Do you love immersing yourself in local culture and traditions while traveling? If you continuously seek and travel for a Cultural experience, this roundup of the most unique cultural experiences in the world is sure to inspire your next trip.

Unique Cultural Experiences in the World: An Introduction

The most meaningful aspect of traveling is exploring new cultures and traditions. It’s the only way to delve into the heart & soul of the place. As a traveler, one gets endless chances to experience the cultural diversity in the world.

From attending vibrant festivals and spiritual events, partaking in Traditional rituals and age-old customs, and staying in a local homestay, to taking a local cooking class, joining an authentic tour with a local, witnessing traditional arts and crafts, learning a new skill, tasting a local delicacy, and visiting a heritage site or a museum – here’s a hand-picked list of the incredibly unique cultural experiences worth traveling for.

Best Cultural Travel Experiences in the World

Let’s explore the richness of cultures around the world, one cultural experience at a time.

Attend Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, India

Editor’s Choice

One of the most memorable and best cultural experiences in the world has to be witnessing the awe-inspiring Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. It’s a great opportunity to experience Indian culture and traditions.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi aka Banaras aka Kashi is well-known for its much-revered ghats (river embankments), ancient temples, winding narrow lanes peppered with ashrams and old bazaars, and of course, burning pyres – yes, it’s believed that people who die here attain eternal moksha (salvation).

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the 84 iconic ghats in Varanasi. The magical evening aarti prayer at Dashashwamedh is a spiritual and religious extravaganza.

As the sun sets, the ghat comes to life for an other-worldly experience. A group of Hindu priests stands at the shores of the holy river Ganges holding huge brass lamps. They move them in a circular motion while chanting prayers to seek blessings from Goddess Ganga. Devotees float lighted lamps in the river to show their dedication to the river Ganges and Lord Shiva.

The smoke from the lighted wicks in the lamps purify the atmosphere and the sound of the holy mantras and conch shells purify the souls – it’s a visual as well as a sensory treat!

The aarti is even more special during Dev Deepawali when hundreds of thousands of earthen lamps light the banks of the Ganges.

The best way to experience this once-in-a-lifetime affair is from the riverside in a boat.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, USA

Victoria of Southern Trippers

If you’re looking for one of the most unique cultural experiences in the world then you cannot miss celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

See, Mardis Gras – or Fat Tuesday – is always 47 days before Easter and is a celebration of life before the fasting/less indulgent life that takes place in preparation for Easter. 

Now, because the date of Easter varies yearly, Mardi Gras can take place on any Tuesday between February 3rd and March 9th. 

It is also a tradition that was brought over to New Orleans by French explorers who landed in the area in 1699.  In fact, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville held a small celebration near current-day New Orleans that has morphed into a fun and vibrant celebration of modern-day New Orleans. 

As a result, this intriguing cultural experience includes the use of masks, which were originally designed to eliminate class discrepancies between participants. 

Additionally, masks are worn by all parade participants since parades are a huge part of the celebration. In particular, purple, green, and gold colors are emphasized since they are the official colors of Mardi Gras, 

In total, 70 themed parades (the theme varies annually) take place throughout 12 days and include floats, bands, clowns, motorcycles, and dancers – with participants throwing items into the crowd. 

So, to experience Mardi Gras during a weekend in New Orleans be sure to attend parades held on Twelfth Night, like Joan of Arc in the French Quarter or Phunny Phorty Phellows.

You can also see the Greasing of the Poles,  pay homage to the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, watch the Krewe du Vieux parade, and sample some delicious King Cake at La Boulangerie.

Attend Almabtrieb, a Traditional Cattle Procession in Austria

Marina Helene of Paulmarina

The Almabtrieb is a yearly alpine tradition in Austria and neighboring regions, such as Bavaria in Germany and South Tyrol in Italy. It is also known as the Coming Home of the Cows festival.

Every year by mid-June in the Alps, the cows are taken up to the higher areas in the mountains to graze. These grazing areas are also known as Alms. In the summer, the cows remain there so that they get to feast on the best and most nutritious grass. Premium milk and happy free running cows are the results of this.

