, an art walk, or a hidden diner that serves a local specialty. These details add depth to your trip and help you see the area beyond its tourist face.
You can also refine your search to find specific destinations and achieve optimal results. For instance, you can look for unpopular places or hidden gems to visit in the USA. CNN has listed the following locations as the most underrated:
- Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts
- Block Island, Rhode Island
- Buffalo, New York
- Pennsylvania Wilds
- West Virginia
- Durham, North Carolina
How do I find local blogs or lesser-known sources for travel information?
Local tourism boards often link to area-specific blogs or community-run websites. You can also search forums like Reddit, filter Google results by date for current insights, or use social media hashtags. These methods will lead you to results from people who recently visited the area.
Prioritize Travel Safety
Whether you’re walking through a busy city or checking into a hotel, staying aware of your surroundings is key. Tools like personal safety apps and portable locks can help add a layer of security without limiting your flexibility.
Before heading to a new state, check for any emergency alerts or weather risks, especially during wildfire or storm seasons. Government websites like FEMA and the CDC provide region-specific guidance that can help you stay prepared.
Road safety is another part of the equation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 40,901 people died in road accidents in the USA in 2023.
If you’re involved in a crash, it’s helpful to have local legal support. An attorney can help you through the legal procedure, notes TorHoerman Law. They can also calculate damages and help you claim compensation if you were injured.
However, it is important to seek local support, as traffic laws can vary from region to region. For instance, a multi-car accident occurred in St. Louis in June 2025. According to FOX 2, the accident left one person critically injured. In such a scenario, you can hire a car accident lawyer in St. Louis.
A local lawyer would understand Missouri’s specific traffic laws and procedures. This could make resolving any issues much easier than relying on general legal advice.
What’s the best way to prepare for a medical emergency while traveling the US?
Always carry a copy of your medical records, list any allergies or conditions, and know how to reach local emergency services. Research nearby hospitals and urgent care centers before you arrive. Travel insurance that includes medical coverage is strongly recommended for travelers.
Don’t Fall for the “Must-See” Lists
Every city has a list of “must-see” places, but these are often based on popularity, not quality. Landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Liberty Bell, or Times Square might be worth a visit for some. However, they can also be crowded, commercialized, and underwhelming.
What gets left out of those lists are the smaller, more personal experiences that often feel more rewarding.
As stated by The Travel Psychologist, travel gives you an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. It gives you flexibility to curate your own experiences. However, good experiences are more likely to be gathered when exploring hidden and unpopular locations.
Rather than trying to check off every big-name attraction, consider what you’re personally interested in.
If you’re into music, you might enjoy a jazz lounge in Kansas City more than a crowded festival. If you like architecture, a self-guided tour of a neighborhood in Chicago may offer more insight than a packed group tour.
Traveling gives you space to go where your interests lead, not where marketing points you.
How can I decide what’s truly worth seeing in a new city?
Talk to locals, browse neighborhood-specific blogs, and look for niche interests that align with yours, like architectural tours or food-specific walking routes. Local museums, community events, and specialty bookshops often reveal more about a place than the usual tourist stops.
Use Public Transit Where You Can
Public transportation can be a budget-friendly, reliable way to get around many US cities. Systems like the Metro in Washington, D.C., the T in Boston, and the MAX in Portland are easy to navigate.
They offer a more grounded view of the city. Riding public transit also helps you avoid high parking fees, busy streets, and unexpected detours due to traffic or road work.
It’s also a good way to avoid areas where tourists tend to be steered into overpriced options. In some cities, tourist trolleys or hop-on-hop-off buses cost much more than a regular subway ride but follow nearly identical routes.
With a little preparation, you can use apps like Google Maps or local transit apps to get where you’re going without overpaying. This will also protect you from taxi scams, which are a common way to get money from travelers.
Consider the example of fake taxis in Chicago in 2023. The city of Chicago had issued a warning about a scam where people used to paint their cars to make them look like taxis. According to ABC 7 Chicago, they would demand higher fares from travelers, especially during high demand.
Exploring the US can be a great experience if you keep your guard up and your options open. Avoid the pressure to follow the same paths everyone else takes. Staying flexible and aware will help you avoid the common traps that turn great trips into forgettable ones. While it’s easy to focus on the fun parts of travel, staying safe and informed is just as important.
TIP: If you like big cities, here’s top 8 US cities to visit.
Posted in North America, tips, travel, USA Tags: tips, US
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