Are you heading on vacation for two weeks? Maybe you’re planning the full travelling experience that’s set to last a few months.
Wherever you’re headed, you must be aware of the latest news and travel details before you touch down at your destination. Maybe there are fees to be aware of or visas to check before you go.
One key consideration, however, is the culture of the country. Here’s a look at why understanding the culture of the country you’re in is so important. Plus, we bring you some tips to help you get to grips with life in a different destination.
Why culture is important
There are a few reasons why respecting the culture within the country you’re visiting is important. First, being respectful is a kind way to behave. It’s a simple way of showing respect for those who live there.
It’s also more likely to ensure that you can enjoy your stay. Behaving in a way that goes against the culture could potentially make things difficult for you later down the line, especially if you inadvertently insult someone.
Also, you can fully immerse yourself in all the country has to offer if you embrace the customs and cultural events while you’re there. And it can be a lot of fun! For instance, if you happen to be in Spain during La Tomatina, you might decide to grab a tomato and join in.
Learn the culture: Top tips
Here’s a look at how to get a feel for the place:
- Plan ahead
Take the time to learn about the place you’re heading to before you jet off. Research the country you’re visiting and, specifically, the region you’re going to be in. This is important as some countries have different customs, depending on where you are.
- Learn the language
If you’re only going away for a couple of weeks, you might find that you can get by on the basics. But if you’re planning on staying there for a while, it’s worth taking the time to develop fluency in the language. As well as helping you to get around, this will help you to understand how the locals talk and what’s meaningful to those who live there.
- Celebrate the festivals and traditions
We’ve already mentioned La Tomatina. There will likely be major events and festivals taking place while you’re in the country and observing these is a great way to observe the culture.
You might also want to nod to the festivals and international events even if you’re not there for the event itself. For instance, if you’re heading to France, you might want to celebrate the Tour de France by hopping on a bicycle and taking a cycling tour of the country.
- Try the food
Sampling the local delicacies is another brilliant way to immerse yourself in the culture. Work out what the local dishes are and try these for yourself to get a feel for everyday life there. Maybe you’ll try pho while you’re in Vietnam or tagine while in Morocco. If you’re unsure, practice your language skills to see if the locals can recommend the best dishes in the area.
Are you travelling soon? How will you embrace the culture there?
