I’ve done a lot of traveling this month. And when I say a lot of traveling, I mean Italy, London, Chicago, and Nicaragua…in 31 days. But my travel experiences go beyond that. I’ve been all over the world, experienced many places, and learned things about how I most like to enjoy a new city. I’ve decided to write down some of those lessons and share them with all of you today. I tell you this, so that you won’t waste your time and money — so that you can plan the best vacations and really get the most out of each place you visit. Here it goes, 5 tips on how to be a tourist… Skip the Site Seeing: Whenever I go to a new place, I always find that my least favorite part are the touristy things. Going to visit the monuments and other things a city is famous for is all and well and good, but it’s never the most satisfying part of the trip. New York City is so much more than Time Square, and Rome has a whole world beyond the colosseum. Be sure to make time for other everyday activities that will truly allow you to get to know a city. Find a Local: You can read all of the guide books you want, but I still think that the best way to see a place is with somebody who lives there, or has lived there. Try to schedule trips around places where you have friends. If you don’t know anyone in a destination that you’re dying to go to, book a place on Airbnb that allows you to connect with a local and get their suggestions. I personally love to see a city by looking at the way local people live their lives there, and experiencing that for myself for a short period of time. Seek Out an Activity You Love: If you love to work out, find a local fitness class. If you love to paint, go setup in a park and practice you’re painting. Whatever it is you like to do, find time to do it in the place you’re visiting. It opens up a new way to discover more about a destination, and continuing to do the things that you love is good for creating balance while you’re on the road. Don’t Pick the Empty Restaurant: If it’s empty, don’t eat there, point blank. The locals know what’s good, and they would be there if it’s good. No people is a sign that something is off and you probably aren’t going to get the best experience. Find a Vista: Possibly my favorite thing to do when I’m traveling is to find the highest point, walk or climb up to it, and get an amazing view. The climb gets your heart pumping, the serotonin flowing, and the view is something you will always have to remember. This post is from our guest blogger Naomi. Follow her blog here for more posts like these!