The grazing season ends by the end of September, and that’s when a successful farmer’s season is completed and is celebrated with the Almabtrieb. The Almabtrieb is when the cows are taken down from the mountains back to the farms in the valleys.

That means farmers and cows start to descend from higher altitudes and walk all the way down, decorated with beautiful meaningful headgear and large loud bells, which will announce their coming and chase away evil spirits.

Every farmer has a different decoration and handmade leather neckpiece made for their beloved cows. You can participate in this event when the cows arrive at one of the villages at around noon. You will also find local foods, a small market with handmade goods, and a brass band or live music entertaining locals and visitors alike.

The Almabtrieb is usually held during the last week of September, and the most spectacular ones in Austria are held in Alpbach, Hopfgarten, and Wildschönau in the beautiful Tyrol region.

Experience the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Chris of Explore Now or Never

No visit to Morocco is complete without spending time in the legendary and world-famous Sahara Desert. With 10 days in Morocco, plan on at least two nights here as it’s a seven-hour drive from Fez—and longer from Marakesh—to Merzouga, the gateway village to the desert.

Riding a camel through the undulating sand dunes at Erg Chebbi at sunset to an overnight desert camp is one of the most authentic cultural experiences you can enjoy in Morocco.

You’ll want to buy a scarf—known as a “tagelmust”—to wrap in a very particular way around your head and face to protect you from the heat and wind. You’ll be in awe of how camels fold and unfold their long legs to help a rider mount and dismount.

Visit the nomadic Berber tent camps while you’re here. These Amazigh families have been moving with their grazing sheep here for generations and live with no running water or electricity.

However, thanks to local NGOs, many have solar panels on their tents to charge their cell phones! You can help support them by paying a small fee to enjoy fresh mint tea and traditional Berber bread on an open fire inside their tents.

The Sahara is also home to the Gnawa people, Black Africans from sub-Saharan countries whose ancestors were moved here as slaves. You’ll find them in the tiny village of Khamlia where you can enjoy a traditional musical performance to help keep their art alive.

The Sahara Desert is a magical experience!

Celebrate Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico

 Imee Magbag of Journey To Mexico

The Day of the Dead originated in indigenous Mexican cultures like the Aztecs and Zapotecs. They honored their deceased loved ones and believed their souls would return to reunite with their families during the festival.

Celebrating the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a vibrant and culturally rich experience. The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday that commemorates and remembers dead loved ones.

It is a time when families gather together, remember their loved ones, and celebrate their memory festively and colorfully. Oaxaca is renowned for its elaborate and colorful celebrations, attracting visitors from around the world. 

During the Day of the Dead, families create beautiful altars or Ofrendas Mexico, adorned with photographs, candles, colorful flowers (especially marigolds), religious icons, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed.

There are also Calaveras as part of the tradition. The iconic sugar skulls are symbolic of the Day of the Dead. These beautifully decorated edible skulls, personalized with names of the departed, are placed on altars or exchanged as gifts.

While the main highlight of the tradition is the La Catrina- an elegant skeleton figure that has become an iconic representation of the Day of the Dead, this dapperly dressed female skeleton, often depicted wearing a wide-brimmed hat and colorful attire, has become a symbol of Mexican culture.

The Day of the Dead in Mexico is a vibrant celebration that reflects the country’s cultural heritage and emphasizes the significance of remembering and honoring the departed.

Revel in a Gondola Ride in Venice, Italy

Jo of World Wild Schooling

If you are looking for a unique cultural experience, taking a gondola ride is one of the best things to do in Venice. Originating in the 11th century, the gondola has become an iconic symbol of the city and an integral part of its culture and heritage.

The gondola’s design and construction reflect the rich history of Venice’s maritime traditions. These sleek, black wooden boats are handcrafted by skilled artisans using traditional methods passed down through generations.

The front of the gondola showcases a graceful ‘S’ shape, mirroring the elegant curves of the Grand Canal. Additionally, an arch adorns the topmost prong, symbolizing the Rialto Bridge.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in Venice, and its inclusion in the gondola’s design further emphasizes the connection between the gondola and the city’s architectural landmarks.

