When people mention hidden gems, how hidden are they? The fact that they could point you in the direction of said “hidden gem” doesn’t really make it a secret, does it?
The term is thrown around like a deflated bouncy house. For the sake of attempting to remain true to form, I’ve come up with a few suggestions.
Here’s how to tell if a place has made it into a social media viral post or if it’s a quaint spot undiscovered by the Instagram crowd.
Fame versus Obscurity
It’s safe to assume that in the influencer age, nothing is sacred anymore.
Once a little-known destination only frequently visited by locals, Iceland’s Fjadrárgljúfur Canyon became an overnight attraction.
Along comes pop superstar Justin Bieber and films the music video for I’ll Show You in 2015. Within weeks of its release, Beliebers descended on the lakes and bedrock formed at the end of the Ice Age.
Even travel writers confessed their disdain at the intensity of foot traffic wreaking havoc on the surrounding environment. Iceland’s environmental agency was forced to close off the area for several weeks to allow trails and vegetation to recover from damage.
What I’m trying to say is go ahead and post your experience on social media. But think twice about sharing your location if you have a large following. You wouldn’t want your hidden gem to turn into another Fjaðrárgljúfur.
Read the (Data) Signs
Some companies analyze restaurant foot traffic data to detect emerging trends in the restaurant industry. For restaurant owners, this is basically information gold. They unlock deep insights that could inform brand strategy or menu options.
For customers like you and me who want to eat good food without the crowds, this is a treasure. dataplor explains that restaurants are ranked according to foot traffic trends, consumer spending patterns and consumer behavior.
Time to put on your Sherlock Holmes thinking cap. Theoretically speaking, the restaurants with the least foot traffic are the ones you should be eyeing.
Always Read the Reviews
OK, so now you’ve narrowed down your choices based on foot traffic data. The next thing is to read the online reviews.
When it comes to franchise restaurants, don’t bother with the website reviews. Instead, go to an independent source like Google or Yelp. It’s no use finding a hidden gem if the reason why it’s hidden is that the food is disastrous.
However, Business Insider makes a compelling case for Gen-Z. The news outlet reports that younger patrons choose where to dine by scrolling through a restaurant’s Instagram feed.
Also, know this: not every online comment will be a glowing review. It’s your job to separate the weeds from the flowers.
Ask Google
Marika, who heads up the Clumsy Girl Travels blog, has a nifty hack when visiting foreign lands.
She explains that everyone knows how to use the search engine, but are you using it to its full potential? Marika is guessing, maybe not. You don’t need Google to tell you the Eiffel Tower is in Paris.
The travel blogger suggests typing “hidden gems in + destination” into the search bar and seeing what comes up. Or, you could search “hidden gems near me” if you don’t want to venture too far out.
And if you want an authentic experience, “local food spots in + destination” typically yields blogs written by locals.
Get the Insider Scoop
Who knows any area better than the people who live there? Show them respect and immerse yourself in their culture, and maybe they’ll let you in on a few secrets.
The locals are privy to the best views and quirky attractions that you won’t read about in the guidebooks, advises Marika. Plus, you’ll end up making genuine connections with people from around the globe.
Another option is to book a tour guide. Ensure they are a resident and have ample knowledge of the area. Sometimes listening to an undocumented history is far more interesting and funnier than the “official story”.
Check Localized Event Listings
Facebook groups are a goldmine for travelers and visitors. Most of these groups are by invitation only, but once you’re in, it’s like joining a secret coven.
Some publish specialized event listings, from block parties to festivals to dark kitchen openings. Or, post your query and ask, “Hey, any of you know where to find the best beaches in … without the crowds?”
They’ll pick up on your genuine interest and might reveal a few locations. Remember, be mindful and don’t broadcast the spots to your 10K followers.
Well, there you have it. The world will always be big enough to find hidden gems. You just have to know where to look and who to share it with.
