We all love to travel.Taking a journey to a new city or can do wonders for your own health, but have you ever noticed a trend to the places you travel? Your average vacationers will generally go to the same sorts of places, whether that’s nearby beaches or a mountain range. And while those are wonderful destinations, they don’t offer much in the way of diversity if you make it a regular habit to frequent these locations.Fun information about three of the interesting cultures around the world that you should experience at least once while traveling the world.
If you want to get away from the average trip when you travel, consider traveling to a location that features an entirely different culture. Not only will the experience provide the opportunity to explore an amazingly new world, but it can also create unforgettable memories. Here are a few places you should consider visiting if you want to explore a new culture.
Thailand
The past and the present will greet you when you visit Thailand.
Thailand is rich in culture and has deep roots in Theravada Buddhism, the world’s oldest form of the religion. There are countless historical ruins of Buddhist temples and ancient settlements, each giving its own glimpse into the past.
While you could spend days touring the ruins of yesterday, you can also spend time enjoying the Thailand of today. There are modern cityscapes and towering skyscrapers. With gorgeous beaches and a tropical climate, you can enjoy all of the traditional beach activities all year round. The weather is also perfect for enjoying the many festivals that Thailand has to offer.
Thai cuisine is well-known around the world for its aromatic spices and unique flavors. Using native vegetables and rice or noodles as a base for each meal, their meals have a unique spice that’s copied worldwide. Fresh, aromatic ingredients such as chilies, cumin, ginger, lemongrass and shallots are used to make sauces. Curry is one of the most popular sauces used in Thai cuisine.
Visiting Thailand will give you an appreciation of a culture that is grounded in excellent food, exciting festivals, cherished history, and a uniquely inclusive society. If you can put in the time to learn a few Thai words, it’ll make you trip even more rewarding.
The Carribean
If you want to experience a new culture but have some anxiety about feeling too out of place, then the Caribbean is the perfect place for you. Modern Carribean culture stems from a variety of different influences. African, European, and Carib cultures have all intertwined due to colonization. This makes the Carribean a wonderful place to experience a new way of life while also having familiar comforts within reach.
Caribbean cuisine has been influenced by many cultures as well, making it is difficult to pin down a specific flavor or style of food. One thing is certain about Caribbean food though: they use a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. And with the perfect climate for lush vegetation, fresh ingredients are never hard to find.
The Caribbean’s tropical climate allows you to enjoy beautiful weather year round! It also gives you the opportunity to travel light, which will help you make the most out of exploring Caribbean culture as well. All of the fun beach activities that you would expect are always available. Snorkeling is especially popular with the crystal clear water. With such great weather and a plethora of beaches to choose from, you may never want to leave!
A trip to the Caribbean will be an adventure in fantastic weather, wonderful food and a rich mixed culture.
Hawaii
Hawaii is absolutely breathtaking, but that’s not exactly a secret. It’s one of the best family vacation spots for a reason. What you might not have considered, however, is how deep and rewarding the Hawaiian culture can be to experience.
And that’s important when it comes to Hawaii; with so many tourists visiting Hawaii every year, you can bet that a decent percentage of them are less than respectful to the local culture. It’s led to a bit of tension between visitors to the islands and the native Hawaiians.
That makes it even more vital to show respect for the culture and to learn about it beforehand, if you can. And when you consider all that Hawaii has to offer you, it’s well worth the effort. Hawaiian culture is stemmed from Polynesians who settled the islands hundreds of years ago and it features its own language, religion, and more.
Hawaiian cuisine is very unique. Poi is used as the main starch in most meals. It is made from the root of taro. It has a light flavor that can be used as a base, under vegetables and meats. The texture is similar to porridge. Pineapples, coconuts, and bananas are just a few of the most popular fruits. Fish, pork and chicken are the most popular proteins.
Hawaii has gorgeous beaches, incredible hiking trails, and an incredible climate year-round. Be sure to embrace the slower pace on the islands and to open to trying new things. Hawaii is well worth it.
To enjoy a cultural trip, the key is to go into the trip in the right mindset to truly enjoy exploring the culture. It’s important to keep in mind that a different culture isn’t a novel experience that you can bottle up and take home; it’s a way of life for millions of others. Be sure to talk with locals, to ask for advice, to pack as lightly as you can to truly immerse yourself in the experience.
