India, Feb. 20 -- In travel, few words are as overused and debated as "authentic." For some, it means wandering far from the crowds; for others, it's about connecting with locals in meaningful ways. At its core, though, authenticity suggests experiences that feel genuine rather than manufactured-places where daily life unfolds naturally, traditions aren't staged for visitors, and commercial gloss hasn't dulled a destination's character.

InsureandGo set out to put some debate to rest by determining the world's most authentic destinations for discerning travelers. The team looked at Google Maps reviews for over 144 popular cities, taking note of how often words like "authentic," "local," and "traditional" appeared in feedback for restauran...