Travel lovers and wanderlusters of the world are pretty much grounded this summer with the prospects of international travel fading like distant taillights in dense fog. Although we may not be collecting new visa stamps this summer, we at Humble and Free believe you can still find those travel ‘feels’ in another way. We’ve created a list of 10 ways you can still experience travel culture from home – safe and comfortable.
Travel broadens our horizons – visually and spiritually. While seeing new places is phenomenal, the long-lasting benefit of travel, the part that has the power to change us, is the experience of new cultures.
It’s easy to become comfortable in our bubbles at home, rarely considering how our peers on the other side of the Earth are living. We wholeheartedly believe experiencing, embracing, and learning from the way others live (CULTURE) increases our EQ and makes us more humble humans.
So, how can we find some of those rich travel culture experiences from home? By bringing some international culture into our life. You can think of it as virtual travel, armchair travel, or just travel from home. Either way, this summer is a perfect time to embrace some cosmopolitan vibes!
Here are… 10 Ways to experience travel culture from home
In assembling the list below, we took into consideration all the current recommendations and suggested best practices available from the CDC, various states, and of above all, science and medical professionals. By making conscious, intelligent choices, planning well, and exercising reasonable cautions, we believe there is still plenty of opportunity for you and your family to seize the summer!
#1 Take a Culinary Journey of International Food
Eating local foods always ranks high on the list when asking people what they love about travel.
This is #1 on our list for two reasons: cooking and eating is something we already do daily, and it’s one of the easiest ways to experience international culture. The type of food, preparation methods, way dishes are served, and the way food is eaten differs from region to region. When looking to experience travel culture from home, this is an ideal place to start!
#2 Mix up an International Cocktail or go on a Beer and Wine Flight
You won’t have to travel to far from the kitchen for this next way of bringing international culture into your home.
It seems making alcohol and enjoying a few adult beverages is an innate part of being human. We all need some way to cut loose every now and then, and throughout history, alcohol is one way we all do. This summer, try something a little different and raise a glass to cheers your distant neighbors.
Here are some of our favorites to try…
Looking for something more family-friendly or non-alcoholic?
#3 Watch International Films
Now that you’re fed and ready to relax with a refreshing beverage in hand, let’s continue the cultural travel experiences with a foreign film.
We’ve grown to love and appreciate foreign films. They provide an intimate look into a portrayal of life created by a director who’s ‘ordinary’ life experiences are different from our own.
It’s irresistible to be attentive to the details in foreign films. For instance, what their houses look like, the appliances they use, the furniture they have, the way the homes are decorated and laid out, everything different from what we call normal. The social psychology of the characters, how a family is portrayed, the way emotion is expressed… it is all fascinating to observe and provides a very unique way to experience and appreciate international cultures.
- Train to Busan – Korean zombie film
- Under the Shadow – Horror movie story set in Iran.
- Y Tu Mama También – Romance and adventure in Mexico.
- Downfall – The final days of Hitler and the Nazi Party in Berlin.
- Amelie – French romantic comedy.
- Roma – A family drama set in Mexico City.
- Cinema Paradiso – Story of an Italian boy’s love of cinema.
- Paris je t’aime – Collection stories exploring life in Paris.
- Shoplifters – Story of a poor Japanese family.
- Summer Hours – A French film about childhood memories and loss.
- Amores Perros – A thriller and drama set in Mexico City.
- The Return – A story of two Russian boys test of manhood.
#4 Dive into some Travel Shows
If you can’t help from binging shows this summer, why not binge a few travel shows? There are some excellent travel series worth binging! An great travel show takes viewers on a journey, like a travel companion. A style widely successful at revealing and sharing local cultures from street view. The unscripted, unfiltered, raw experience is one akin to traveling on your own.
#5 International Music and Dance
So far… we’ve eaten, had a few drinks, and spent some time on the couch on our quest to experience travel culture from home. Now, let’s move that body a bit! Music and dance are cornerstones of culture. It’s a part of culture you can actually FEEL!
Create a playlist of international music. The international hits are easy to find, so dig a little deeper. Pick a country and search for their traditional, cultural, or folk music. Turn it up. Let the music move your body. Get a little weird, you’re at home after all, and dance is about expression! When you’re ready, try learning some international dances.
Traditional Music From Around the World: Youtube playlist (82 songs)
#6 Read Travel Books (Fiction and Non)
Exhausted from all the dancing? Ears ringing from the music? Now might be a good time to unwind with a travel-inspired book.
Fiction travel books are always great reads. They’ll engage your imagination and get you dreaming about places far from home. Storytelling is as old as… well… history, and is a perfect vehicle for sharing culture.
Non-fiction books like travel guides are also a way to experience travel culture from home. A great travel guide includes the sites to see and provides information about local customs, traditions, and culture. Pick a travel guide for a destination you want to visit and start learning about it!
Non-Fiction Travel Guides
Fiction Travel Books
#7 Learn a new language
The words we speak and the way we say them are intertwined with our cultural identity. Studying a foreign language or at least picking up a few words or phrases is a way to experience travel culture from home.
Sure it won’t replace those treasured moments in a foreign country using Google Translate and various hand gestures at a bus stop to determine if you’re getting on the right bus. But it will be fun with family and friends.
Here are some apps to check out…
#8 Explore International History
Let’s continue riding this wave of mental stimulation on our crusade to experience travel culture from home with dive into history. The culture we see, smell, taste, hear, and feel when we travel is a product of history. Select a country and dig deep into its history, watch some documentaries, or binge a docu-series.
#9 Research Your Ancestry – Create a Family Tree
We’ve all wondered who our ancestors were, what their story is, and where they came from. Researching your ancestry and creating a family tree is more than just experiencing international culture. It’s discovering your culture.
It might be one of the most culturally enriching activities you can do from home. Take the time this summer to connect with your past.
#10 Virtual Travel
If all else fails and can’t seem to scratch that travel itch this summer, then maybe it’s time to take your travel from home virtual. Google Earth is a remarkable tool that’s completely free to use and lets us circumnavigate the Earth in seconds. It’s far more than just a digital globe! You can still experience travel culture with Google Earth!
We’ve put together a guide on using Google Earth and even created a few curated travel experiences to get you started.
Check it out HERE!
While these ideas won’t physically transport you outside the country, they may spark an interest to visit somewhere once travel get’s back to normal. As you welcome foreign culture into your home, why not also work on building that bucket list at the same time?
Back in January, we shared an article encouraging readers to set some New Years Travel Resolutions. Since most of those are probably scrapped by now, we encourage you to revisit the worksheet we shared, now as Post Pandemic Travel Resolutions.
Once the world gets back to some sort of normality, you’ll know exactly where you want to visit next. Then it’ll be more important than ever to get out and travel. The travel industry and all supporting businesses are struggling to survive. Once the world is safe to travel, they’ll need us to visit as soon as we can! If not, some places may never be the same again.
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Enjoyed your article! Such great ideas. I enjoyed sharing your vacations. Love you so much. xoxo