One of the biggest things that sets us apart is culture. And culture? It’s complex, layered, and deeply personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all definition—culture is shaped by history, environment, values, traditions, and lived experience. Every community around the world has its own vibrant expression of it.

As someone who loves to travel, it’s this uniqueness that draws me in. I don’t travel to experience the life I know, I travel to step into a world different from mine. Whether witnessing a wedding in Tanzania or sharing a home-cooked dish in Thailand, these moments of cultural immersion are what make travel truly meaningful.

But immersion begins with respect, and respect starts with awareness.

Being a culturally aware traveler means doing your homework. It’s about learning the customs, the “dos and don’ts,” and the daily rhythms of the place you’re in. That might mean packing modest clothing to align with local norms, learning a few key phrases in the local language, understanding body language cues, or even reducing your environmental footprint to support sustainability efforts in the area.

Cultural awareness isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. It’s about showing that you care.

And if you’ve traveled with GIVE, you already understand this. GIVE travelers naturally bring a mindset of respect and compassion. But on a GIVE trip, cultural awareness becomes something deeper — it transforms into appreciation. You’re not just observing a different way of life; you’re invited into it. You connect, you share, you grow.

That kind of connection changes everything.

When we take the time to understand and uplift cultures different from our own, we’re doing more than being respectful travelers — we’re actively contributing to a more peaceful, inclusive world. A world where curiosity replaces judgment and love, not ignorance, leads the way.

Celebrating cultural diversity is one of the most powerful things we can do as humans. It brings us closer. It reminds us that while we may live differently, we are all part of a shared human story.

So yes… I travel to experience a life I don’t know, but more importantly, I travel to understand, appreciate, and love that life.

Because when we are culturally aware, we foster cultural love and build bridges of understanding. From that foundation, peace becomes possible.

Let’s keep showing up with open hearts and minds, even outside physical travel. The world needs more of that. 🙂