Family holidays are more than just opportunities to have fun and spend quality family time together. They can also teach children about other cultures, and how people from different countries live and celebrate festivities.
Travel during Festivals or Religious Holidays
One of the best ways to experience another culture is to travel to that country during a big festival or religious holiday. That’s when traditional customs, foods and attire will be most conspicuous. A quick Internet search or calling a travel agent will provide the relevant information. Once the desired festivity date is found, plan the holiday around it. Do note that in some countries, a festival’s time may vary from year to year. You can find some fab tourist gems of Asia looking for religious festivals.
Have Meals with Local Families
Local dishes are a big part of a culture. So if possible, try to get a family to have at least one meal with a local family. This is easily arranged if the family is travelling to a country in which they have friends. They may even get to enjoy homestays with their friends. Alternatively, ask the travel agent if it’s possible to arrange meals with local families. This is certainly better than being served hotel food often very different from what the locals eat daily.
Visit Local Markets
If the family is visiting a less developed country, a trip to the local market can be very educational for both children and adults alike. Many countries in Asia, Africa and South America have very different markets from those in developed countries.
In Thailand, for instance, there are floating markets where fruits and vegetables are sold on boats. In Malaysia, there are many night markets in which food, groceries, household items and even clothes are sold in open markets at night. In Hong Kong and predominantly Chinese countries, traders sell their wares along both sides of selected streets at specific times of the day. Prices of goods can often be bargained. All the shopping and marketing experiences will leave a lasting impression on kids who’ve enjoyed them.
Stay in the middle of the locals.
Using sites like Trusted Housesitters, allow you to stay in someone’s house for free in exchange for looking after their house or pets. It’s a fab way to stay within the local community. The annual membership cost is similar to a one-night stay in a hotel, so well worth the money, and you can apply for as many house sits as you like throughout the year.
Be Respectful of other Cultures and Beliefs
There are stark differences in cultures and beliefs between countries. What is acceptable or even fun in one country may be offensive and rude in another. So this is a good opportunity to teach children to be respectful of other cultures and beliefs no matter where they are. Witnessing first-hand of what is considered right or not right will teach children they have to behave accordingly when in the company of others who do not share their culture and beliefs.
Cultural experiences through travel will definitely enrich the lives of children. Make the best of family holidays abroad by using them to teach children about other cultures. This can be achieved by travelling during festivals or religious holidays, having meals with local families and visiting local markets. It’s also a good way to teach children to be respectful of other cultures and beliefs.
Cristina Petrini says
Having to deal with everything that is local is what excites me most when it comes to taking a holiday and enjoying it. From eating to confronting people.
chad says
How i miss traveling!!! I mostly miss visiting the local markets, we do that often when we visit a new city.
Yeah Lifestyle says
I agree, when we travel we love to eat local food, visit the local markets and always ask the locals where to go. I find this is the best way to get to know the people and their culture
Catherine says
I agree with you traveling is a great learning experience too. I look forward to traveling again!