Ever wondered how to turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary adventure? In this exclusive Q&A, insights from a founder and a Director General reveal the secrets of using travel tech to uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations. The article kicks off with advice on how to transform ordinary trips with travel tech and wraps up with tips on using Google Maps and social media. Discover a total of four expert insights that will elevate any travel experience.

  • Transform Ordinary Trips with Travel Tech
  • Discover Hidden Gems with Local Travel Apps
  • Follow Travel Creators on Instagram
  • Use Google Maps and Social Media

Transform Ordinary Trips with Travel Tech

I love using travel tech to uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations, and it has led to some truly memorable experiences.

For instance, during a recent trip to a coastal city, I relied on a local-discovery app that highlighted lesser-known beaches and charming cafes frequented by locals rather than tourists. One particular gem I stumbled upon was a small, family-run seafood shack tucked away from the main road, famous for its fresh catch and stunning ocean views.

Using the app, I was able to navigate to this spot without any hassle, and it quickly became the highlight of my trip. Additionally, I often use social media platforms to follow travel influencers who share unique itineraries and hidden spots.

These tech tools have not only enriched my travel experiences but have also helped me connect with local cultures in ways I never thought possible, turning routine trips into extraordinary adventures.

Aseem JhaAseem Jha
Founder, Legal Consulting Pro


Discover Hidden Gems with Local Travel Apps

Travel tech has transformed how I explore new places, making it easier to uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path spots that are less crowded but full of character. My favorite tools for this are local-based travel apps and social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.

Using specific hashtags and location tags, I can see where locals go, from quaint cafés to scenic spots not highlighted in typical travel guides.

One of my best discoveries was a tucked-away village in Italy, found through a local guide app. I initially searched for lesser-known regions, and the app suggested Civita di Bagnoregio, a small town perched on a hill with breathtaking views. It wasn’t crowded with tourists, and I enjoyed an authentic Italian experience, mingling with residents and tasting regional dishes at family-owned restaurants.

Another helpful tech tool is Google Maps’ “Explore” feature; it lets me see places locals rate highly, which often aren’t featured in mainstream travel blogs. By leveraging these digital tools, I’ve created more memorable and unique travel experiences, finding places that truly capture the essence of each location. Travel tech brings the world’s hidden wonders within reach.

Fawad langah
Director General, Best Diplomats


Follow Travel Creators on Instagram

Travel tech has become my go-to for discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok being particularly valuable. Here’s how I use them and some cool discoveries I’ve made.

Instagram is packed with travel creators who specialize in finding those lesser-known spots. I follow a bunch of micro-influencers who explore unique destinations, often outside the typical tourist radar. By checking out their stories and posts, I get real-time, authentic reviews and tips on hidden gems. Using hashtags like #HiddenGemsIndia or #OffTheBeatenPath, I’ve stumbled upon some incredible spots. For example, I found a quaint village in Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, through an Instagram travel creator who captured the untouched beauty and local culture there, a place I never would’ve discovered through mainstream travel sites.

TikTok has completely transformed how I discover cool locations. Travel influencers there often post short, quick-hit videos that offer a glimpse of unique places. The platform’s algorithm is great at pushing content based on my interests. Thanks to TikTok, I found out about Hampi’s hidden waterfalls—a beautiful spot nestled away from the more famous ruins. A travel influencer showed a 30-second clip of this serene location, which immediately made it to my itinerary.

Once I have a rough idea from Instagram or TikTok, I’ll use Google Maps to look up nearby hidden restaurants, hiking trails, or viewpoints. Exploring user reviews or looking at map pins from locals often reveals more hidden gems. There are also local apps like Wanderlog and Komoot that help find off-the-beaten-path places by recommending routes or attractions that might not show up on the larger platforms.

These tech tools have changed how I travel—turning each trip into a more authentic and unique adventure.

Divyam AgrawalDivyam Agrawal
Founder, TripCult


Use Google Maps and Social Media

I use Google Maps and social media to discover unique spots. Doing a Google Maps search helps me find less-popular places, maybe outside the touristy areas. Sometimes, even zooming in on Google Maps using the Street View function gives me an idea of how a neighborhood would look. Social media videos or tags, especially on Instagram and TikTok, also showcase places through user posts that don’t appear in typical guides. Pinterest is also a great way to explore less-touristy spots; there are many travel guides written by locals or expats.

Silvia Gentile PoleseSilvia Gentile Polese
Travel Blogger, The Good Observer Blog