A gondola ride is more than just a means of transportation; it is an immersive experience in Venetian culture.

As you glide through the canals, you’ll witness the city’s architectural marvels, such as palaces, churches, and vibrant squares. You’ll also pass under the city’s iconic bridges, including the Bridge of Sighs and the Rialto Bridge.

This experience allows you to connect with Venice on a profound level. It offers a glimpse into the city’s history, art, and architecture while immersing you in the romantic ambiance that has captivated travelers for centuries.

To experience a gondola ride, head to the gondola stations located throughout Venice. You can hire a gondola for a private ride or share it with others to make it more affordable. Remember that gondola rides are most popular during sunset, so plan accordingly.

Embarking on a gondola ride in Venice is an opportunity to embrace the city’s unique cultural heritage.

Witness Macchina di Santa Rosa in Viterbo, Italy

Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

Each year, during the first week of September, Viterbo, the main city of the Tuscia region of Italy (Northern Lazio), celebrates its patron saint, Santa Rosa. Celebrations started at the end of the 17th century to pay respect to Rosa, a young girl who performed several miracles in the 13th century.

The festival culminates on the night of 3 September, when a paper mache statue of more than 30 meters, known as Macchina di Santa Rosa and beautifully illuminated, is carried by 100 porters (the “Facchini”) along the very narrow cobbled (and dark) streets of the historic center of town. 

All the while, the crowds cheer, and the head porter (“capo facchino”) encourages the porters and gives them instructions on how to move, and each and every step they must take. The porters make a stop and a turn around at selected spots along the way.

Seeing the Macchina di Santa Rosa festival, a UNESCO intangible heritage, is a thrilling experience. The show itself is stunning, but the atmosphere is simply magical, and happy.

Locals from Viterbo and the surrounding towns and villages start crowding the streets in the morning hours, waiting for the saint to pass. All the while, they sing songs, they cheer, and they laugh.

What’s even more special is how attached the younger generations are to the tradition: the vast majority of those along the streets are students. 

To participate in the celebrations, you can try to purchase tickets for one of the official seats along the way: these are sold on the website of the Comune di Viterbo (the city’s municipality).

However, they sell out really fast as there are a lot of requests. Alternatively, simply do what the locals do: wait along the itinerary for the statue to pass, or book yourself into a restaurant that has a terrace.

Join a Traditional Pachamama Meal in Peru

Lynli Roman of Wander Big

As a tourist, it can be hard to join cultural experiences without changing the experience. However, Peru’s traditional Pachamama meal is a meal meant to include guests and travelers.

Traditionally, a Pachamama meal is a traditional Andean feast celebrated in the Andean regions of South America, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

It is both a culinary experience and a sacred ceremonial meal that honors Pachamama, the Andean goddess of the Earth and fertility. Travelers to Peru can arrange, via guide services or private hosts, to partake in a Pachamama meal hosted in their honor.

Typically, a Pachamama for travelers introduces guests to the history, the preparation, the unique cooking method, and- of course – enjoying the meal with a host family and community members.

A Pachamama meal typically includes roasted meats like pork, chicken, lamb, beef, or goat, along with indigenous ingredients such as Peruvian potatoes, beans, corn, and chilis.

All ingredients are buried underground in a coal-lined pit with herbs unique to Peru. These herbs, which flavor the entire meal, are difficult or impossible to grow outside the climate and altitude of the Andean region. Because of this, the Pachamama is truly a meal and a cultural experience unique to travel.

Ollantaytambo, Peru – near Machu Picchu- is a prime location for this experience, surrounded by the beautiful Andes Mountains. You can arrange to join a Peruvian family for a Pachamama meal through local Airbnb experiences or by connecting with the community. 

Take Part in Boun Lai Heua Fai in Luang Prabang, Laos

Eva of Trevallog

Boun Lai Heua Fai, also known as the Festival of Light Boats, is an important festival in Luang Prabang. It marks the end of the rainy season and Buddhist Lent (a 3-month period of monastic seclusion and meditation during the rainy season).

