Unlocking a New World: 5 Ways to Immerse Yourself in Culture While Traveling

Unlocking a new world: 5 ways to immerse yourself in culture when you travel. It’s a lot to do on one trip, but it is possible. 

I had the honor of living in six different countries. Each one was incredible. Yet, one thing that will always be a part of my life is the culture and people. 

If you love culture and people, I’m sure you want the cultural experience you get through travel. So here is how you can unlock a new world with five ways to immerse yourself in the culture as you travel. 

Learn basic of the language

I have learned a couple of languages. I have found some words I learned gave me a deeper understanding of the culture and people.

Take Brazil; they have a word that doesn’t directly translate to English. It’s as if the word “longing” got marred with “missing someone” and ended up with “Saudade.” It’s one of my favorite words. 

In Romania, there is an expression that means “that’s the way it is” Asa este! Instead of looking for meaning in something that happened they say this expression of a way of accepting the situation. Awesome!

Learning a language is so easy now. Smartphones apps can be download immediately and you can learn right away. In just 10 mins a day over one or two months you can pick up some language skills. 

Here are some of my favorite apps to use for language basics. Babbel, Dualingo, Hello Talk are some of the top apps.

My favorite is Dualingo. It’s easy to use and like a game, plus you can review things you missed. 

If you are traveling with friends and going to multiple countries then each one pick a place to learn a few words. 

The next step in learning the language is to get over your embarrassment of speaking when you travel. I can guarantee that you will make mistakes, don’t worry about it and try.  

Everywhere I have traveled, I’ve learned to speak some words, and it’s always been met with acceptance and kindness. Some laughs but it’s good not to take yourself too seriously when learning a foreign language. 

If your accent seems really thick or you need to improve a phrase, ask the local you are trying to interact with how to say something. It will at least show you are trying.

Don’t miss out and take the time to learn words or phases. And if you have a funny accent then embrace it and laugh at yourself as well. 

Experience local life through homestay travel. Staying in the home of the people in the country you are going too will make a big impact on your cultural experience. If you are a woman traveling alone make sure you are staying in a well vetted home or Airbnb. 

These go beyond the basics of “Where is the toilet?” But they have always come in handy for me. 

Bonus tip in learning another language. Learn these phrases.

• Could you say that a little slower
• I only speak a little bit
• Could you please repeat that

The next tip to immerse yourself in the culture when traveling,

Stay in a host home. 

There are some amazing options for staying with locals. Some travelers really like couch surfing, here is their safety page. It’s a way to travel cheaply with locals. Couch surfing is not my cup of tea but for many people they really like it.

Airbnb has some wonderful options for staying in homes, apartments and rooms. I would just make sure it was vetted properly before I stayed with anyone I did not know and have a good amount of reviews and high stars. I have stayed with some wonderful people in the past and have become friends.

You can also check out this post for traveling safely it’s got some tips.

Interactions with host home locals. If they want to talk, listen, ask them about their culture, and share about yours. Sharing photos is a good way to connect if you feel comfortable with them.

Now you have learned some of the language, you’re staying in a host home. Here comes the most the fun part and how you unlocking a New World, to immerse yourself in Culture while traveling.

Embrace the difference between your culture and theirs.

This one might be easy or hard for you. But embracing the culture when traveling is part of the fun. 

Like Spain, they eat late in the evening. I love it, but it might take some getting used to for someone who is a morning person. Fully embrace it and enjoy a coffee later in the day so you can stay up. 

In France if you are invited to a meal it could be hours at the table. In Romania, you might go on a picnic in the forrest and be there all afternoon. Relax and enjoy it. Learn from their culture and when you come home share the experiences with those you love.

Try New Foods

Wowza this can be a hard one but one of the main ways that cultures connect around the world is through food and shared experiences.

Everyone eats right?!

This is the fastest and easiest way for you to immerse yourself in the culture while traveling. 

This one does have a “big BUT”: In some places you travel, the food can literally kill you. Or at least make you wish you died. 

So if you are going to a country you know doesn’t have safe drinking water or understands basic hygiene, or has running water to wash hands be careful. Watch where and what you eat and drink.

Be careful how the fruits and vegetables are washed and prepared, and for your health’s sake, don’t use the water at all. Please don’t drink it at all, don’t use it to brush your teeth. Don’t get it in your eyes when you shower.  In some countries I’ve traveled to the entire team got sick and one person almost died. Because of water and food preparation.

If you are going places where the water is clean and the food is safe, venture out of your comfort area and taste new things. It might become your favorite food. 

Thailand and Spain are two places where I really tried a lot of things, I never knew existed. Now, some of those foods are my favorite. 

Ask the locals

This is one of my favorite things to do when I am traveling. I ask the people who live there where to go, the best cafe, restaurant, and museums. They can usually tell you the hidden gems.

I have done this my whole life because I want to connect with people and their cultures. I imagine if you are reading this you want to connect with the culture as well. 

Here are some questions you can ask:

• Where do the locals go to eat?
• What places are the best to visit?
• Is there a season of the year when I should visit this location?

How to interact with locals.

One way I do this is when I go to the markets to buy something, I always ask who made it. 

You will be surprised by the warmth of those around you when you ask where something was made. They generally share about the product and how they made it or someone in there family made the product. It’s fun to learn about what you are buying and share that when you go back home. 

If you know the specific country you are going to then check out this the lonely planet to get more country specifics. They give great information about traveling and visa’s that are needed and seasons that are best to travel.

Recap on how to unlocking a new world: 5 ways to immerse yourself in culture when you travel.

• Learn some of the language
• Stay with locals
• Embrace the culture
• Try new foods
• Ask the locals best places to go

You can also check out this post to get ready for your trip overseas.

If you would like a free packing and travel checklist sign up for our email list.

Let me know in the comments if you used some of these tips.