A cultural holiday isn't just a change of scenery — it's a chance to connect deeply with a place and its people. If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing local traditions in a way that feels meaningful, then cultural holidays might be exactly what you’re looking for. These trips go beyond sightseeing. They invite you into the heart of a community.
Whether it’s learning how to cook regional dishes, joining in a local festival, or staying with a family-run guesthouse, there are countless ways to enrich your travels. Here’s how you can experience real culture on your next adventure.
Why Cultural Holidays Offer More Than Just a Trip
When you choose cultural holidays, you're not just ticking off landmarks. You're stepping into the rhythm of everyday life in a new place. This kind of travel offers something more personal — a genuine connection to history, language, and tradition.
You might share meals with locals or discover ancient customs still alive today. These moments create memories that last longer than a photo ever could. Every interaction adds depth to your journey.
Cultural holidays are also a great way to support local communities. By choosing experiences that are rooted in tradition, your travel becomes more responsible.
UNESCO recognises the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage — traditions, rituals, and arts passed through generations. You give back as much as you gain.
Are you ready to travel in a way that really matters?
Participating in Local Festivals
Festivals are the lifeblood of local tradition. They’re colourful, joyful, and often packed with meaning. Whether it’s the lively Feria de Abril in Seville or Thailand’s serene Loy Krathong, these celebrations bring culture to life.
Attending a festival during your trip can be a highlight of your cultural holiday. You’ll hear traditional music, try local street food, and maybe even take part in the festivities yourself. There’s often dancing, singing, or religious ceremonies that help you understand the heart of the community.
Look for smaller, local events — not just the big ones. These often feel more intimate and give you a better chance to talk to residents and learn what matters to them.
One standout example is Inti Raymi in Cusco, Peru — the Festival of the Sun. Held every June, it celebrates ancient Incan traditions through dance, costume, and ritual.
Jamie Wake Travel can help you time your visit perfectly for these events. Ask us about the best cultural festivals for your travel dates.
Traditional Cooking Classes and Food Experiences
Food is a language everyone understands. That’s why taking a cooking class or joining a food tour is one of the best ways to connect with local culture.
In Japan, you might learn how to make fresh sushi from a master. In Italy, roll pasta by hand in a farmhouse kitchen. In Morocco, blend spices and simmer tagines over open flames. These moments aren’t just tasty — they’re meaningful.
Cultural holidays are often built around culinary experiences like these. You leave with recipes, memories, and sometimes even new friends.
You can also try street food, dine in family-owned tavernas, or visit local markets with a guide. These are great ways to understand what people really eat every day — not just what’s on the tourist menu.
In Oaxaca,
Mexico, for example, food tours take you beyond mole and mezcal. You'll meet the people who make them and hear the stories behind every dish.
If food is your passion, we’ve got plenty of flavour-packed options to recommend.
Staying in Locally Owned Accommodation
Where you sleep can shape your whole trip. Skip the chain hotels and try a locally run guesthouse or boutique inn. You’ll get a warmer welcome — and a closer look at how people really live.
These places often reflect traditional architecture and decor. The owners might cook you breakfast or share tips about their town. Some even offer cultural activities, like folk dancing, storytelling, or guided walks.
One wonderful choice is Kasbah Bab Ourika in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. This eco-friendly retreat blends Berber design with stunning views and local hospitality. It’s the perfect base for cultural holidays that combine relaxation with rich experiences.
Jamie Wake Travel works with dozens of handpicked stays like this around the world. Whether you’re after rustic charm or discreet luxury, we’ll match you with the right property.
Ask us about our latest offers and handpicked hideaways that put you in the heart of local life.
Learning Local Arts, Crafts and Music
Art has a way of revealing a culture’s soul. Taking part in a craft workshop or music session opens doors you might otherwise miss.
In Bali, try your hand at batik. In Ghana, take a drumming class with local musicians. In Portugal, learn Fado singing — or at least enjoy it live in a cosy tavern.
These activities don’t just teach you a skill. They help you understand the values, stories, and heritage behind them.
One especially moving experience is joining a pottery workshop in Oaxaca. Here, Zapotec women keep centuries-old techniques alive. You shape the clay, hear their family stories, and walk away with more than just a souvenir.
Many cultural holidays include access to artisan visits, creative workshops, or live performances. Tell us what you’re curious about — we’ll help make it part of your itinerary.
Connecting with Local People
Talking to local people is the most powerful way to make your travel experience more meaningful. Whether it’s a guided walk, a home-cooked meal, or a simple chat in the market, real conversations leave a lasting impact.