On the days leading up to the festival, Lao people are busy building and decorating giant boats made of wood skeletons and paper. On the festival day, these boats are lit up at dusk and paraded through the town, starting from Wat Mai and ending at the Mekong River near Wat Xieng Thong.

Then, the boats are launched onto the Mekong River and ceremonially set on fire as offerings to the spirits. It is hoped that the nagas (water spirits) will bring good luck to the residents.

In addition, flower offerings will also be scattered onto the river to prevent bad luck and to thank the water spirits.

Boun Lai Heua Fai takes place every year around October. The actual day varies each year. Before you book your flight, do check the Laos Tourism website for the actual day.

To participate in the festival, simply turn up at the main street near Wat Mai at 5.30 pm. No registration is required. The parade won’t start until it gets dark at about 7 pm, so you might want to have an early dinner.

Boun Lai Heua Fai is a very memorable cultural experience for me, and I highly recommend that you visit Luang Prabang in October to experience this festival!

Witness Crocodile Dance in Papua New Guinea’s Sepik River

Patricia from Ze Wandering Frogs

Attending a Crocodile dance performance in the Yenchen Village along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea is a window into millennia-old traditions that are very much still alive today in this remote Asian country.

One such strong tradition is the importance of the crocodile as a symbol in everyday life. Physically present in the Sepik River, one of the longest in New Guinea island, the animal is present everywhere in the local culture and traditions.

Many young men undergo a month-long initiation process, including skin scarification that recreates crocodile skin. Crocodile spirits, together with pigs and eagles, are considered the strongest.

The Crocodile dance reflects the commitment of the Sepik River villagers, where the whole village of Yenchen – men, women, and kids – dressed in traditional clothes to dance on the drum bits around the manmade-crocodile figure.

Each costume is crafted locally, using straws, beads, and other natural elements. Every year, the Sepik River Crocodile Festival comes to celebrate this revered creature, gathering people from different villages.

While visiting the Sepik River for the festival is a sure way to appreciate the costumes and performances diversity, traveling to the Sepik River‘s nearby rugged villages is the way to learn about these ancestral traditions.

Meeting with the villagers, talking about their traditions and the clans, and how their livelihood depends on the Sepik River, is a lifetime trip. Given its remote location, it’s best to hire a local guide who can take you to the villages by boat, the only way to move around in the Sepik River region.

Take a Backstrap Loom Weaving Course in Guatemala

Bella of Passport & Pixels

Everywhere you go in Guatemala you see Indigenous Maya women wearing gorgeous traditional dresses: the brightly-colored handwoven huipil (blouse) and corte (long skirt).

This attire is a fundamental part of Maya culture in Guatemala; every town has its own traditional designs and colors, and you can tell what town or cultural group a person is from by the clothes they wear. 

All these clothes are hand-woven using the traditional art of backstrap loom weaving, an ancient Maya practice that dates back at least 1000 years. A backstrap loom is essentially made from strips of wood with the threads of the fabric strung between them.

One end of the apparatus is hung from a pole or ceiling and the other is tied around the woman’s waist to create tension in the threads. 

Around the western highlands areas of Guatemala, weaving co-operatives run tours and workshops so you can discover this ancient art and learn how to do it yourself.

At Trama Textiles in Quetzaltenango, you can do anything from a one-day class where you make a small square of fabric, to a multi-day course to learn how to make a shawl or table runner.

All the courses are run by local Maya women so you know your money is going to support the local community and preserve this beautiful heritage.

Celebrate the Sacred Semana Santa in Spain

Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

Semana Santa is one of the most significant traditional events in Spain. It takes place during Easter, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

During the next 7 to 8 days, you can expect religious processions in the city center of major cities at all times, even in the evening and early morning.

See beautiful floats representing important religious events, like The Last Supper, listen to live music bands that play at the rhythm of the parade, and experience the passionate atmosphere of those who believe and celebrate Easter.

The floats are impressive and crafted to detail. They are carried by men that belong to that specific brotherhood.

Although you can experience these religious processions across the country, Southern Spain, particularly Malaga, and Seville, are known for their impressive parades.

