Cultural Immersion Travel

All destinations can have unique cultural experiences incorporated into a visit, but some places truly shine for their immersiveness in a way of life so different from traditional Western culture. We love these destinations for families seeking that type of experience.

Japan

While Tokyo has a reputation for being a bit cartoonish and over the top (think Hello Kitty cafes), its modern and high-tech neighborhoods butt right up against ancient temples. Hop on a bullet train to Kyoto, where you can stay in traditional ryokans and wander the ancient streets. Families love Japanese cooking classes like sushi preparation or noodle making.

Cuba

Travel restrictions have limited tourism here, but more and more families are discovering that a trip to Cuba is incredibly meaningful for children. Salsa dancing lessons, rides in vintage cars and pickup soccer games with local children offset the more serious moments.

China

With a population well over 1 billion, Chinese culture is incredibly important around the world. Mandarin language lessons, hiking the Great Wall and wandering the night markets are all fun for families. Consider traveling to more remote regions in addition to the big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

Peru

Families feel like true global explorers on a trip to Peru. Sipping mate de coca will not only help with altitude sickness, but also will immerse you in the cuisine. We encourage clients to do easy hikes through farm fields so as to experience the communal farming practices that are the foundation of the indigenous peoples.

Morocco

With its melting pot of African, European and Middle Eastern influences, a trip to Morocco is like checking off three regions in one. Culinary experiences are key here, with market food tasting tours and dining in local homes high on most families’ wish lists.

Vietnam

This southeast Asian country holds a lot of intrigue for Westerners, but it is important to get away from the typical tourist paths for true Vietnamese cultural immersion. Instead of visiting the water puppet shows that teem with foreigners, go to a traditional water puppet artist’s home and get a hands-on lesson. Lunch in Buddhist convents, day trips to rural villages and paddling the sleepy back canals of the Mekong Delta are also quite memorable.

Israel

As the birthplace of three major world religions, Israel ranks high for cultural and historical significance. Families can tour temples, mosques and cathedrals, as well as ancient Roman ruins and Arabian fortresses. Indulging in robust Israeli breakfasts and hummus tasting experiences keep everyone energized for full days of sightseeing.

Note that immersive vacations in exotic cultures can be very intimidating to plan. For example, parents need to assess safety, determine whether an experience or hotel is truly kid-friendly and figure out how to accommodate picky eaters.

This is when Ciao Bambino’s well-traveled advisors prove invaluable. Planning culturally enriching trips for families is our specialty. We take all the headaches out of the planning process by offering our firsthand knowledge and pro travel tips. We handle basics, like suggesting what to pack, and take care of considerations like finding the private guides who’ll be most engaging with children.

Cultural immersion does not have to mean roughing it, either; families appreciate touches of luxury perhaps more than usual when traveling to remote parts of the world. Our Virtuoso accreditation means we have access to experiences not available to the general public. This high level of care makes everyone feel more relaxed and confident, especially when traveling far out of your comfort zone, and leaves you to fully appreciate the culture you came all this way to witness and enjoy.