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Elise Christian February 16, 2026

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American author Ray Bradbury said, “See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream”, and we couldn’t agree more. The sights, sounds, and smells of the places we visit stay with us long after we arrive home. And depending on where we go and how we travel, we may even return with a full heart, a fresh perspective, and a deepened wanderlust.

But, travel can also come with pressures, such as the burning “need” to tick as many major highlights off a list as possible, creating the feeling that you’re seeing places, but not really experiencing them. After all, how many times have you looked back at your camera roll and been unable to tell the difference between various landscapes, temples, or churches, or work out where you saw them?

If this sounds familiar, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to turn your holidays from tickbox exercises into immersive, authentic adventures that leave a lasting impression – and maybe even capture a small piece of your heart forever.

So, where to start with this? To inspire your next deep and meaningful adventure, we’ve partnered with Cox & Kings, the world’s longest-established travel company, with over 265 years of experience, to bring you nine tips for deeper, more meaningful travel. Cox & Kings’ high-quality tours are carefully chosen and organised by experts who can take you safely off the tourist trail, connect you with local cultures, and open doors to new and truly authentic experiences.

Right now, Cox & Kings are also offering Rest Less members an exclusive 5% off with code RESTLESS.

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1. Decide on your 'why'

Decide on your 'why'

Everyone’s reason for travelling will be different. You might have an insatiable curiosity and enjoy embracing the thrill of the unknown; love meeting new people and being exposed to different ways of life; or want to break free of the monotony of everyday life. For some people, it can also be about the allure of fantastic cuisines, magnificent architecture, fascinating history, or unique wildlife.

Identifying your ‘why’ can not only help you choose between destinations, but it can also impact how you travel. For example, the more curious you are, the more keen you may be to embrace a destination with a culture vastly different from your own, or if you’re a foodie, you might be on the lookout for places with plenty of amazing food markets, restaurants, and cooking classes.

2. Explore lesser-known places

Explore lesser-known places

Travelling to lesser-known destinations can strip away the more performative aspects of tourism seen at popular hotspots (such as crowds competing for photo opportunities or sites built purely to make money from tourists), creating a more authentic experience.

When you’re not focusing on ticking famous landmarks off a list, you can spend more time observing small details, such as the rhythm of daily life, how people interact in markets, and regional variations in food and architecture. Plus, away from the endless waves of tourists, local people in these areas can be more interested in genuine interaction.

If you love the idea of travelling off the beaten track but don’t know where to start or feel a bit daunted, Cox & Kings specialises in helping travellers explore hidden gems in comfort, often travelling to areas outside the realms of many other operators.

3. Learn some local words and phrases

Learn some local words and phrases

You don’t need to become fluent, but learning a handful of phrases in the local language can change how people respond to you. A simple “hello”, “thank you”, “please”, and “excuse me” can show respect and effort, and make people more patient, helpful, and willing to engage, potentially opening doors to new experiences. When you’re learning a local language, you may also notice that you’re listening more closely to how people communicate and picking up on non-verbal cues. 

Often, the biggest barrier to learning a language is the fear of making mistakes, but locals often find it endearing and may even offer to help you improve. Language apps, phrasebooks, or even asking your hotel staff to teach you a few key expressions before you head out each day can make a significant difference. 

If you’re worried about the idea of learning or understanding a local language, travelling as part of a guided tour can help deepen your experience. It can give you more confidence moving away from tourist areas, where English may not be widely spoken.

4. Use public transport

Use public transport

From rickety tuk-tuks to bustling metro systems, using public transport is one of the quickest ways to feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary local. There’s something about navigating bus routes and train timetables, and sharing space with commuters that can give you a genuine sense of how a place really works.

In Japan, for example, trains are often so busy that many subways have female-only carriages for extra safety and comfort. In Bangkok, iconic brightly coloured tuk-tuks weave through busy streets, offering an exhilarating way to experience the city’s frenetic energy firsthand. And, in Istanbul, hopping on a traditional ferry across the Bosphorus is a daily ritual for locals commuting between continents, complete with tea vendors and spectacular views.

