I read a FANTASTIC article in the Kathmandu Post the other day talking about authentic cultural experiences in the other countries, specifically Nepal and how guide books provide inaccurate information when it comes to a country’s customs, heritage, and even instances where guidebooks are completely contradicting themselves with information on visa’s. Given the fact that most guide books are published once every 2 years there is that great chance of information being outdated and/or lost. The article also asked the question; How to get a real authentic cultural experience in a foreign country? In a nutshell it suggests how people need to get out of tourist/backpacker areas where the closest traditional cuisine you are going to experience is spaghetti and meatballs or a strawberry shake along side a snickers bar. The article also went on to say the best way to explore a city or town is to rent a bicycle or jump on the local transit and see what hidden places you can discover. The article ended with, put down the guidebook and truly try and experience a country for it’s people, customs, and not let a guide book take over your travels. I must confess before I left on this one yearlong adventure, I purchased a guidebook for all four countries I would be visiting. Once I arrived in Nepal, I know now that buying those four books before I left was the biggest waste of money. Guidebooks are great if all you want to do is sightsee, visit the temples, and to not think while allowing a book tell you where to eat, sleep, and how to say “Hello & Thank-you” in a foreign language, but if your looking for that “Authentic Cultural Experience” please control your urge to buy a guide book. I have sold my Nepal Lonely Planet Book and will be doing the same with the other three books.

I have compiled a list on how I personally obtain that “AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE” over the years I have been traveling …try to ignore the cheesy guidebook sounding title.

- RESEARCH: Research what ever you are interested in when it comes to travel. Great sources of information to research a country: Google, library, and contact people from organizations in your city (ex: Polish Club)

-BE GENUINE ABOUT YOUR INTENTIONS TO TRAVEL: If your going to Thailand for some RnR..(Hint Hint). I hope you end up in a Thai prison.

-VOLUNTEER: Volunteering for local organizations is the best way to contribute to a country. It also is a great opportunity to meet other locals, international volunteers, and you never know what other opportunities this will lead to.

-LANGUAGE: Learn greetings and basic phrases in the countries language you will be visiting. Knowing even a few words in the local dialect can go a long way.

-SMILE: Especially when you greet someone.

-MAP: Obtain an up to date detailed map of the city, town, and/or village where you will be traveling to, before or after you arrive. (Google is a great place to start)

-ACCOMMODATION: Staying in backpacker/tourist areas for accommodation is perfectly fine but if you don’t like noise, ask a local where they would recommend you stay. You never know, he/she might even invite you to stay with their family.

-USE COMMON SENSE: Walk with confidence and always look like you know where you are going.

-TRANSIT: Use local transit or rent a bike. Some of my favorite travel experiences come from just hopping on a random bus and seeing where it takes me.

-TOURS: Stay away from over advertised organized tours, as you will be herded around like cattle. If you want to visit somewhere at your own pace where a tour frequently travels to, take the local bus or if you have money to spend, hire a driver.

-FOOD: Eat the local cuisine and ALWAYS try the street food. I always see in guidebooks that advise travelers to stay away from the street food. THE BEST FOOD IS ON THE STREET, just eat where stalls are frequently visited by locals, eat when the locals eat, use your common sense, and BonAppetit’

-BE OPEN MINDED: Try new things, get out of your comfort zone, and push yourself to do things you normally wouldn’t do.

Thank-you for reading, Good-luck and Safe Travels!!

PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me for any reason. Even if you have ANY questions about my work, tips & tricks on traveling, reputable NGO’s or just want to say “HI”, would love to hear from you and what you have to say.

So until next time, have an awesome day, look forward to possibly hear from some of you, and stay tuned for more blog posts coming VERY SOON!!

Cheers,

Jeremy