Traveling opens your eyes to what's genuinely local — if you're willing to slow down and look past the tourist trinkets.
Off the Beaten Path
Years ago, my wife-to-be and I discovered that when traveling we enjoyed investigating the nooks and crannies favored by locals. That meant seeking out the food they actually ate, the restaurants they frequented, and the products that couldn't be found anywhere else. It's a different kind of travel — slower, more deliberate — but it consistently delivers the most memorable experiences.
"The difference between a forgettable souvenir and a genuine treasure often comes down to patience."
Christmas Markets in Colmar
This past Christmas week we visited Colmar, France and several surrounding towns and villages. Many had outdoor Christmas Markets set up in the old medieval quarters, which were closed to cars during the holiday. We sampled Vin Chaud, tasted delectable foods, and browsed artisan stalls without dodging traffic. Unfortunately, like everywhere these days, many of the products for sale were mass-produced for tourists. But if you took your time, you could find unique treasures — pottery, woodwork, local foods, and artisanal wine that you simply couldn't buy at home.
Family Businesses That Have Stood the Test of Time
Some of the best finds are in places where family-run businesses have been operating for generations. Montmartre outside Paris is a perfect example, with its small shops tucked along winding streets. On a Patisserie, Cheese, and Wine Tour we stopped at Les Petits Mitrons — a wonderful bakery still making generations-old recipes. Their fruit tarts were extraordinary. When was the last time you stopped at a pastry shop to taste something truly fresh and local, paired with a café or espresso? That's the kind of moment that makes travel worth it.
The Reward of Slowing Down
The difference between a forgettable souvenir and a genuine treasure often comes down to patience. Mass-produced goods fill the front tables; the real finds are in the back corners, the side streets, the stalls run by the maker themselves. It takes more effort, but the reward is something you'll actually use, display, or remember — not a trinket that ends up in a drawer. Next time you're traveling, give yourself permission to wander without a plan. The best discoveries rarely appear on the map.
