The main attraction when traveling doesn’t always have to be a theme park, beach or ski resort. There are little pockets of history and local flavor that often leave the most lasting impression on the tourist. When you plan your trip, make sure to leave time to explore culture as you travel. Whether you take a road trip or fly to a certain destination, you may find more entertainment in those little bits of history and local flavor than you will on a roller coaster.
Road Trips are Best
The best way to make traveling a cultural experience is to take a road trip. From town to town, the culture can change. For cultural diversity, the Deep South is one of the best experiences. Its history is rich with it’s many settlers’ influences. The Spanish, French, German, Eastern European, Scottish, Irish and African peoples turned this region into a cultural melting pot that is spirited and proud. Each little town you travel through will have a proud display of their history. Try the local foods. Visit the local variety store. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce and find the attractions. Spend a little time talking to the locals.
Food is Culture
If you were to start in South Texas and head towards South Carolina, you would easily pass through six culinary cultures. You would have breakfast in a Mexican food joint. Lunch would be a Texas cultural favorite. Chicken fried steak. Dinner might happen in Louisiana with some hot Cajun cooking. How about some French pastries for breakfast. For lunch, the culture is decidedly African American. Soul food is a serious Southern culinary attraction. Try some Memphis bar-b-que. Make your way to Charleston, South Carolina and enjoy some high end cuisine before exploring the state’s rich history. The food will be a gateway to explore the deeper culture your travels will serve up. Southerners always share their information and celebrations over good food.