Martha Stewart is an astute traveler. She views travel as a key element for maintaining good health as one ages and often posts information about her journeys on her blog and social media platforms. Although she has extensive knowledge of traveling within the country –Stewart has identified Maine as her preferred travel spot in the United States.- She is also a passionate global traveler, having visited places ranging from Namibia to the North Pole. She frequently discovers remote parts of the world that aren’t included in standard tourist routes. Her approach to traveling is comprehensive: “We want to see everything we possibly can,” Stewart said.Parade.
However, not everyone has the time or means to spend weeks or months overseas learning the nuances of a location to discover its hidden, local treasures. At the same time, many travelers seek experiences that go beyond popular tourist spots. The 2026Global Rescue Traveler Feelings and Security Surveydiscovered that 52% of travelers prefer hidden gems instead of well-known attractions. They seek out places where residents dine, explore neighborhoods free from crowded tours, and experience a sense of authentic discovery without commercial influence.
Stewart offers some tips for discovering these hidden gems – even if your visit is brief.
Read more: Rick Steves’ Professional Advice to Avoid Being Pickpocketed During Your Journey to Europe
Learn about your destination
A recurring theme in much of Martha Stewart’s guidance for global travelers is this: Don’t assume you’ll uncover a destination’s top hidden gems by yourself. In an interview forBusiness Insider, Stewart explained how she gathers newspaper articles about a location before visiting it. When she travels with her publicist, she mentioned, they take their collected information along: “When we go somewhere together on a trip, we have our travel sections, we have our lists.”
Stewart has also mentioned that she frequently reviews newspapers and other publications during her commute to work. “I get in the car, and I have my New York Times, my Wall Street Journal, and my New York Post — in print,” she said.The Cut. The travel sections of different publications frequently offer useful information — such as the operating hours of a location, reasons to visit it, and what’s nearby — in addition to less common suggestions that might not be found in standard guidebooks. Conducting thorough research, like Stewart does, can enable you to discover your destination more deeply instead of just wandering without direction.
Share suggestions with individuals whose preferences you value
Following a similar approach to doing prior research, you can also get ready for a location by seeking input from others. “I ask everyone,” Martha Stewart told Business Insider. “I probably received five or six different lists from people I truly trust regarding places to visit and restaurants to try. That’s my method… It’s all about connections.” You could also think about creating a shared spreadsheet with friends and other travelers to gather and share travel tips.
If you aren’t familiar with anyone who has visited the place you’re planning to go, maybe you can emulate Stewart’s journey. She records her trips in detail onThe Martha Stewart BlogIn a blog post detailing her journey to Iceland and Greenland, for instance, Stewart provided helpful information about the restaurants she visited, the village where she stayed, and her trip toSky Lagoon, one of Iceland’s top geothermal spasIn another blog post regarding the Philippines, she offered comprehensive information about local museums and dishes to sample. “I enjoy tasting new foods wherever I go,” she mentioned, emphasizing local specialties such as lechon, grilled sea bass, and sautéed squash blossoms.
In conclusion, the main goal is to create a group of travelers who share similar preferences.
Talk to locals
Even if you have a wide range of experienced contacts who can provide recommendations and advice, no one understands a location as thoroughly as someone who resides there. Martha Stewart shared with theNew York PostHiring a local guide can be beneficial if you’re only staying in one location for a brief period, but it’s not always essential to gain insight into the local culture. “If you choose not to hire a guide, visit a well-known café in the morning and introduce yourself to locals enjoying their cappuccinos; you’ll often receive excellent recommendations,” she mentioned in the Post.
There are many Countries in Europe known for their long-standing coffeehouse traditions, where it’s common to spend hours seated at a table, conversing with strangers, and observing people. In Paris, Stewart has suggestedCédric Grolet Opéraon her blog, the café and pastry shop situated north of the Louvre. The upper floor features tables for eating and socializing.
Other locations where café culture is less common can still provide opportunities to interact with residents. During her visit to a rural village in Namibia, for instance, Stewart connected with the Himba people by purchasing their handicrafts and gaining insight into their craftsmanship, as she mentioned in apostInitiating discussions in small businesses can be an excellent method to gain insight into the community while promoting the local economy.
Schedule full days to explore more
Martha Stewart embraces a maximalist approach when organizing her days while visiting a new place. “You want to make the most of your time on land by seeing as much as possible,” she said to Business Insider. “That’s just how I travel. Everyone who joins me ends up completely exhausted because we try to experience so much.” For instance, during her trip to the Philippines, she wrote in herblogthat she shopped at the SM Mall of Asia, explored a fort and church in the historic Intramuros area, visited the National Museum of Natural History, and enjoyed a multi-course meal created by famous chefs — all within one day.
The approach of embracing a lot might be particularly helpful if you’re only visiting a place for a day or two, as it allows you to discover more in a shorter period. However, Stewart has also recommended not becoming too fixated on a list. “Get up very early and stay out late, but don’t worry if you skip one attraction. There are always plenty of other things to explore,” Stewart mentioned.Deseret News. In this sense, her full-day approach works well with her recommendation of gathering ideas from newspapers, friends, and locals. For instance, if a museum you intended to visit closes before you get a chance to go, you can choose another option from your list of saved ideas instead.
Go past the heart of the city
It goes without saying that to discover secret spots, you must go where others haven’t. However, Martha Stewart insists that some of the finest hidden treasures can be found away from the main tourist areas. “Consider visiting the countryside,” Stewart mentioned in the Deseret News. This doesn’t always mean you have to find a rural farmstay and stay far from city comforts in an unfamiliar location. Instead, Stewart refers to these as “excursions” from your primary travel base, which can take place within a single day. On her trip toPrague, the eternal heart of the city known for its bustling pubs, for instance, Stewart mentioned in Deseret, “[W]e stopped at a medieval castle located just outside town and explored intriguing limestone quarries that are occasionally utilized for film productions.”
Traveling to a place where you may not have detailed guidebooks or familiar landmarks to rely on means you need a certain level of adaptability. “There are interesting shops and attractions everywhere, and an unplanned stop can often become a delightful break from your planned schedule,” Stewart noted. This same idea holds true even if you remain within the boundaries of a large city. For instance, consider Stewart’s visit to Paris, which she alsowroteabout. Known for its renowned art museums, visitors frequently choose one of the most famous ones, like the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay. However, Stewart’s visit led her to the Musée Marmottan Monet, a less popular art museum situated in the quiet, residential area of Passy, far from the tourist-heavy zones on the Right and Left Banks. It seems that the most surprising destinations can also turn into the most unforgettable experiences.
Methodology
Martha Stewart has explored many places and shared useful insights about her journeys through magazine interviews, guest articles, and her blog. We selected five tips from her international travels, focusing on discovering hidden gems, based on her discussions with Business Insider, the New York Post, and Deseret News. We also examined how Stewart used her own techniques and how these can be applied in real life by reviewing her travel summaries on The Martha Stewart Blog.
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