Top signs you’re a ‘culture vulture’ – from learning language to eating cuisine
Over four in five Brits consider themselves to be a “culture vulture” – with the top signs including learning the local language, always eating traditional local cuisine, and avoiding tourist trap locations.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults found over half (55%) feel more adventurous while abroad – with 17% even saying they would be willing to try unique food, like insects.
Other ways travellers make themselves more cultured while abroad include brushing up on local etiquette, watching documentaries about the country before they set off, and visiting more than one destination during a trip.
Nearly a third (31%) would try to learn the local language in an attempt to really absorb the country's culture.
And others would take walking tours of the city with a local, or ask locals for their recommendations of place to visit.
Adam Kemp, from Audley Travel, which commissioned the research and has put together an Ultimate Culture Vulture’s Travel Bucket List, said: “There are so many amazing cultures and places to visit all around the world.
“Travellers get so much more from their trip by embracing the local culture and foods.
“More and more people are now avoiding common tourist areas and seeking a more authentic experience – this is the best way to really experience a destination as the locals do.”
The research also found 84% like to visit off-the-beaten-track locations, while a quarter prefer seeing the more “under-the-radar” landmarks as opposed to the most famous sights.
And nearly half (45%) have a bucket list of top travel experiences, with the average Brit having already ticked off four of these things.
Seeing the Northern Lights, travelling on the Orient Express, and driving Route 66 in the USA, are at the top of the list.
And going on safari, riding in a hot air balloon, and doing an off-road trip in a 4×4 are other top activities people would like to do while away.
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Tracking wildlife in the rainforest, visiting a volcano, and flying in a helicopter also made the top 10 list.
Nearly a third (32%) think it’s important to have bucket list goals so they have something to aim for, and 28% believe it gives a new perspective on life.
However, four in ten cite not having enough time as a reason they feel held back from fulfilling their travel goals – while 16% believe they are too old.
It also emerged 49% display trinkets around their home from interesting places all over the world.
And while one in five (21%) get their holiday inspiration from social media, a third (34%) trust recommendations from friends and family, according to the research by OnePoll.
Adam Kemp, from Audley Travel, which creates tailored adventures for travellers, added: “Bucket lists are a great way to keep track of the things you would like to do and see all over the world – so it’s great so many people have one, and even better that people are making their way through the list.
“There is the perfect itinerary out there for everyone.”
TOP 20 SIGNS YOU’RE A “CULTURE VULTURE”:
- Always trying the local cuisine
- Always visiting museums
- Avoiding tourist traps and exploring hidden gems
- Trying to learn local languages
- Using local transport to get around
- Choosing restaurants and cafes bustling with local people
- Trying to visit more than one destination during a trip
- Learning local etiquette to avoid making a cultural faux pas
- Doing a walking tour of the city with a local guide
- Trying new or unique foods, like insects
- Booking locally owned or historically significant hotels
- Socialising with local people
- Asking locals for recommendations
- Checking for local festivals/celebrations
- Buying local crafts and artisan trinkets to return home with
- Going somewhere nobody else has been
- Collecting passport stamps
- Visiting all seven continents
- Watching documentaries on the destination before visiting
- Knowing about the art from a destination
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