Learning and participating in local culture during your travels is one of the big draws travelers cite. Landing in a new place is always an exciting time. There are so many things to do and so much to see that it feels impossible to squeeze everything in. This article by Travis Preston at CalArts should tell you exactly why you should indulge in theater and culture when you are on your travels, too! You need to look at what you can do to enrich your experiences, and reading something from the experts is a good way to get excited!
Often, travelers will rely on recommended activities, and while this gives you a decent idea of the country, it means you could miss out on the true essence of the country. Culture is one of the most important parts of traveling, so here are a few ways you can indulge in the local atmosphere wherever you go.
Tip #1: Go-a-Wandering to Discover Everyday Life
Whether you visit a metropolis or a smaller town, walking around is one of the best ways to get an authentic idea of the culture. Taking a left or a right (whichever feels natural) out of your hotel room and just wandering allows you to see things you won’t see taking taxis or other types of public transport. You might get lost, but that’s all part of the experience.
As much as the popular tourist spots are appealing, you sometimes want to experience the city the same way the locals do, and you could stumble upon something that completely transforms your view of the area. One of things we like to do is just ride a bus route from start to finish and back. There can be interesting things to explore every stop or two, so you can make a morning or afternoon of this.
Tip #2: See a Local Show to Absorb Cultural Performance
Every city is brimming with its own creative culture, you just need to know where to look. From the water puppet shows of Vietnam to more popular and world-renowned plays and musicals you can find at TicketsOnSale, a show is a fantastic way to spend an evening.
If you’re looking for something with a little more bite, there are certainly open mic nights or performances from up-and-coming local bands. You never know, you might be able to tell people that you were there in a few years.
Tip #3: Stop Being So Picky About Street Food
Street food is undoubtedly one of the most interesting things about traveling the world. But, westerners have this unfortunate idea that the food won’t be good, or it might even poison them. You must stop worrying about getting sick from food. Although it may not agree with your stomach at first, it’s still beneficial to take the plunge.
You don’t want to leave this place not having tried the local cuisine, so stop being so picky and take a bite of the local flavors. This is a great way to stretch your travel budget and literally taste the local culture just as those who live there do.
Tip #4: Get Out of the City to Experience Authentic Culture During Your Travels
Your destination is much, much more than skyscrapers and traffic jams. Most places have an entirely different world on the outskirts of the capitals, and this is usually the best indication of culture you’ll find. From the Malaysian Highlands to lush, labyrinth-like woodland, you will get the chance to reconnect with nature and see how the people live. If you want an even more authentic experience, local homestays will scratch that itch for you.
Cultural Experiences Make Inspiring Memories
One of the most significant draws of traveling is the chance to experience wildly different cultures wherever you go. As tempting as it can be to stick to what you know, you won’t get the full experience. So, don’t be afraid to indulge and try something new. You never know what it might inspire.
Tips for Trip Success
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