How to Make Cultural Connections While Traveling
If you’re like many of today’s travelers, you want more from your travel experiences. Not only do you want to see iconic places, you also want to interact with the local culture in meaningful and immersive ways.
But HOW do you do this?
Well, you could spend a month or more in a single location, or arrange an extended home stay with a local family, but for most of us, that’s not realistic. That’s why more and more travelers are choosing to go on guided vacations, which in recent years, have evolved and improved in inspiring ways.
Travel companies have been asking about and listening to travelers’ desires. In response, they now offer more elevated experiences that delve deeper into destinations and attractions, making it effortless, enriching and fun for travelers to engage with the culture they’re visiting.
SO WHAT ARE THE MAIN BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A GUIDED VACATION?
It’s So Much Easier Than Doing It On Your Own
Imagine showing up at a destination, seeing amazing sites, meeting interesting people, having unique experiences … without worrying about any of the logistics.
When you take a guided vacation, you don’t have to figure out (or remember) all of the minute details, like transportation schedules, ticket purchases, or when iconic attractions are open or closed.
Instead of worrying about driving in a foreign country, or figuring out the train schedule, or understanding border crossings, you can rest and relax, or chat with your travel companions, while you effortlessly get from one place to another. Plus, you’ll often stop along the way at interesting places that probably weren’t even on your radar.
Exclusive Access
You also get special access to historic sites, museums and other activities. That’s right. No more standing in long lines with the masses. Once you get inside, your knowledgeable guide will bring the history of the place to life … which far exceeds reading placards and brochures or listening to pre-recorded audio guides.
Plus, because the tour companies have developed relationships with local people, you’ll have access to experiences you couldn’t arrange on your own, like meeting a local artist or dining in a family’s historic home, or viewing off-limits sections of iconic sites.
When you travel with a reputable company that knows what they’re doing, you get the benefit of their many years of experience. Why try to reinvent the wheel when you can rely on the expertise of professionals who know how to offer the perfect balance of “seeing it all” while also leaving you free time to explore on your own?
Unique Dining Experiences
Food is such an important part of any city’s culture. That's why guided vacations often include opportunities to gain insight into the local culture through unique food-related tours and dining experiences.
From visiting a farm in France to foraging for food in Ireland to going on a scavenger hunt for your dinner's ingredients at a local market in Italy, the best tour companies include immersive experiences that are so fun and unique that you’ll be talking about them for years to come.
You may also have the opportunity to dine with local people in their homes … what better way to make cultural connections than that?
If upscale dining is your thing, you won’t be disappointed there either. Imagine enjoying a meal at one of the top restaurants in the world where it’s almost impossible to get a reservation. (Of course, you must choose the right tour company and the right itinerary for such an experience.)
Making Connections
It may seem counter-intuitive, but taking a guided vacation can actually give you more meaningful exposure to real people than other forms of travel.
That’s because the best travel companies are always looking for opportunities to foster connection by pulling back the curtain and allowing travelers to gain a true understanding of the destination.
Of course, it’s imperative that you choose a reputable company and an itinerary that fits your interests ... and that’s where we come in.
We start by connecting with you—getting to know you and your preferences—so we can tap into our extensive network and recommend the best options for you.
To get started, schedule a complimentary travel design session, or give us a call at 800-929-0371.