5. Learn a new skill through a class or workshop

Learn a new skill through a class or workshop

There’s something unique and special about learning a traditional skill from someone who’s been perfecting it for decades. Whether it’s a pottery class in the Japanese countryside, a cooking workshop in a Moroccan riad, or learning to weave textiles in the Peruvian highlands, these hands-on experiences can encourage you to slow down, focus, and engage with your surroundings in a meaningful way.

You won’t just be observing culture from behind a camera lens; instead, you can get involved, make mistakes, ask questions, and create something with your own hands. Cox & Kings sometimes includes classes and workshops in their itineraries or offers free time that will allow you to book onto your own.

6. Tuck into street food and try small local restaurants

Tuck into street food and try small local restaurants

Tourist hotspots can be full of chain restaurants that use oversimplified, modernised recipes. But if you want to get the true flavour of a place, head to where the locals eat. Street food stalls and small family-run restaurants can offer windows into daily life, cultural traditions, and regional pride – plus, the food is often fresher, more authentic, and considerably cheaper. 

Try not to be put off by a lack of English menus or pristine dining rooms. Some of the most memorable and enjoyable meals happen at plastic tables on busy pavements or in tiny restaurants where the owner’s grandmother is still cooking the recipes she learned as a child. So why not point at what looks good, ask for recommendations from people queuing nearby, and be brave enough to try dishes you can’t pronounce?

7. Stay in boutique, independently-owned hotels

Stay in guesthouses and with local families

If you’re looking for a holiday that balances comfort and authenticity, you might like to consider a tour with Cox & Kings, where accommodation can include boutique, independently owned hotels that reflect the character and heritage of their surroundings.

While large chain hotels offer consistency and convenience, boutique properties can provide atmosphere, charm, and a far stronger sense of place. Often set within beautifully restored historic buildings, these smaller hotels combine architectural character with modern comforts, offering a stay that feels more unique and memorable.

Many of these intimate properties are family-run or locally owned, allowing for a more personal level of service and thoughtful local insight.

8. Visit local markets

Markets are often the beating heart of a community, offering tantalising sights, sounds, and smells, and the chance to interact with locals. 

The souks of Marrakech, for example, are the perfect place to haggle for leather goods, handmade pottery, and traditional rugs; sip delicious sweet tea; and wander winding streets that seem to go on forever. And, in Delhi, you can have a late-night shopping experience, exploring everything from fashion lanes, showcasing pashmina-style scarves, to candle-lit book stalls and quirky flea markets.

The wonderful thing about markets is that they can reflect a country’s culture, customs, eating habits, and agricultural strengths in a way that traditional shops often can’t. You may also be able to buy fresh produce, sample unique snacks and foods, or get a glimpse into how handicrafts are made.

9. Consider a guided tour

Consider an expert-led tour

Some people assume that joining a tour means sacrificing authenticity for convenience, but this isn’t true when you choose the right kind of experience. Expert-led tours, run by companies with deep local knowledge and connections, can actually unlock experiences that would be nearly impossible to arrange independently.

For example, Cox & Kings has outposts on the ground in destinations around the world, which open doors to authentic and unforgettable experiences, from helping you spot unique wildlife and introducing you to local communities in remote areas, to helping you discover some of the tastiest, most authentic meals, and taking you to camp under the stars.

Final thoughts…

Authentic travel isn’t about ticking boxes or collecting passport stamps – it’s about opening yourself up to genuine experiences, meaningful connections, and the beautiful unpredictability of exploring somewhere new. It’s about returning home not just with photos, but with stories, skills, friendships, and a deeper understanding of how diverse and wonderful our world truly is.

Plus, with Cox & Kings, head off the tourist trail to really get under the skin of a place, while feeling confident that you’re in good hands. Even better, is that everything is arranged for you, meaning you can relax and focus on creating memories. You can browse Cox & Kings’ full range of tours using the button below. 

Use code RESTLESS for 5% off your next adventure.

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Elise Christian

Elise Christian is Lifestyle Editor at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in 2018 after achieving a first class Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Kent, and writes across a range of lifestyle topics such as mental health, home and garden, and fashion and beauty. Prior to this, she worked as a freelance writer for small businesses and also spent a year training to be a midwife. Elise spends her spare time going to the gym, reading trashy romance novels, and hanging out with loved ones. She also loves animals, and has a fascination with sharks and tornadoes.

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