Who else is planning their post-COVID-19 getaway? We certainly are. With so much time on our hands at the moment, it is proving the ideal time to research the perfect destination. For some people, it’s a European city break. Some it’s an all-inclusive resort where you will be waited on hand and foot. And for others, it’s getting off the grid and back to nature. For others, however, they want something different. This could be a cultural getaway where they can explore places that cannot be found in the glossy pages of a travel brochure and are still relatively undiscovered.
Here are 5 destinations perfect for a cultural getaway. Each offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and traditions of them.
Havana, Cuba
Here you can find many places of entertainment and there are many things you should try in Cuba such as the world-famous Cuban cigars. You can also take them with you as souvenirs for your friends. You can choose from cohiba bhk 56, cohiba siglo i or trinidad robusto t as a perfect gift for your friends.
If architecture and history are your things that a trip to Havana, Cuba needs to be high on your bucket list. This is particularly because the historic centre of the city and fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With a mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Deco buildings across the city culture vultures are rewarded with a visual treat. Key buildings include The Havana Cathedral, Aldama Palace, the National Capitol Building and the Edificio Bacardi.
For history buffs and people wanting to find out more about the history of Havana, it is also home to several historic landmarks. These include Fortress San Carlos de la Cabana, El Morro Castle, Great Theatre of Havana and Christ of Havana. Havana is also the perfect place to visit if you have an interest in Che Guevara and the Cuban Revolution. There are several specialist tours available in the city.
Add into the mix a lively nightlife, many festivals and carnivals, a range of Havana casas and of course the opportunity to take a ride in a vintage car, Havana is a great destination for a cultural getaway.
Madagascar
With influences from Southeast Asia, East Africa, Arabia, India, Britain, French and Chinese, Madagascar has a mixture of cultures. Some of which are more evident than others in certain parts of the island. The Malagasy language (of Malayo-Polynesian origin) is spoken across the island.
Madagascar is still considered to be an undiscovered African holiday destination. Therefore, you may feel more comfortable with a local guide. Meaning the money that you spend on your travels stays in the local economy. Also, their local and first-hand travel knowledge means you get to see the real Madagascar.
This island located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa is on many people’s bucket lists. And the main reason? Because of its animal inhabitants. There are several fascinating creatures that you can only find in Madagascar. These include the Panther Chameleon, Tomato frog and Sifaka, amongst others.
Greenland
Did you know Greenland is the world’s largest island? Located between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, it is a rugged, vast and relatively unpopulated country. Classed as a Nordic country (as a constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark), Scandanavian influence is evident.
In Greenland, you will find deep fjords, glaciers, Viking settlements, towering mountains and witness the Northern Lights if your visit falls at the right time. It is the perfect place if you want to get back to nature but still enjoy an adventure. This is because numerous experiences such as mountain biking, alpine kayaking and heli-hiking are on offer.
Greenland is also home to many animals. These include polar bears, muskoxen, humpback whales, walruses, sea eagles and reindeer together with Arctic wolves, stoats, Arctic lemmings and the rare wolverine. Therefore, if you want to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, Greenland is the place to go.
Nepal
Located in South-East Asia, sandwiched between China and India, Nepal is on a lot of people’s bucket lists who are looking for a cultural getaway. With terai (marshy jungle ) and the flat river plains of the Ganges in the south of the country and hills and mountains of the Himalayas in the north, if you are looking for adventure, Nepal has a lot to offer.
If you want to experience a traditional festival during your visit, Dashain (The great harvest festival of Nepal) is Nepal’s most important. It is held annually across the country in September/October. The festival is held to honour the Goddess Durga who was created out of the shakti or energy of all the gods, through prayers and offerings. It ends on the day of the full moon.
Located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas stands the world’s highest mountain – Mount Everest. Climbing Mount Everest is both physically and mentally challenging. Serious preparation and training must be carried out before attempting it. It is also costly, with some agencies charging more than $45,000. But what an achievement!
Peru
From the native Incas, Spanish conquistadors and settlers, Peru’s culture have been shaped to what it is today with a vibrant mix of Hispanic and native traditions. This vibrancy can be seen in the traditional dress of Peru too. Woman’s traditional dress includes lliclla (a type of cape), chumpi (belt), jobona (wool jacket). Men’s traditional dress includes poncho and chullo (hat).
The different influences – Spanish, Asian, Incan and European are evident in the food on offer in Peru. It is often referred to as Criolla or Creole food. Dishes are based heavily on meat (beef, lamb and chicken) together with potatoes, beans, rice and eggs and chillis. Some tasty Peruvian dishes you must try include ceviche (seafood dish), Lomo Saltado (Stir-Fry Beef) and Aji de Gallina (Creamy Chicken).
Many people add Peru to their bucket lists because of the Incan citadel high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was “discovered” in 1911 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. It is a popular destination for people who want a challenging insight into Incan culture. Machu Picchu is often busiest between 11 am and 3 pm. Therefore if you would like to escape the crowds, if possible you should visit either at dawn or dusk.
Where will your next cultural getaway be?
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