Immersive Travel: Live Like a Local as You Discover the World

Immersing yourself in a new culture can make a vacation so much more meaningful than just a run-of-the-mill tourist experience. Here are some tips on how you can plan for this type of adventure, and how we can help make it happen!

Learn the Language

A little effort goes a long way in building goodwill and connections to locals at your destination. Even if you just learn the basics – “Please,” “Thank you,” “Excuse me,” etc. – most locals will be much more willing to engage with you when they see that you are genuinely interested in their culture.

Arts & Cultural Immersion

Many destinations offer workshops and experiences that allow you to observe and participate in a local craft or performance. This helps you to learn about the culture and supports local artisans at the same time. One such program is Vacation With an Artist (VaWaA), which arranges mini-apprenticeships of 2-10 days with local artisans in 27 different countries.

Culinary Experiences

In almost any location you choose to explore, you can arrange to participate in a cooking class with a local chef. Many of these experiences take place in ancient surroundings or at countryside farms and vineyards, and some involve guided trips to local farmer’s markets to directly source the ingredients for your creations. Cooking and breaking bread with locals is one of the best ways to feel like you belong there!

Agriturismo

If you really want to live like a local, consider getting your hands dirty! Agriturismo, which began in Italy and has spread around the world, is literally a “farm-stay.” Options range from modest rooms in a farm family’s home to luxurious cottages on the property of a large vineyard or olive farm. This kind of experience gives you a whole new appreciation for the work of a farm as well as for the delicious fare that you will partake of while you are a member of the family!

National & Local Celebrations

One of my family’s favorite travel memories is being in a small town on Lake Lucerne on Swiss National Day. There was a village festival with performances of traditional music and dance, and the communal tables in the town square were open for anyone to join with your plate of food purchased from the local vendors. If you have a particular destination on your Wanderlist, it may be worth checking the calendar of local and national celebrations in those places. When you participate in a celebration that is unique to that area, you get a special kind of understanding about the culture.

What is your idea of an immersive vacation? Which cultures or destinations would you like to experience like a local? Contact us today so we can help you get started planning!