You’ll learn how people live, what they care about, and how their culture shapes their world. This is the true heart of cultural holidays.
In rural Vietnam, for example, homestays let you share meals with families and join in their daily routines. In Ireland, pub chats with locals offer insights you won’t find in a guidebook.
Travelling with Jamie Wake Travel means we can arrange encounters like these safely and respectfully. Our trusted local partners know how to introduce you to communities in a way that’s welcoming and considerate.
Cultural understanding starts with listening. And we can help you do just that.
Understanding Your Booking Protections with Jamie Wake Travel
When you book your cultural holiday with Jamie Wake Travel, you're not just getting expert advice — you're getting peace of mind.
We are proud to be an independent UK travel agency, a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS), and hold an ATOL licence. Every tailor-made holiday comes with full financial protection, including Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance.
That means your money is safe. If something unexpected happens — like a supplier going out of business — your trip is protected.
You’ll also have direct access to a personal travel expert. We’ll tailor your trip to suit your interests, preferences, and budget, with support every step of the way.
Whether you’re exploring ancient temples or dancing at a local fiesta, we’ve got you covered.
Explore the Magic of Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a city where tradition whispers from every temple bell and lantern-lit alley. As the former imperial capital of Japan, it remains one of the world’s most culturally rich destinations.
Walk through centuries-old shrines. Sip matcha during a quiet tea ceremony. Watch artisans hand-paint kimonos in the backstreets of Nishijin. This city rewards curiosity and patience.
Where to Stay – Gion Hatanaka
Tucked in Kyoto’s famous geisha district, Gion Hatanaka is a traditional ryokan that gives you a front-row seat to Japanese hospitality. Tatami rooms, kaiseki dining, and proximity to Yasaka Shrine make it a cultural experience in itself.
We have a range of offers available to Kyoto that pair this historic accommodation with tailored cultural tours and seasonal events. Ask us what’s possible — there’s more than you think.
Discover the Heritage of Andalucia, Spain
Spain’s southern soul burns bright in Andalucia. From flamenco to Moorish palaces, it’s a region shaped by centuries of cultural blending.
Seville, Cordoba, and Granada each offer their own rhythm. Visit during Semana Santa or Feria de Abril and see the city come alive with tradition.
Where to Stay – Hotel Casa 1800 Seville
Right in the heart of Seville’s old town, Hotel Casa 1800 is an elegant boutique hotel with historic roots. Think wrought iron balconies, Andalusian courtyards, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Giralda.
Looking for a deal on this charming stay? Ask us for the best dates and packages that include walking tours, tapas tastings, and optional flamenco shows.
Live the Legacy of Peru’s Sacred Valley
Peru offers one of the richest cultural holidays you can take. From ancient Incan ruins to vibrant Quechua traditions, it’s a destination filled with wonder.
Beyond Machu Picchu, explore colourful markets, traditional weaving communities, and highland villages that remain untouched by mass tourism.
Where to Stay – Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
This luxury eco-lodge in the Sacred Valley blends comfort with authenticity. Stay in a stone casita, dine on local produce, and take part in cultural activities run by the hotel, including chicha brewing and farming workshops.
We can build a complete cultural holiday to Peru that includes stays like this one. Let us know your travel dates, and we’ll tailor something remarkable.
Experience Vibrancy and Ritual in India’s Rajasthan
Rajasthan is where India’s royal history meets its folk soul. From camel fairs in Pushkar to palace stays in Jaipur, it’s a place that dazzles the senses and stirs the heart.
Art, religion, and everyday life are woven together in colourful rituals and timeless traditions.
Where to Stay – Samode Haveli, Jaipur
A former royal mansion, Samode Haveli is a sanctuary of Indo-Mughal style. Tiled courtyards, lush gardens, and heritage suites transport you to another time.
We offer exclusive access to cultural experiences in Jaipur — think artisan meet-and-greets, spice market tours, or private performances. Get in touch and let us curate your regal escape.
Embrace Indigenous Traditions in New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its landscapes, but the Māori culture adds depth to every adventure. In Rotorua, you’ll find geysers and hot springs — but also powerful cultural storytelling.
Spend time in a marae (meeting ground), watch a haka performed with pride, and learn about Te Ao Māori (the Māori world).
Where to Stay – Peppers on the Point, Rotorua
This lakeside lodge offers understated luxury and warm Kiwi hospitality. Set in a former convent, the property features views of Lake Rotorua and easy access to cultural attractions.
Let us help you plan a New Zealand holiday with meaning — we have tailor-made itineraries that combine scenic highlights with deep cultural immersion.
