12 Travel Myths That Keep You From Truly Experiencing Culture
Travel opens one up to other ways of life, though what we think we know can prevent us from having a great experience. An endless list of ‘travel wisdom’ gets passed around, some are useful, but a lot of it is untrue and keeps travelers in a bubble. A few of these myths can severely inhibit the experience of really connecting with another culture.
Unpacking these misconceptions will help you enjoy your trip more – chatting with the locals, trying out new flavors, and building memories that will stay with you long after you return home.
To Truly Connect You Need to Learn the Language
Perhaps the most common myth is that you should be fluent in a country’s language to have a real cultural experience. In truth, people will appreciate your effort even if you only know a handful of basic phrases. It should come as no surprise that speaking the local tongue can boost locals’ impression of travelers — even small efforts can make a difference, according to a study from the University of Chicago. It’s more about the goodwill you show when you try.
Real Culture Isn’t Tourist Spots
Tourist sites are often dismissed as inauthentic, but they exist for a reason. The Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China are places brimming with cultural, historical, or artistic significance. They may attract crowds, but they often bring locals great pride in their heritage.
Locals Don’t Like Tourists
Locals don’t hate tourists. Many locals like to impress and share their cultures with respectful visitors. Tourism studies show that areas that get travelers often see more community pride. At the end of the day, locals love it when people are interested in their customs and heritage, and if you approach it with an open mind and respect then they will appreciate you that much more.
Solo Travel Is Dangerous
Solo travel is often considered risky, especially for women. In truth, solo travel can be very safe if you take the right precautions. According to the Solo Female Traveler Network, 74 percent of women said they felt safe traveling alone, and that many found solo travel enabled them to connect more deeply with locals and other travelers. Solo travel does not equal reckless travel – it’s about knowing your comfort zone and making smart decisions.
To Enjoy a Culture Fully, You Have to Spend Big
The second myth is that you need a big budget to experience a place authentically. Some activities indeed cost money but there are many free or low-cost cultural experiences. You can get a deep insight into daily life without spending a lot of money by walking through a local market, attending a community event, and even people-watching in a busy square.
Street Food Isn’t Safe
Street food has a stigma, and many travelers fear they’ll get sick. In many cases, though, street food is safer because it’s fresher and often cooked right in front of you. According to research from the CDC, with simple hygiene practices, eating street food is just as safe as eating in a restaurant. It’s also a way to taste authentic flavors and local food culture.
It Is Irresponsible to Travel Without a Set Itinerary
It’s nice to plan, but you don’t need to schedule every detail. Some of the best cultural experiences are the ones that leave room for spontaneous adventures. Travel experts say, ‘an overly structured itinerary can be more stressful than a flexible one’. You can stumble upon events or places that aren’t in any guidebook.
The Locals Won’t Want to Talk to You
Other travelers are worried that starting a conversation with a local may be intrusive, however, most people are willing and happy to talk about their life and culture with people who venture in. A compliment or a curious question will get you talking and most likely leave you with a new perspective. The trick is to be friendly but not cross personal boundaries.
True History Is Only Captured by Famous Museums
Museums are great, but you don’t have to go to one to learn a little history. Smaller, less frequented museums or even local festivals can give insight into the traditions of a people. You also get a raw sense of the history of a place that isn’t always captured in a museum’s exhibit from historical sites and community landmarks.
Major Holidays Are Not the Time to Visit
Visiting a place during its major holidays is a wrong decision for some, thinking that everything will be crowded or locals would be busy. Holidays are a window into cultural celebrations and traditions that you wouldn’t otherwise see. Sure, accommodations may be pricier, but there’s no price for being part of local festivities.
There Is No Real Culture Except in the Countryside
City life is dismissed as “too modern” but cities are cultural hubs in their own right. They combine old traditions with new trends, offering travelers a well-rounded view of the past and present. A cultural studies report states that traditional events, food markets, and festivals celebrating the heritage of the region are often held in urban areas, which are just as authentic as any rural setting.
The Moment Is Ruined by Taking Photos
Many people believe that taking photos detracts from the authenticity of travel, but taking pictures helps save memories, and reflect on them years later. Find the right balance, take a few photos, and be conscious of staying in the moment.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
