Why You Should Consider 'Town-Sizing' When Planning Your Next Holiday
Town-sizing is a cheeky way of saying opting for smaller towns and cities when traveling rather than heading to the famous big cities. The social media trend is driving a new way for travelers to think about and plan travel.
'Town-sizing is all about choosing quaint towns over bustling cities,' explained Stephen Lee, European travel specialist at Unforgettable Travel Company. 'Think walkable streets, local cafes, plenty of green space, and interacting with the locals, in an effort to focus on authenticity, relaxation, and charm.'
If you've been considering hitting lesser-known and smaller destinations over the biggest tourist landmarks and cities, here is what travel experts are saying about the benefits of 'town-sizing' your next holiday:
'The major benefit of town-sizing is that it allows travelers to get away from the crowds, particularly in locations where over-tourism is a current concern, such as Barcelona,' explained Lee.
'By planning trips to smaller, perhaps lesser-known destinations, travelers are also able to discover more of a taste of everyday life, rather than following a popular or heavily-recommended itinerary,' added Lee. 'Even when traveling in a major city, it is wise to consider and/or experience town-sizing whilst in the destination, as it helps to harness the balance between the big, must-see attractions and the lesser-known provinces and villages where authenticity thrives.'
'Choosing small towns over big cities often means better value for money,' added Chris Wood, director, Escape The Past LTD. 'Accommodation, food, and activities tend to be more affordable, allowing travellers to stretch their budgets further. This makes town-sizing an attractive option for those looking to enjoy longer trips or more frequent breaks without overspending.' Boost the local economy
At the same time, local businesses in smaller communities benefit from increased spending, which can help boost the local economy in a meaningful way. 'Town-sizing supports more sustainable tourism by distributing visitor spending beyond the usual hotspots, helping to reduce overcrowding and environmental pressure in major cities,' said Wood. Allow yourself to be surprised
'You book a ticket to a place or city that no other tourist has thought of, and then it's just you and your destination,' pointed out Stacie Vinson, travel advisor at Travel Taste Discover. 'On the return journey after my first town-sizing trip, I kept thinking about what made this short and sweet trip so special for me, and then it clicked. We came with no expectations, and that is why we were surprised by the modesty and charm of the town.'
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