People travel for different reasons.
Some travel with the intention of doing nothing besides laying on the beach for a week or to check something off a bucket list.
Others travel to immerse themselves in a foreign culture. For travelers, we’ve rounded up five destinations for cultural travel.
Machu Picchu, Peru
For those looking to get active on their cultural holiday, Machu Picchu is one of the best destinations – especially as it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Machu Picchu, remaining from the great Inca Empire, is made up of over 150 buildings and is one of the top destinations in Peru.
For adventure travelers, it can be reached via a several-day hike from Cusco but for those looking to visit without a strenuous hike, riding a train is also an option.
Tuscany, Italy
While there is no shortage of cultural experiences throughout Italy, Tuscany, a region in central Italy, is a must-visit.
In Tuscany, visitors can spend a day exploring the many famous museums of Florence and the next riding a bike through the Chianti vineyards and olive gardens before relaxing in a hot spring.
Paris, France
Paris is another European city full of cultural experiences. The city is home to both the Moulin Rouge, the original birthplace of the can-can dance,that hosts shows most nights, and the Louvre, the most visited museum in the world, where visitors can view the original Mona Lisa.
Those interested in history can visit the Cathedral de Notre Dame or Les Invalides and the Luxembourg Gardens often host additional cultural events.
Visiting on your own? Paris is also one of the best cities for solo travel in France!
Agra, India
Agra in India is home to one of the world’s most renowned cultural structures — the Taj Mahal.
Built in 1632 to house the remains of emperor Shah Jahan’s wife, the Taj Mahal has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.
Agra is also home to The Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and the baby Taj so visitors can expand their cultural experience beyond the Taj Mahal.
Santorini, Greece
One of the most visited islands of Greece, Santorini is arguably one of the best places in the world to catch a sunset. It’s where Cousteau looked for the lost city of Atlantis and is actually made up of several islands.
Plus, there are so many great things to do on Santorini. For instance, visitors to the island can immerse themselves in Greek culture by tasting their way through the local villages and sampling everything from cherry tomatoes to “hloró tyrí,” a goat cheese found on the island.
Then they can head to one of the many cultural sites, including Ancient Thira and the Fira Catholic Cathedral before heading down to one of the volcanic beaches.
Need help getting to the island?
Here is how to get from Athens to Santorini by plane and ferry.
What’s your favorite destination for a cultural travel experience?
By Sky Fisher
Santería Elgin is a colourful practice that mixes African traditions with Catholic beliefs. People honour Orishas, which are spirits that represent different parts of life and nature. In Elgin, those who follow Santería take part in rituals, prayers, and offerings to ask for help, healing, and blessings