When considering a break away, many of us immediately consider the usual package holiday of hotel, pool and a few excursions thrown in BUT what if you’ve had enough of this and would like to actually learn/discover more about the destination that you are visiting? If this is you, there are many options open to you whereby you can go off the tourist trail and experience real-life in the country you are holidaying in. take a look at some of the experiences you could get your teeth into…

The following suggestions have been offered by the staff writer at Door2Tour who offer a  choice of package tours including theatre breaks, events packages, cruise holidays and air tours along with a range of coach holidays, coach trips and escorted tours.

Let’s get spiritual

If by chance you happen to be holidaying in Chiang Mai and would like to sample the spiritual side of things why not consider the amazing traditions of Thai life? Be warned though, this trip comes with a very early morning wake-up call but the delights of a Northern Thai breakfast should compensate for the lack of sleep! After breakfast, you will join the locals to offer food to the monks in a tradition that has been the heart of Thai life for centuries. Really ‘get down with the locals’ as you hop aboard a Songthaew (iconic public bus) and admire the scenery along the Suthep Road with a visit to a flea market at Kad Ton Payem. You can also gain a fabulous insight into Buddhism and Dharma at Wat U-Mong – an historic 600 year old temple famed for its colourful pagoda and underground tunnel. Here is your perfect opportunity to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and discover your spiritual being as you mingle with the monks, even take time out to chat to the abbot and learn more about Buddhism. Ever meditated before? Well here’s your opportunity to see how the professionals do it through some basic meditation training from the monks!

 

Join a walking tour

This is probably one of the best ways of discovering more about the destination you have chosen to visit. All tours usually come with an English-speaking guide to point out all the highlights that you simply won’t want to miss or wouldn’t normally spot if you stuck to the tourist trail. A popular walking tour is that of Nairobi where you can experience the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of this exotic city. Before you head off on your tour, there will be a brief introduction meeting with your Guide, you will then begin your walk through Uhuru Park in the heart of the city then wander past the parliament buildings, the Kenyatta Conference Centre and the August 7th Memorial Park. You’ll find ample opportunities to mingle with the locals as you walk or take a bus tour through this amazing city and don’t forget to sample the local cuisine in one of the many cafes/restaurants in Nairobi – this is how you really get a taste of Kenya!

Get back to nature

There are a majority of breaks out there that allow you to be at one with nature with the most popular being an African Safari. However, why not consider destinations that are away from the usual tourist trail such as Borneo? Here’s your chance to explore a mystical land filled with exotic animals, ancient traditions, hot springs, tribal villages, loveable orang-utans and breath-taking views! Feeling energetic then climb Mount Kinabalu, watch sea turtles as they lay their eggs in the sand and learn about life in Borneo from the people that know it the best – so start getting friendly with the locals! Whilst here, don’t forget to get up early to witness the sun rise over Mount Kinabalu, believe us when we say this is an experience you will not want to miss. Soothe those aching muscles after your energetic climb with a relaxing dip in the Poring Hot Springs that are said to have curative properties for the skin. Delve deep into the jungle, hang up your hammocks and prepare for a spot of shut-eye beneath the starry sky. Whilst in the jungle you are likely to see crocodiles, macaques, orang-utans and proboscis monkeys. Why not complete your adventure with a night with the locals where you can practice your Malaysian and learn about their traditions.

Be amazed by history

Looking for a break that includes a bit of everything? Well, you can’t go wrong with a holiday to Peru where you’ll be taken on an exciting journey that  combines modern with ancient allowing you to explore lush jungles, huge lakes and harsh deserts among many other amazing sights. The major attraction in Lima is its well preserved historical centre and there’s plenty of opportunities for you to mingle with the locals. Pay a visit to the Ballestas Islands that are known as the “Galapagos Isles of Peru” and a haven for pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingoes, sea lions and penguins! Try out sand-boarding in Nazca and budding photographers will love to capture the sand dunes at their very best, not forgetting to visit the mysterious archaeological sites that are the Nazca Lines. Head out to the Colca Canyon and be amazed at how deep it is whilst trying to spot the resident Andean condors – the world’s largest flying bird. Whilst in Peru, you can’t leave without hiking the famous Inca Trail and discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities. Complete your break by relaxing in thermal baths, dine on llama steak or listen to live Andean music.