In the last post, I suggested either walking tours or bus tours as great ways to discover cities. They are not only cheap but they can also add a different flavor to your trip.
Another way to discover hidden sights and treasures in the city of your destination is to make full use of your concierge – or the people at the front desk. The chances are that these people will know the city by heart. They will also be used to dealing with people and ideally, they will be more than helpful to help you have a wonderful time in their city. Of course, discretion is required as you never know, some hotel staff may try to promote certain places and activities because they have a cut off the whole deal.
Do you like shopping for souvenirs? I suggest that before you hit the tourist shops where they sell all sorts of trinkets, you should go look for the local stores instead. Local department stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, markets, and the like just might yield rare finds – for a cheaper price!
And the last tip – which is always handy: do your homework before you embark on the trip. Adventure is always fun but considering that you have the whole family with you, it would be better to have a general idea of what you would like to do and the possible places to look for in the city.