Holy Week is one of the best celebrations in Malaga, so there’s no surprise that people from around the country and the world come to see this important event.

If you are a foodie, you will also enjoy dishes that are typical of Easter in Spain. For example, you can try the potaje de vigilia (a chickpea, cod, spinach, and egg stew) and torrijas (Spanish-style French Toast).

Whether you are a believer or not, it is worth experiencing this cultural event.

Join a Wine Tasting Tour in Kakheti, Georgia

Annelies of Travelers & Dreamers

Located in Eastern Georgia, The Kakheti region is famous for its centuries-old wine-making traditions. It is often referred to as the cradle of Georgian wine and these centuries-old traditions date back to 6000 BC.

Traditional wine-making in Kakheti involves the use of qvevri. Qvevri are large clay pots that get buried under the ground, giving Georgian wine its distinct flavor and character. This ancient wine-producing method has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

These unique traditions in Kakheti have been passed down from generation to generation and are still shaping the region’s viticulture and winemaking today.

Most travelers to Georgia only visit the capital of Tbilisi and explore the Caucasus mountains around Kazbegi and Mestia but, for proper cultural aficionados, Kakheti is the place to be.

The best places to start your trip in Georgia’s wine region are Telavi or Sighnaghi or, if you’re short on time, you can also arrange day trips starting from Tbilisi.

There are various ways to explore the region. On offer are multi-day wine tours or you can also just visit a few wineries at your own pace. Tours especially are a popular activity, allowing you to visit vineyards and wineries, sample a wide range of wines often accompanied by local delicacies, and learn about the traditional winemaking process.

Be aware though that the quality of tours can vary greatly. Eat This Tours is a reputable tour company offering tours starting from Tbilisi.

Learn Capoeira in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Anita from Anita Beyond The Sea

If you’re looking for a meaningful experience that dives deep into the rich cultural heritage of Salvador de Bahia, Capoeira classes are an absolute must-try. Originating in Brazil, Capoeira is a unique martial art that seamlessly blends elements of dance, acrobatics, and music.

Its roots can be traced back to the African slaves who used it as a form of resistance against their captors. Today, Capoeira holds great significance in the local culture and serves as a powerful symbol of freedom and unity.

Taking part in a class it’s indeed an incredible experience! As you learn to move gracefully following an intricate technique, you’ll also learn about the struggles that have shaped the city’s identity.

Salvador de Bahia was one of the biggest slavery harbors in the Americas and its story is about oppression and freedom at the same time.

The vibrant rhythms of Afro-Brazilian music played on traditional instruments like the berimbau and pandeiro, will guide your movement through their rhythm.

To truly embrace this art form, head to one of the many renowned Capoeira schools or academies scattered throughout the city center, especially in the Pelhourinho area.

These establishments, often led by skilled mestres (masters), offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Engaging with knowledgeable instructors and fellow students will not only enhance your Capoeira skills but also provide valuable insights into the culture and history of Salvador de Bahia.

Feast on Traditional Turkish Breakfast

Izzy of The Gap Decaders

Breakfast, called kahvaltı in Turkish, is an important ritual in Turkish cuisine, and the name means ‘coffee and before’ – kahve being coffee and alti, before. Simply, the food you have before coffee.

A traditional Turkish breakfast is meant to be enjoyed leisurely and the table should be laden with bread, pancakes, eggs, cheeses, fruit, honey, and olives. We were lucky enough to experience this in a remote tea café near Çifteköprü in the tea-growing Rize region of Türkiye.

Yaşar, our host and the owner of Odun Ateşinde Çay, the Tea by the Wood Fire café, cooked us up a fantastic Turkish feast after we’d spent the night parked in our truck outside!

As the tea or çay (pronounced chai) brewed, a ritual in itself in Türkiye, Yaşar set about making his signature potatoes, cooked in the wood-fired oven with a secret variety of spices. Fresh bread and gözleme (pancakes) had arrived from the local bakery.

