Holidays are for relaxing and treating yourself, though nothing makes a holiday more meaningful than learning something new. If you are someone who enjoys learning about different cultures, it can be hard to know where to start. The following five places are perfect for the traveller wanting to combine a relaxing holiday with learning about a different culture.
Fiji
Known as being home to some of the world’s friendliest people, this tropical wonderland is the perfect place to stay in paradise and learn about the locals. Fijians are quite a relaxed people and their society reflects a combination of traditional culture and a strong focus on community and the family. Eating and dancing are a big part of the lifestyle here, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself welcomed into their communities and their homes. Fiji holiday packages sometimes offer the option of doing a home stay with a local family, which will allow you to get a close up look at how life really is for these friendly giants.
Indonesia
Located on multiple trading routes for hundreds of years, Indonesian culture has evolved into a mix of many different cultures. A combination of Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism and Hinduism, the culture here varies a lot from region to region, with one of the best ways of experiencing the culture being through the local music. The instruments themselves showcase the mixed culture, ranging from the Portugese style ukulele, the Kroncong, to the West Timor split leaf instrument that is kind of like a harp.
Base yourself in one of the opulent Jimbaran hotels and explore, you will find something different at every turn, as there is definitely no one main type of Indonesian culture.
Japan
For a culture that is extraordinary in both its ancient and modern manifestations, Japan will leave you reeling. One of the best ways to examine Japanese culture is through their art. Calligraphy, painting, sculpture and woodblock prints all showcase the history and traditions of this proud nation, and a great way to try and get your head around the culture is to take a class in Ukiyo-e, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging. To get a taste of the more modern cultural elements, you just need to walk around the streets of Tokyo and check out the fashion and style of the youth. Perhaps as a rebellion against the more conservative traditions of their elders, the youth seem to have exploded with colour and radical style. The contrast really is something to see.
The world is an incredible place, and it’s easy to forget that things are very different depending on where you go. Knowing a little about the way other people view the world and their relationships, is a great way to make your self think about why you do the things you do. We can all certainly learn things from each other, and the sooner we learn to acknowledge and respect cultural differences, the sooner we’ll be able to appreciate that there is strength in those differences.
About the author
Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He’s published more than 500 articles about various topics, including Fiji and Indonesia holidays.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
