People have always been interested in cultural tourism, from the 16th century when young men would go on a Grand Tour of Europe to expand their horizons, to the 18th century when visiting spa resorts became popular.
And cultural tourism is on the rise. Around the turn of the century, the World Tourism Organisation estimated that cultural tourism accounted for over a third of all tourist trips, as destinations have begun to realise the value of their natural and heritage assets, and started showing them off.
But cultural immersion isn’t just about wandering round the Louvre in Paris, or Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Sometimes it’s just about sitting down in a cafe outside the main tourist areas and watching local life go on around you. Meeting a stranger and having a conversation. Getting lost for a few hours in a city you don’t know.
Here’s why you should take a break from the beach once in a while, and seek out a cultural experience on your holiday…
1. Authentic feel of the cultural experiences
They let you see what life is really like in a destination. It can be a truly authentic introduction to a culture, rather than the veneer that most tourists tend to see.
Instead of having a cup of tea in a cafe, spend the day in a village helping the people who actually pluck the tea leaves, or even stay overnight in the village, see what people get up to in the evenings, or what they have for breakfast – you’re kidding, no Weetabix?
Cultural experiences let you make more meaningful connections with a destination and the people who live in it.
More often than not, what you remember most about your travels isn’t the view from your luxury hotel room, or all the novels that you read on your sun-lounger. It’s a funny conversation you had with a tuk-tuk driver, or an impromptu tango lesson you were given by a stranger you met in a bar.
Cultural experiences can create the best holiday memories.
2. Local secrets
You can pick up useful insider knowledge that only a local might know. Which are the best new restaurants in town, or which stallholder at the market will give you the best price for fresh fruit? A local chef that gave you a cookery lesson could help.
When is the best time to visit a monument to beat the crowds? The locals running the food and souvenir stalls outside can answer that better than anyone.
3. Deep traditions
A cultural experience can give a unique twist to your holiday. When you say you’re spending a few weeks in Bali, people will expect you to be living it up in the bars and clubs, or working on your tan.
But maybe you’re spending time with local people learning traditional mud games and sports, or working on a volunteer project. Friends and families will be amazed by your holiday stories.
4. Helping the country
Cultural tourism works both ways of course. You’ll be putting money directly into the local economy, and helping local people such as providing employment or buying locally-produced goods, rather than paying it to a mega-resort that will then take it out of the economy.
You’re helping to preserve cultural heritage, whether it be physical buildings or traditions.
What are the best cultural experiences to try when you’re on holiday? It depends entirely on your interests and passions.
Ready to get going? Check our guide for our 2016 European getaways or look for inspiration at Tinggly:
