Do you like slipping in the back door of a restaurant sometimes? For many,avoiding the crowdsis an essential part of ENJOYING our travels. Of course, there’s some irony in being a traveler who complains about all the other tourists cluttering up the landscape, (ha ha) because of course, we’re all contributing to the crowd!

In reality, the best-known places are always going to draw lots of people, and usuallywith good reason. So how can we see the sights without feeling like we’re stuck in a herd of camera-toting sheep?I take great pridein carefully scheduling a great travel plan...designed to minimize crowds and time in lineand maximize your enjoyment. Here are ourtop ten tipsfor avoiding the worst of the vacation crowds:

• Hire A Local GuideMy very first suggestion is to hire a private guide, if your budget will allow. A guide knows when the busiest places will have lullsin the crowds, and exactly where to go tosoak in a city’s ambiancewithout being joined by thousands of others with the same idea. I haveseveral well-vetted private guidesall over Europe that I use frequently for my clients.You will get so much moreout of sights when you see them with a local guide who can make the history come to life.Your tour guide really DOES know it all!
• Skip The Lines!Did you know you could do this? A major benefit of using a traveladviser who specializes in Europe (like yours truly) is that they often have theability to help you skip right past a 2-hour long lineand whisk you inside the attraction you’d rather not wait to see. Some of the most important spots with “skip the line” privileges are the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in Paris,the Vatican and Colosseum in RomeandtheAccademia (to meet Michelangelo’s amazing David) in Florence, St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace in Venice, etc..

• Take Advantage of Jet LagWhat does that mean? Imagine you managed to stay up until 8pm after an overnight transAtlantic flight. Now it’s 5am the next day and you’re wide awake. Get out of bed and wander through near-empty streets as the city quietly stirs (I adore this time). Enjoy a coffee alongside locals on their way to work. Early morning can be a magical time to explore the streets of Europe.
• Travel Off PeaksHave you ever been to Paris in August? The locals have fled the city for their summer vacation, leaving the tourists to take it by storm. A lot of stores, cafes and restaurants are closed.Consider traveling in your destination’s shoulder season (April, May and September-October) – and avoid school holidays like the plague! If you are worried about taking your children out of school, get over it (Ssh, my husband is on the school board,you didn't hear that from me)!A family trip to Europe will contribute so much more to their future than a “Perfect Attendance” award in 6th grade.

• Do your research and plan museum visits accordingly Many museums have “free” days once a month; these are always going to be busy days, and best to avoid. Some major attractions (e.g. London’s Tate Modern) stay open late one or two nights a week; visiting the gallery during these extended hours tends to offer a quieter experience.
• Investigate "Alternative" Destinations Everyone talks about the big ticket destinations – Rome, Paris, London, Prague – but there’s much magic to be found in Europe’s smaller cities. For instance, if you’re looking to experience Dutch culture, Leiden or Haarlem are beautiful and less crowded alternatives to Amsterdam. (we can find some great alternatives to the hustle-bustle where you will getthe authentic “feel” of the country you are visiting). Haven't you been dying to visit SICILY??
• Benefit From Local Insight TALK TO THE LOCALS to learn about what’s popular with people who live in the city, rather than what’s popular with people who visit. A good way to incorporate this wisdom into your trip-planning is to use an experienced travel professional who specializes in Europe. Most of the suppliers we partner with to obtain inside access for your vacation actually live in the destination you are visiting and can give us some great “insider” tips.

• Choose Attractions Off the Beaten Path Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to visit it; you won’t get a failing grade for skipping the supposed “must-sees”. Don't miss the London sights beyond Buckingham Palace; You can experience Italy without snapping a photo of yourself holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There’s way more to a city than its icons, so let the icons draw the crowds, while you ferret out more unique ways to spend your time. the coastline, you will find an assortment of entertaining things to do as you cruise aside the water’s edge taking in all of its beauty. Enjoy ongoing views from a cliff’s edge at El Malecon de Miraflores, take pictures with your loved one at the sculpture of two lovers, or head to the beach for some fun in the Pacific Ocean.
• Stay In Boutique Hotels That Are Centrally Located Choosing as maller hotel in a more residential neighborhood with easy access to the places you want to visit is a nice way to escape the crowds at the end of the day. You didn’t travel all the way to Europe to stay in a Holiday Inn or Best Western, did you? Plus, the owners and employees are super helpful in suggesting some little-known jewels for restaurants and sightseeing.
• Be A Good Neighbor Please patronize European hotels, it is only fair and just to support the communities through hotel taxes that we are so happy to visit. (It's only fair right?)
• Be Aware of Cruise Ship Docking Days If you’re staying in a port-city,find out when the cruise ships dock– then hightail it out of there! And if you’re one of the people debarking from the ship, see Tip #1...then hightail it out of there with your private guide! Today’s mega ships can dump 3000 people off in Rome...all at the same time and all heading for the same sights.

You don't have to miss the "must see" sights to avoid the crowds.Plan carefully and seek guidance of travel professional. We want you to have the best vacation experience possible!!! Travelers thank us every day for showing them the quiet, secret sights and authentic experiences more than the icons that drew them to the destination in the first place. It's okay with us, either way, but do you want your photo in front of XXX like everyone else or do you want to experience something truly authentic?Whichever your travel style, we hope you will travel far and wide to explore this beautiful world!!If you're ready to get started planning your locals experience to Peru (or any travel escape) we would love to help get you out traveling again.

Email us tammy@viptravelexperience.com andjustin@viptravelexperience.com to get in touch so we can get started when you're ready!