Learning and appreciating different ways of life has never been more appealing.
Deeper and more meaningful ways of travel give us a chance to see the world from a different perspective.
It helps to form meaningful relationships, and develop new skills. It also benefits local communities and has a lighter impact on the planet. Here are our top 5 cultural connection destinations for 2023.
Guyana, South America
If you’re looking for a place to switch off and reconnect, you need to go to Guyana. With English as its official language, Guyana still attracts very few tourists. But word is spreading about this stunning place – so the time to go is now.
It’s a country committed to sustainable tourism. You can visit safe in the knowledge that your trip is protecting a critical slice of global biodiversity. Almost 80 percent of Guyana is pristine, untouched rainforest. Known for the world’s widest and longest single-drop waterfall, Kaieteur. Four times higher than Niagara Falls, it is among the most powerful waterfalls in the world.
Help out the black caiman researchers at Caiman House in the Rupununi. Head out at night onto the waters of the Rupununi with the researchers. Help catch a caiman and bring it ashore to take measurements, before releasing it back into the water. It’s a thrilling and completely safe experience. Another way of seeing how tourism money is boosting conservation efforts throughout Guyana.
Queensland, Australia
Explore the ancient rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Daintree National Park. The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are managing the national park alongside the government.
If the arts are your thing, pop over to Home of the Arts (HOTA) in Surfers Paradise, a six-story cultural center. It is Australia’s largest public gallery outside a capital city, with art, theatre, cinema, cabaret, dance, comedy, and more.
Ghana, West Africa
Head to Ghana to explore Black heritage. Travel from lush coastlines to dry savanna. Hang out with a fashion-forward crowd in the capital, Accra.
The Upper East Region is the gateway to Ghana from Burkina Faso and Togo. It offers visitors an exciting introduction to Ghana. The Northern Region is much drier because of its proximity to the Sahara. A scene of grasslands, baobab, acacia trees and rare species of flora. This place has wonderful vistas including the Gambaga escarpment and the Nakpanduri cliffs. The Eastern Region is famous for its tropical forests and cascading waterfalls. Boti Falls and the Begoro Waterfall, provide opportunities for long walks and hikes.
New Zealand
Take a trip to Matakana, the Napa Valley of NZ. A charming village with local boutiques and an artisan farmers market. Buy whitebait fritters, Manuka honey, angus steak, rosemary pies and excellent flat whites. Go jet boating, bungee jumping, paragliding or skydiving in Queenstown. It’s known as the nation’s adventure capital with activities for all adrenaline junkies.
Another major attraction is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. A dual UNESCO World Heritage Site regarded as among the top ten single-day treks in the world.
Alaska
Well-known for its snowy mountains, lush rain forests and incredible wildlife. Alaska is also rich in the cultures of Alaska Native peoples. Learn about the traditions that have sustained them for thousands of years: explore dog mushing traditions at the 3 day Open North American Championships. Attend the Festival of Native Arts at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Or join the festivities at Southeast Alaska’s Celebration. One of the largest gatherings of Southeast Alaska Native peoples.
If it’s the vast outdoors you’re after, then try the Denali National Park and Preserve. Or go all out and head off to Glacier Bay National Park, part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site. 3.3 million acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, rainforest, wild coastlines and fjords. Glacier Bay National Park is a highlight of Alaska’s Inside Passage.
