For many people, travel is about more than simply seeing the world. It’s also about experiencing all of its culture and complexity.
But how do you travel to become more cultured in the right way? What should you do to approach the task?
That’s the topic of this post. We explore some common do’s and don’ts associated with it. Here’s what you need to know:
Do Support Local Businesses
A good place to start is by supporting local businesses. Putting your money into engaging with these can create a circular flow of income in the local economy that lifts everyone up.
For example, if you go to a new region, don’t eat at a massive international fast food chain. Instead, seek out the local diner or coffee shop that offers an independent experience.
Don’t Assume Your Way Is Right
At the same time, you want to avoid assuming that you know everything and people living locally don’t. Just because something is different in the new location, doesn’t mean people have gotten it wrong.
Remember, the way restaurants prepare food will be different from where you come from, and that’s a good thing. You don’t want it all to be the same.
You also should pay attention to differences in how people interact with each other. Many communities have certain rules that can differ substantially from those that apply back home.
Do Learn Some Phrases
If you’re going somewhere that speaks a different language, learn some phrases. Get yourself up to speed on the language so you can interact more naturally with the people around you.
Even learning “please” and “thank you” can go a long way in a lot of cultures, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America. The people here are often friendly to outsiders who take the time to understand their etiquette.
Don’t Treat Destinations As A Social Media Backdrop
Avoid the temptation to take your phone with you everywhere you go with the sole purpose of uploading images onto social media. Let yourself experience destinations organically, relying more on your memory.
Social media is a helpful tool sometimes, but using it to chronicle every aspect of your life can detract from the cultured experience of travel you want to have.
Do Visit Renowned Locations Of Culture
At the same time, you also want to visit various cultural landmarks and make a conscious effort to do so. For example, going to Paris and staying in a cheap motel on the outskirts won’t help you learn anything about French culture.
Don’t be afraid to get into the weeds by visiting a place like, say, the Hagley Museum in Delaware, or the Himeji Gardens in Adelaide. Visiting these locations can help you understand more about the local culture.
Don’t Commercialize Sacred Sites
Finally, being cultured also often involves understanding and recognizing the sacred. The more you can do this, the less likely you are to step on anyone’s toes.
Try to avoid turning it into a consumer-led experience. Instead, seek adventure.