The Secret to Experiencing Culture Like a Local

Last week, one of my travel videos on social media performed exceptionally well. While I have some theories about why this particular video resonated with viewers more than others, social media engagement can be unpredictable — you just have to keep creating content consistently.

Here's the deal: I don't think this video was one of my better works. It makes me wonder about finding the right balance between entertainment and substance.

Believe it or not, I recently watched someone give an engaging presentation about IT security protocols — if they could make that topic entertaining, I know I can create compelling travel content!

As always, I welcome your feedback on both my videos and this newsletter — your suggestions help make this content better!

Let's jump in.

We all seek those special cultural experiences that seem to happen by chance, but they don’t just materialize out of nowhere. Think of them like probabilities—there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of experiencing them.

And believe me, you want them to happen because they can make your trip unforgettable. Some of my best travel memories have come from these spontaneous events.

So, here's how you can increase your chances:
 

1. Attend Local Events: Look for cultural festivals and local gatherings by searching for events in the area during your planned visit. You can find these through websites, local newspapers, or tourist information centers. People tend to be more welcoming during these events and eager to share their traditions. Just remember to verify opening hours and availability before making plans.
 

2. Travel with an Outgoing Person: Everyone has that one friend or family member who easily makes friends with everyone they meet. Bring them along on your trip - you'll have a much better chance of connecting with locals. I'm naturally a bit introverted, so when I travel with my brother, I bully encourage him to start conversations with new people. It works perfectly!

3. Connect with Locals or Expats: This is like finding the holy grail. Locals and expats offer unique perspectives and often speak multiple languages, making them invaluable guides. You can meet them through friends, study abroad programs, or platforms like Couchsurfing. They'll not only show you the best local spots but often introduce you to their friends, opening doors to even more authentic experiences.
 

4. Learn the Language: Learning the local language might seem intimidating, but it's worth the effort—the more you speak it, the more people will welcome you into their community. While locals often see non-speakers as outsiders, even a simple attempt to speak their language can open doors. Though ‘Merican is my native language, I'm currently learning Spanish and always make sure to learn a few key phrases wherever I travel.

Bonus Tips:

• Be ready to say "yes" and adapt your plans spontaneously.

Try these tips and let me know how they work for you.

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

If you could instantly learn one language for travel, which would it be and why?

Cocktail of the Week

The Winter Warmer cocktail originated in the United Kingdom and was created as a cozy, comforting drink to help beat the chill of cold winter nights. It blends warm, spicy flavors with a rich, boozy base, making it a perfect drink for chilly weather.

Winter Warmer Cocktail Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz (45 ml) dark rum
• 1 oz (30 ml) hot apple cider
• ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish)
• 1-2 cloves (for garnish)
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Warm the apple cider: Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan or microwave until warm (not boiling).
2. Mix the drink: In a heatproof glass, combine the dark rum, fresh lemon juice, and honey.
3. Add the hot cider: Pour the warm apple cider into the glass, stirring gently to combine the ingredients.
4. Garnish: Add a cinnamon stick, cloves, and a twist of orange peel to the drink.

Random Travel Thought

One can never have enough tripods.

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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