Cultural immersion is a different kind of travel. You're not just ticking a city off a list. The whole point is to actually get under the skin of a place: how people live, what they believe, the small rituals that make a culture what it is. Maybe it's history that pulls you in, maybe food, maybe art. Doesn't really matter which. Travel that leans into local culture tends to stick with you far longer than a resort week ever will, and below I've pulled together what I've learned about doing it well.

  1. Get to know the local culture

Do a bit of homework before you go. Read up on the customs, the traditions, the unwritten rules of etiquette that locals take for granted. In plenty of places you're expected to slip your shoes off before stepping into someone's home. Elsewhere, leaving a tip in a restaurant can actually come across as rude rather than generous. Knowing this stuff ahead of time means you show respect without thinking about it, and you're far less likely to put your foot in it by accident.

  1. Pick up a bit of the language

Learning even a handful of words in the local language changes how people treat you. You don't need to be fluent. A stumbling "hello", "thank you", "how much?" goes a surprisingly long way, and honestly, people warm to you the moment they see you trying. It also makes the practical side of getting around a lot smoother. Take a class if you have time, or just load up a language app on your phone and chip away at it before you fly.

  1. Eat what the locals eat

If you ask me, food is the fastest route into a culture there is. Say yes to things you can't pronounce. Order the dish you don't recognise. Ask the person behind the counter what they'd have, then go to the street stalls and the markets where the food is actually made for the people who live there, not for tourists. And if you get the chance, a cooking class is worth every penny. You come home able to recreate a little piece of the trip in your own kitchen.

  1. Actually talk to people who live there

Nothing beats spending time with the people who call a place home. Book a homestay, or stay with a local family if you can swing it. Turn up to the festivals. Hire a guide who grew up in the area rather than one shipped in for the season. The recommendations you get this way, the little "oh, you have to see this" moments, are the ones you'll never find in a guidebook.

  1. Take part, don't just watch

There's a difference between observing a tradition and being in the middle of it. Sit through a traditional dance performance. Wander into a temple or a small local museum. If you're welcomed to a religious ceremony, go, and go respectfully. It helps to look up what's happening around town while you're there, then build your days around whatever catches your eye rather than following the same route as every other visitor.

Story 1: Japan

Japan pulls off a strange trick, holding onto ancient temples and shrines while running full tilt into its own wild pop culture. James, a software engineer from the United States, gave it two weeks.

"I was blown away by the culture in Japan," James says. "I visited ancient temples, participated in a tea ceremony, and even tried my hand at calligraphy. But what really stood out to me was the food – the sushi, ramen, and udon noodles were some of the best I've ever had."

Story 2: Peru

In Peru the history sits close to the surface, from the Incan ruins up in the mountains down to the crowded sprawl of the cities. Maria, a travel blogger from Brazil, gave it a whole month.

"I loved the cultural activities in Peru," Maria says. "I visited Machu Picchu, participated in a traditional dance performance, and even tried my hand at weaving. But what really stood out to me was the food – the ceviche, quinoa, and chicha morada were all amazing."

Story 3: India

India is a lot, in the best way. Loud, colourful festivals, architecture detailed past the point of belief, and a sheer variety of everything that takes a while to wrap your head around. Priya, a marketing manager from Canada, spent three weeks there.

"I was blown away by the culture in India," Priya says. "I visited the Taj Mahal, participated in a yoga class, and even attended a traditional wedding. But what really stood out to me was the food – the curries, naan