Embracing Cultural Exploration on Vacation: Tips and Top Destinations
We live in a world that demands more than just visiting destinations; it calls for a deeper exploration of diverse and interesting cultures. For many, it’s not enough to just go somewhere anymore. The destination is carefully chosen and the itinerary curated, and local cultures are acknowledged, investigated, and respected.
If you’re a traveler who’s deep into cultural exploration, put the following destinations at the top of your list … and put Hawaii at the top of the top. And, read on for some pro tips to help you set some guidelines to keep cultural sensitivity at the forefront of this deeper kind of travel.
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Where to Go
Hawaii
While Americans have historically failed to respect and appreciate Hawaiian culture, there is now a growing movement to preserve and celebrate the islands' rich indigenous heritage. By embracing Hawaiian customs and traditions with open minds and hearts, travelers can help honor this remarkable culture and its values.
The Hawaiian way of life acknowledges the concept of "Lokahi" (balance and harmony) – harmony and balance with nature and those around you.
Hawaiians’ express harmony through customs like the hula, which is way more than just a dance. Hula is an art form that tells tales of love, nature and mythology through its graceful movements, ancient chants, and symbolic gestures. Workshops teach the history, meaning and movements of the hula to help visitors understand it’s more than just a tourist show.
Luaus are another quintessential Hawaiian experience, celebrating food like kalua pig roasted in an underground imu (oven) and poi (taro-root paste). Traditional hula and fire dancing cap off the festivities.
In addition to these Hawaiian cultural staples, the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island provides an immersive dive into Hawaiian heritage and history.
Finally, events like the Aloha Festivals showcase music, dance, and cuisine from the islands in an accessible, enveloping, very Hawaiian way.
Why You Should Get Travel Insurance for Your Hawaiian Vacation
Hawaii isn’t the only place where embracing local cultures can enhance your travel experiences. You should also consider:
Kyoto, Japan
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of western Honshu, Kyoto stands as the embodiment of Japan's rich cultural heritage, a living museum where the ancient and modern intertwine. Japan's cultural heart is a wonderland of ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and serene gardens that transport visitors to a realm of tranquility and timeless beauty.
The city's spiritual roots run deep, with over 1,600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines dotting the landscape, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
To understand the power of tradition in the Japanese culture and expressed in Kyoto, take part in a timeless tea ceremony, learn the art of ikebana, the Japanese practice of flower arranging that celebrates nature's impermanence and minimalism. Or embrace the city's elegant past and stroll through historic neighborhoods like Gion.
Also read: Top Sights to See with a Japan Rail Pass
Marrakech, Morocco
An enchanting blend of African, Arabic, and European influences, Marrakech offers a captivating window into Morocco's rich cultural tapestry. Marrakech is the place that truly embodies the essence of this North African nation.
This ancient medieval city tantalizes the senses with its labyrinthine maze of vibrant souks selling everything from intricate textiles and ceramics to aromatic spices and traditional handicrafts. The air is thick with the scents of food carts and the sounds of lively street performances.
Visitors can fully immerse themselves in Morocco's multicultural history by staying in a traditional riad, savoring flavorful dishes like the iconic tagine and taktouka (a zesty tomato and pepper dip) with a side of fiery harissa paste, and haggling for souvenirs in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square - an iconic marketplace teeming with vendors, snake charmers, and entertainers (watch for pickpockets!).
Beyond the lively souks, Marrakech also boasts an array of architectural wonders, from the ornate Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque with its towering minaret, to the lush Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
See why Morocco made our list of Instagram-Worthy International Vacations for Great Photos
Oaxaca, Mexico
Rich in indigenous culture and culinary heritage, the area around Oaxaca is the cradle of Mexican history – ancient and recent.
Travelers can explore ancient Zapotec ruins at Monte Albán, attend a traditional mezcal tasting, or participate in a Day of the Dead celebration to honor departed loved ones.
They can also learn more about Mexico’s revered leader Benito Juarez and how he brought the country out from under the shadow of colonialism.
Vietnam
There are many cultures to explore in this fascinating country.
There’s ancient Vietnam, with its temples and gardens. There’s French Vietnam, the remnants of the old Indochina, which can be found in cities like Saigon. There’s the Vietnamese culture that grew up along the Mekong River and its verdant delta. And finally, there’s travel related to the Vietnam War, which still is a powerful draw for many American travelers.
In Ho Chi Minh City, you can tour the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong. And wherever you go, you can enjoy favorites like pho and banh mi at their source.
Traveling with cultural sensitivity
Virtually every destination in the world has a cultural side worth exploring, meaning you can bring cultural awareness into all your travels. All it takes is following a few easy guidelines.
Respect your destination
Before you land, learn more about your destination’s culture, language, customs, and dress code. Sometimes it’s as simple as not wearing tank tops when visiting Vatican City.
A little research goes a long way in bringing a spirit of respect to your travels.
Be willing to explore
Venture beyond the guidebook. Follow your nose, eyes, and ears to new discoveries. Take public transportation when it’s safe.
Life is lived locally. Take time to learn how life is lived where you are.
Explore food, music, and dance
Often the strongest cultural statements are made in how people eat and entertain themselves and others. This is reflected in Spain’s flamenco cafes, the township music of South Africa, or the drumming organizations found throughout South America.
Food also provides an incredibly strong sense of place. Think of seafood – everything from paella to fish-and-chips to sushi.
These aren’t just sources of great cultural meaning – they’re fun, too.
6 Fantastic Food Tours and Travel Destinations Around the World
Consider a homestay
All those foreign-exchange-student programs had it right: The best way to experience a culture is by staying with a family. Homestays are a little different for grownups, but organizations like Workaway and Audley Traveler make it easy to connect.
Connect with people
You can talk about scenery and food all you want, but in the end truly memorable travel is about the people you meet along the way.
The more you talk to people and learn their stories the better you’ll appreciate where you all – and that’s the first step to really being a culturally sensitive traveler.
Also read: 4 Ways Travel Insurance Can Help Protect Your Voluntourism Trip
No matter what cultures you explore, exploring goes better with travel protection plans from Generali Global Assistance.
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