What are the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture while traveling?

I agree, even basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in connecting with residents and understanding the culture.

La mejor forma de conocer el país es hablar con los taxistas, transfer etc quien te traslade. Hay países que son mejores que otros para saber información políticas, cultural y saber sobre la idiosincracia del país, lugares a visitar y donde ir a comer

I work in travel in Southern Europe, and I can give some perspective on this. People generally do not expect you to know their language. For the most part they assume you will speak English (even if they do not). However, there is a special respect you get when you TRY to communicate in their language and do not have the expectation that they speak yours. You may say something in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, etc., and even butcher it. You will not be laughed at. You will be appreciated. YOU TRIED, an that matters to people. They may just reply to you in English, but you tried.

Familiarizing yourself with the way another culture expresses itself is probably the most powerful way you can appreciate it, truly getting a sense of who they are. Language is a big piece of that puzzle, and even if you just learn how to express love or excitement using their words, it will draw you so much closer to the people.

I agree. Fluency can come later in your journey discovering more about their culture. What matters most is the effort you put into wanting to engage to the locals by learning some / bit by bit of their language and culture. No matter how basic or even broken you speak their language / dialect - trust me, it would always be greatly appreciated!

Get off the beaten path and follow a few simple rules: 1. If there is a menu or sign outside in English, keep walking. 2. If you are close to famous monuments or attractions, keep walking. 3. Look inside. You can tell if locals are eating there. That is a great sign. 4. Do not rely on a hotel concierge for advice. They often get kickbacks for sending you somewhere. 5. Look at reviews on Yelp, Google, etc. and ONLY look at reviews written in the local language. Even if you don;t understand the language, if you see tons of 5 star reviews by locals, go for it.

I encourage my clients to not schedule every moment of every day for their trip. This allows time for impromptu activities. Speaking with a hotel concierge you can identify from favorite local eateries and amazing hidden gems of activities. While I was in Italy, I happened upon a local festival in a castle with local food and dancing. It is one of my most memorable travel experiences.

Food is a significant part of any culture. Try street food, local eateries, and traditional dishes to experience the region’s flavors.

Food, for me is like a story teller. You eat this specific dish and for some reason it makes you think so much about their history, the flavor of the food tells you so many things that are hard to explain. Maybe because it’s just really meant to be felt and enjoyed that way. No words or explanations needed. Food brings everyone closer together. And it’s a vital part of strengthening your engagement and understanding of their ways and culture. And don’t be afraid to try new things :)

No vayas a lugares turísticos, pagas caro y no es la comida típica. Debes ir a lugares pocos concurridos por turistas,si no q lugares más autóctonos y conocerás la verdadera cocina del lugar q visitas

Staying with a host or in a local person’s rental space is one of the best ways to get in the local culture. You can feel the comfort of locally produced cushions and beds instead of fabricated ikea stuff. You can buy local food and eat at home for a budget friendly local food experience. Best of all, rental places are generally located out of the ‘touristy zones’ and will make you use the public transport, visit the little shops, walk in the little parks etc whatever the local community does.

This suggestion may sound complicated or uncomfortable. Just think of staying at a small Airbnb. Often, you will really get to know the owners. One of my closest friends in Europe was the owner of an Airbnb I stayed at!

Consider accommodations like homestays or Airbnb where you can live with local hosts. This provides an authentic glimpse into the daily life and customs of the place.

Even for those that do not like cooking, cooking classes with locals (not commercial establishments or restaurants) is incredibly bonding, and you really get to know the locals as you break bread with them.

This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself - a great place to find some more local activities is by taking a free walking tour and asking your guide, and heading to a youth hostel where you're likely to find flyers and tear-off sheets of activities run by locals.

Engage in activities that are central to the local culture, whether it’s a traditional dance, craft, cooking class, or a community project.

Put your phone in your pocket and get lost. You will discover a new perspective on whatever city you’re visiting. Keep the phone in your pocket even when you see something extraordinary. Our minds and memories are so much stronger than an image. Some of my favorite memories or experiences are of things in life I don’t have photos or video of to document every second. They stay in my mind and in my heart; I think about them constantly. I need to otherwise the scene, aroma, flavor, feeling or sensation, etc will fade away. When you put your phone away, you can’t rely on it for directions. You rediscover talking to strangers. You share stories and experiences. You create a real connection. Get lost and explore this incredible world!

Get out of your comfort zone and you will quickly find that the best memories are the "in-between" moments. Many judge other cultures against their own, and that only wastes time. Embrace the differences in cultures and try to live it. It widens your horizons. I have lived between the United States and Italy for decades. I used to talk about the things that were better in the US, but there were also so many things that were better in Italy. I finally realized that if one thing that frustrated be about Italian culture were changed to be more USA-like, it would ruin some of the things that I LOVE about Italian culture. Everything balances in the end.

This is the most important aspect. Feel free to get lost in the back streets, visit the street food shops there, visit the local bazaar -my favorite-, converse with people in their own language instead of English. Curiosity is the real key to experience.

Do not hesitate to share your daily life. Simple stories that are boring to you may seem like a real adventure to others. Talk first, don't be shy, the locals you meet also want to learn more about you and your culture…

Be open to experiences that might be outside your comfort zone. This openness can lead to a more authentic understanding of the culture.

Travelling with a private local guide is an experience much more likely to bring you into the culture. So many tourists/travellers including me, travel to multiple destinations, but their experience is do much controlled by their own preconceptions. What are the 10 "must do" things is this place? How do you know? If you have been, how can you be sure that you had the best and most locally relevant experience? Without being in extended conversation with local who know.. how can you be sure?

While safety should always be a first thought when traveling to unknown places you can check prior to leaving as to whether or not your destination has a People to People program that you can sign up for. If not, ask your travel advisor for a reliable tour guide that can escort you around the off beaten path. If you do decide to stay within the resort, talk to the staff members and get to know them. Who knows one may invite you home.

Travel on public transport. Trains and buses. It's one of the very best ways to see the heart of the place, to meet and share with people. And links into the other big one mentioned above - doing what you can to use the language. In many parts of Europe you'll also save a fortune....