Here are my 10 tips for being a more culturally sensitive traveler. But what does it mean to be a culturally sensitive traveler?
I’ve been traveling around Asia and Europe for the last couple of years. I know each place and country is unique. They have different customs and traditions. As a traveler, I never wanted to offend the locals.
I think it’s important for us to understand the local culture and customs. That’s why I’ve gathered all my best tips in this article.
Basically, being a culturally sensitive traveler means being polite and respectful to the people and places you’re traveling to and being mindful so that you don’t offend the locals or bring a negative impact on the environment.
If you are culturally sensitive, you are giving a good impact on the locals, and they will be happy to see more tourists.
Keep reading to get the best tips for being a more culturally sensitive traveler.
1 – Do some research before you go
Before getting on that plane to that exotic destination, take some time to research the country’s culture, customs, and traditions. This will help you to understand the people and the way of life in the country you’re visiting.
The easiest way is using Google.
Normally I do my research on Google and save some website pages or blogs that I found helpful. I can always check back anytime when I’m already in the country.
Another way is Youtube. I search for some videos about the culture and customs and what things to be aware of. You can also read some books. (For me, blog posts and Youtube were enough)
For me, it’s important to be aware of any cultural norms or taboos, so I don’t accidentally offend anyone.
2 – Dress appropriately
Research the dress code before you go, and pack accordingly. Different cultures have different dress codes, and it’s essential to dress appropriately.
In some countries, it’s necessary to cover your head or wear long pants and sleeves. In other countries, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear shorts and a t-shirt.
My advice is to try to blend in with the locals. See how they dress up and adjust accordingly. For example, as an Indonesian, I can tell you that aside from Bali, Indonesia is pretty conservative. The locals don’t even wear bikinis when going to the beach or pools.
Btw, if you’re planning to visit Bali for the first time, you might want to check out my complete guide to Bali for first-timers!
3 – Learn the local language
This is a fun part! I’m always interested in languages, so I make sure I learned how to say “hello” and “thank you“. And see if I can go beyond that. If I find the language to be interesting to learn, then I will try to learn with Duolingo. It’s a free app to learn a foreign language.
You might be wondering about the word “please”. Yes, you should also learn that. But in most Asian countries, like Indonesia, we don’t have the word “please”. We only have the word “help” for (obviously) asking for help.
Learning the language can also help you avoid any embarrassing misunderstandings. For example, in some languages, the same word can have multiple meanings depending on the tone (like in the Mandarin language in China). You don’t want to say something inappropriate or offensive to the locals!
4 – Respect the local customs
What might be acceptable in your home country may not be acceptable in another. For example, in Bali, it’s impolite to point your feet or finger at someone, and also to touch someone’s head.
If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to ask the locals. I love to have a conversation with the locals as it’s also a great way to show that you’re interested in and respectful of their culture.
5 – Avoid cultural stereotypes
Just because you’ve heard something about a culture, doesn’t mean it’s true for everyone. Take Indonesia for example. The country is multicultural, with 700 different languages and traditions in every region. The culture in Bali is not the same as the culture in Sulawesi or Papua.
Try not to make assumptions or stereotypes about the people you meet. Instead, try to get to know them and their culture.
6 – Be mindful of your behavior
Your behavior as a traveler can have a significant impact on the people you meet. You want to leave a positive impact on the locals.
I’ve seen male tourists driving the scooter without shirts in Bali, or girls wearing bikinis entering and eating at a warung. Seriously, don’t do this. The locals don’t do it, and you shouldn’t, too.
Avoid being disrespectful in public spaces, be aware of the local laws and customs, and follow them accordingly.
7 – Try local food
This is one of my favorite things when traveling to a foreign country. I love eating! And trying local food can be a great way to experience local culture. Normally I search on Google for some recommendations from the locals and try to avoid tourist traps.
The best way is actually to ask the locals for recommendations for places to eat and what kind of food to try. In some cities, you can also take a food tour or even a cooking class!
8 – Shop locally
Instead of going to the malls and buying from huge brands, go shopping locally. It’s another great way to support the local economy and experience the local culture.
I love finding small local shops, boutiques, or brands. Sometimes you can get unique stuff or souvenirs. When you shop locally, you’re not only supporting the local economy, but you’re also helping to preserve the local culture and traditions!
9 – Respect the environment
I think this is another important aspect of being a culturally sensitive traveler. The negative impact of mass tourism has really affected many tourist destinations in Asia such as Bali. I visited Bali during the pandemic, and I was glad that the island could finally “breathe”.
Respecting the environment means being mindful of your impact on the environment. For example, avoid using plastic bags or straws, and try to conserve water and electricity whenever possible.
Additionally, be respectful of local wildlife and natural resources, and avoid activities that harm the environment.
10 – Lastly, be open-minded!
When you travel to a foreign country, you will see and experience a new culture. Some may be overwhelming. transformative, or even disturbing. And you might not always agree with it. But try to be open-minded and try to understand more about the people and the culture. And sometimes, just let them be.
Also, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. You may be surprised at what you discover!
Traveling is an exciting way to learn about new cultures, see beautiful sights, and create unforgettable memories. However, it’s important to remember that as a traveler, you are a guest in someone else’s home, and it’s essential to be respectful and culturally sensitive.
What’s Next?
Every place and country has its own unique culture. If you’re planning to visit Bali, check out my article Best Tips and Guide to Bali Culture.
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