Easy Cultural Hacks When Visiting A New Country
One of the most wonderful things about travelling is learning about different cultures and people and bringing all these wonderful memories and experiences back home. These hacks have been compiled for you to get a head start on the cultural basics when visiting a new country. This is so that you can immerse yourself into the country”s culture even quicker and have an even better travel experience.
Learn A Few Key Phrases In The Local Language
Knowing a few words and key phrase in the country’s language is a great hack when visiting a country.
Download the relevant language dictionary onto your phone so you have key words and phrases to hand.
Not only will this help you communicate but also make a wonderful impression on the people that you interact with. Furthermore, there will be a higher chance that learning a few key phrases will make your travel plans run smoother and the services you receive even better.
Eat Like A Local
Food is one of the best ways to quickly understand and immerse yourself into a country’s culture. Research and seek out traditional dishes and visit the local food markets.
When travelling in the country, don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations; they will be given with great pride.
Also, knowing what time the locals eat, what they eat and where they eat will help you plan and optimise your food experiences; and will result in a great cultural experience around food.
Bonus tip – Take a cooking class to learn how to recreate the dishes at home.
Drinking Culture
Finding out about the drinking culture will give you an insight into the traditions and social behaviours of the country; so another great cultural hack.
Knowing whether there is a coffee or tea culture or certain popular beverage will also point you to historic or unique cafes and bars to visit. Something, that you won’t want to miss out on.
Use Local Transport
Skip the taxis and try buses, subway systems, or tuk-tuks. Local transport not only gives you a feel for how locals get around, but it can also lead to spontaneous conversations and unexpected discoveries.
Learn Some History and Customs Beforehand
Do some reading on the backstory for the country. This will give you an understanding on the history, the importance of certain landmarks, politics, religious practices; and any subjects to be more sensitive of.
All this will help put into context your sight seeing activities and if you have a tour guide they will provide you with even more information as you already know somethings.
Furthermore, it will help you make sure you have the right clothing (long trousers, scarfs) for entering into any religious or important buildings and understand any food and drink restrictions. You will also know if there are any important days or times of the week that business and shops are closed or if there are any important national days for you to take advantage of not; depending on the travel experience you are after.
Be Curious
Whether it’s your tour guide, a waiter, or a shopkeeper, asking questions about the culture, lifestyle will make your trip much richer. People love sharing their knowledge, and you’ll learn so much.
Take A Walking Tour With A Local Guide
Walking tours, especially ones led by locals, help you see and feel the essence of the area. Many cities offer free or budget-friendly tours where you can explore beyond the typical tourist spots.
Check Out The Local Markets & Supermarkets
One of the best cultural hacks when visiting a new country is to go shopping where the locals go. Beyond shopping for souvenirs, visiting markets and supermarkets they’re a great place to observe daily life, practice your language skills, and taste local flavours.
Art, Literature & Music
Another great cultural hack is to learn about any of the country’s artists and authors. In many countries, artists and authors can be national heroes and there are often places of cultural interest to visit that celebrate that person and what they mean to the country.
Money & Tipping Etiquette
Tipping etiquette varies from country to country. In some countries it is an important part of the service culture and therefore expected. In other countries it is not so common but appreciated and in some tipping can be considered as an insult. Again, knowing this is a great cultural hack to understand the country more.
Look Out For Cultural Events & Festivals
Finally, always check the local calendar for festivals, parades, or holiday events. These unique celebrations are perfect opportunities to see the country’s traditions and culture firsthand, meet locals, and truly feel the rhythm of life there.
So To Wrap Up On Quick Cultural Hacks When Visiting A New Country…
By using these quick cultural hacks, you can adapt faster, connect more deeply, and truly appreciate the essence of your destination. Remember, the magic of travel lies in the connections you build, the new perspectives you gain, and the memories you create along the way. So, embrace these quick cultural hacks to make the most of your travels.
For some more great travel hacks, head to our dedicated Travel Hacks page.
