I have lived in multiple countries and one of my favorite things about going somewhere is learning the culture. So here is a how to guide to experience culture as you travel.

The customs, language, food, and transportation thrill me. Sure, they challenge me often, but that is also part of the fun.

If you are reading this, you must be like me or at least want to learn more about what it means to travel, experience the culture, and have a real adventure.

So here is my how-to guide to experiencing new cultures.

First, I want to share what cultural travel is and is not.
It’s not going to an all-inclusive resort and staying with the people you know from home. While this is great fun, it’s not a cultural experience.

Learn some basic culture and language before your trip

Research and learn some of the language before you go on your trip.
Find out the basics of the culture. A great place to find out about specific countries is “The Lonely Planet.”

A personal story of immersive travel and learning before I left is when I went to Brazil and took some basic language classes. It really helped a lot, and by the end of my one-month trip, I could communicate entirely in their language. I was by no means fluent, but I could communicate and understand.

A cultural example is Thailand. They do not wear shoes in the house. Never. So I found out before I went on my first trip that I would put on my shoes and take them off a lot.

Now, in America, where I am from, I can put my shoes on in the morning and only take them off once I get home that evening.

This is a cultural difference. And if I went and wore lace-up boots and had to take them off all day, I would be coconuts(crazy). So I took sandals and slip-on sneakers. After multiple trips to Thailand, I take slides that look nice in the city and closed-toed shoes for the jungle. Because I kid you not, I could put on and take off my shoes 10 times an hour.

Watch Netflix, for real. You can learn a lot by watching and listening to a show from that country. Now, I am not saying streaming is a reality, but it can give you a small framework of the culture in the country. Next tip,

Stay in one location for longer

This is really important if you want to learn about the culture. I have done this a lot when traveling. I have stayed in one place for most of my visit. If you are too busy going from one place to the next, you run out of time. So take your time in the spot where you’re living.

Go to the same place for coffee or breakfast every morning.

It is incredible how fast you can meet and talk to someone when you are a repeat customer. I have met so many amazing people because I have gone to the same place for breakfast or coffee around the world.

I have made friends with coffee shop owners in France, Sarajevo, Thailand, Romania, and beyond because I would go during my whole stay.

Be an observer

Watch and see what people are doing and how they are doing it. I start as soon as I go to the airport. Many countries in Asia have specific containers for shoes at security. In America, we use everything for anything, but they would not do that. Watch and see what you learn.

Try new foods and drinks

Food is a big part of culture, and it can connect people and customs faster than almost anything else. Sharing a meal and trying new food is the best and fastest way to experience a new culture.

Ask a local where they would go to eat.

Many countries have experiences such as cooking classes, tasting experiences, and food tours.

DISCLAIMER: If you are going to a country where you are unsure about the safety of the water, you need to be careful. In some places, the water can kill you, and food prepared with that water can make you very sick. Do your due diligence and make sure the water is safe where you are going.

Go local and ask a local

Find a tour guide from that city. Going with a local can create a cultural experience. Consider where you are staying. Where can you stay safely that will add to your local experience?

Find out if there are local markets and go and experience them. These are the jewels of authentic cultural travel.

The most important part of a unique cultural experience is your willingness to learn and experience a new way of thinking and experiencing life. Being open can really help create connection and give you the ultimate cultural experience and enrich your life.

Let me know some of your favorite ways to immerse yourself in a new culture?

Also check out some tips on staying safe as you travel. This post is during spring break but it’s relevant for anytime.