I think all travel is cultural travel. So why do I say this?
To begin with, don't automatically think of culture as only
enjoying the fine arts, visiting museums, or exploring world cultures.
Most of us don’t stop to think that every trip we take is,
at its core, a cultural experience.
Cultural travel is formally defined as immersing yourself in
a destination's traditions, food and authentic experiences; learning local
customs and etiquette; or actively engaging local people and communities to
gain a deeper perspective and understanding of different ways of life.
In my mind, every traveler does these on every trip - road
trips, beach vacations, trips overseas, and adventures to remote places around
the world.
Every trip is about learning. It is discovering something
about yourself. It is a renewal of body, heart, mind, and soul.
Even at an interstate highway rest stop, people read the
markers and plaques with historical references to the area.
Something as basic as a restroom break is an opportunity to
learn something we didn't know before.
As people travel across the United States visiting national
parks, exploring cities, eating in diners and cafes, and meeting people, they
are learning and improving their lives—a cultural experience.
A one-week beach vacation often includes a few days
off-property, leading to opportunities to meet local people, experience nature,
sample traditional foods, and support local economies—another cultural
opportunity.
And, of course, trips overseas are life-changing and
eye-opening, leading to a rewarding, deep cultural awakening.
Travel advisors play an integral role in these cultural
exchanges by bringing these experiences to life for travelers. And by helping
travelers include immersive excursions they may not have known existed when
planning itineraries. As travel advisors know well, authentic travel is a key
objective for today's traveler.
Another key role for travel advisors is counseling clients
on what not to do on a trip.
We see tourists behaving badly. We see tourists
disrespecting cultures and people different from themselves. We see tourists
leaving garbage behind them. We see tourists defacing world treasures. We
see tourists abusing crowded places because they think no one will know or
care.
Advising clients on how to stay out of trouble, avoid risky
behavior, and be a good citizen and a good steward of the world are things
exceptional travel advisors do for their clients and for the rest of us,
whether we think about it or not.
I believe this brings about vitality in today's world.
Culture-minded travel strengthens society's social fabric. It ties us to our common
humanity. When we travel well, we do good for ourselves and for others – and
that’s not a stretch. It’s simply what travel, at its best, does.
We also hold ideals that may seem lofty, but they are true,
that travel promotes peace and understanding of other people and cultures. It bridges
divides, combats ignorance, and inspires the preservation of nature, wildlife, and
man-made monuments. Travel promotes environmental awareness and sustainability.
Most of us sense a responsibility to future generations so they can also experience
the wonders and joys of travel.
As world ambassadors, we are advocates for our clients, for
the destinations we love, and for a world that travel continues to make better
— one journey at a time."
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