Yaşar then instructed us on the correct way to make tea, using tea leaves grown on his own tea plantation. In Türkiye it is common to stew the tea for at least 20 minutes before mixing with boiling water to taste, and serving black with a good spoon of sugar!

Then came the magic! Yaşar made muhlama on the stovetop, a melted cheese and cornmeal dish that is popular along the Black Sea coast. The delicious mixture is cooked in sahan, a copper pan with two handles, and stirred frequently until the cheese and corn are silky smooth.

Eggs were quickly cooked in a smaller sahan and served together with the melted cheese and potatoes, along with bread and pancakes to soak up all the flavors, and small black olives, with a really intense flavor.

Over breakfast, Yaşar shared stories of his life in this remote and beautiful park of Türkiye, and then we drank the all-important coffee from a copper cezve, so thick and strong we knew we’d have no problems staying awake on our long drive!

Get a Traditional Tribal Tattoo in the Philippines

Katherine of Tara Lets Anywhere

Up in the mountains of Buscalan Village in Kalinga, Philippines, you will find a small community home to the indigenous group of the Butbut Tribe. Here you can also find Apo Whang Od, who at over 100 years old is considered the last mambabatok (or hand-tapped tattoo artist).

Visiting the village, you can get a traditional tribal tattoo of your choosing, enjoy the view of the rice terraces, and immerse yourself in the daily lives of its residents.

The Butbut Tribe is one of the 30+ ethnic groups in the Cordillera Region in the Philippines. Tribal tattoos are a huge part of their culture. In the past, tribal warriors would earn a tattoo by killing an enemy.

For women, it was a decoration – a sign of beauty, fertility, and wealth since tattoos were expensive at that time. Currently, Apo Whang Od is the only mambabatok remaining in the village.

Traditionally, this skill is passed down through families, but since Apo Whang Od is childless, she has taught other women in the village including her niece the art of tattooing as well.

From Manila, you need to take an overnight bus to Bontoc and then trek up in the mountains to reach the village.

There are different tattoos that you can get. You will be given a book filled with designs, usually symbols for nature including the sun, moon, river, and so on.

Travelers who get the tattoo are encouraged not to look at it merely as a souvenir but also as an appreciation of a once-dying culture in the country.

Stay at a Traditional Ryokan in Japan

Sarah of A Social Nomad

There are many cultural experiences that are unique to Japan (after all, it’s one of the best cultural tourism destinations in the world), but staying in a traditional Japanese Inn, a Ryokan, really is one of the most special cultural Japanese experiences you can have.

Ryokans have been around since the Edo period (1603-1838) when they were used by Japanese travelers going between Tokyo and Kyoto. The concept of a ryokan is that after a hard day of travel, you retire to your traditional Japanese room, and relax there.

A traditional ryokan experience usually involves staying in a room with tatami mats and has long and elaborate dining experiences. While you may have a private toilet, it’s usual that there is a shared onsen (hot spring) bath.

Private onsen baths are available at the best Ryokans. You’ll find a larger number of ryokans in traditional spa towns-and ryokans in towns like Kinosaki Onsen town where you can experience a specific local dining experience are a gloriously special place to stay.

Truly embracing the Ryokan experience is the best way to get the most out of it.  So wearing the yukata – the traditional Japanese robe, and sleeping on a seriously comfortable futon on the tatami mat floor is part of the experience.

Stay at a Casa Particular in Cuba

Sarah of Cubas Best

Casa Particulars in Cuba is a term used to describe privately owned accommodation rented out to tourists. Casa Particulars came about in the late 1990s following the “special period of economic pressure” in Cuba, when families struggled to eat.

At this time Cubans began renting rooms out in their houses. The phrase Casa Particular translates as “Private House” and this is the term that became common use. While it was illegal at first, the Cuban government legitimized it in 1997. And now? They’re one of the best ways of having a truly Cuban cultural experience.

Most of the hotels in Cuba are state-run, with government-employed staff.  In a Casa Particular, you’ll say either with a family or in part of their house. You’ll also benefit from the additional services that Casa Particular owners provide- from amazing breakfasts (which are truly incredible) to amazing dinners, to local knowledge, taxis, and seriously good local knowledge.

In Cuba, local knowledge and experience is the key to getting around easily, having a good time, and truly having a local experience. Staying in a Casa Particular is a huge part of that!

Get to Know the Himba Tribe at the Ovahimba Living Museum in Namibia

Alya of Stingy Nomads

Visiting the Himba tribe in Namibia is one of the best ways of getting to know the indigenous people inhabiting the country for several centuries.

Himba tribes are spread across Northern Namibia. The ancestors of the Himba were the Herero people who came to Namibia from Angola in search of better pasture fields for their livestock. Sometime later, under the influence of the new environment, they evolved into a new tribe. 

Himba are semi-nomadic people. Their livelihood depends on livestock and gathering plants. Living in the harsh arid region Himba developed unique ways of dealing with the constant lack of water.

They don’t use water for personal hygiene, instead, they wash themselves with smoke. To protect their skin from the sun and insects Himba people use special ochre pigment which explains the specific color of their skin. 

Ovahimba Living Museum is one of the best places in Namibia to see an authentic Himba tribe. The project is run by a member of the tribe. The Himba people living in the village maintain the original lifestyle which includes living in authentic huts and wearing traditional clothes made of goatskin.

It’s not an artificial village set for tourists with dress-up people. During your visit to the village, you’ll learn about the Himba way of living, visit their houses, watch them making fire, and prepare food. It’s possible to camp at Ovahimba Living Museum so you can spend a couple of days with the Himba people.

Tour Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave) in Belize

Janice of Gather and Go Travel

One of the most frequently recommended things to do in inland Belize is to tour Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, also known as ATM Cave, an approximately 45-minute drive east of San Ignacio. And for a good reason—its appeal is twofold—adventurous and deeply cultural. 

Used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial and sacrificial purposes for nearly 1000 years ending in 1000 AD, this cave was not fully explored by a team of professionals until the late 1980s and opened to the public about ten years later. 

To explore it—and this is where the adventure comes in—you must book a tour with one of a limited number of specially trained and licensed guides to wade and swim across a river three times and hike along a jungle trail until you come to the cave entrance. 

Then strapping on headlamps, you follow your guide into the cave single-file for more swimming, wading, and scrambling through watery caverns— until you reach a living museum deep in the site, rich with ancient remnants of Mayan priest sacrificial rites.

Book an ATM tour through a company like Viator or Get Your Guide, or ask your local lodging manager for a company they recommend. Top operators include Indulge in Amazing Nature Tours, MayaWalk Tours, and Cayo Inland Expeditions.

Know before you go that you must leave phones or cameras behind in your tour vehicle, as photography and video are not allowed in the ATM Cave for safety and site preservation reasons.

Experience Classic Finnish Sauna Culture

Amber of Amber Everywhere

The origins of Finnish saunas date back potentially thousands of years when wood-fired smoke saunas were fashioned out of wood and animal pelts. Today, saunas are such an integral part of Finnish culture that most Finns have their first sauna experiences as babies.

In Finland, saunas are heated by löyly – the steam released by pouring water on hot stones.

Finns see the sauna as a way of cleansing the body and the mind, offering them a way to embrace inner peace and celebrate their connection with nature.

Bathers traditionally alternate between sitting in a hot sauna, which is usually heated to 65–105 °C (149–221 °F), and cooling off in the snow or a cold body of water. 

You can experience a Finnish sauna almost anywhere in the country – there are more saunas in Finland than cars. Most hotels and hostels will have saunas available, or you can try a public sauna. 

Most of the saunas you’ll see in Finland are electric, but there are also traditional smoke saunas.

A smoke sauna is traditionally constructed in a small wooden structure without any lighting, so Finns sit together in the dark and soak in the slightly smokey heat. 

If you want to try a traditional smoke sauna near Helsinki, try Cafe Kuusijärvi. After you warm up in the sauna, you can walk outside and jump directly into a lake using the specially designed docks. Finish your visit the traditional way with a snack and a coffee in the cafe.

Explore Ancient Ruins at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

Daniel of North Carolina Travel Guides

Exploring the an