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7 ways to be a more Cultured Surfer when Traveling

 


I wrote a previous blog about what it means to be a creatively cultured traveler.  It helps us to discover new ways of thinking, appreciate different perspectives, and gain insight into cultures different than our own. I touched lightly on a statement that set the tone for the past decade I've lived my surf life. The mantra is "When traveling, have fun, catch waves, respect the locals and leave a place better than you found it".  This simple motto touched my soul in such a way that it set the tone for all my travels.

 Having fun when traveling is all about striking the right balance between respecting the local customs and culture, engaging in exciting adventures, and remaining conscious of safety. Most importantly, to be mindful of our impact on the environment especially when traveling so that our future generations can enjoy it too.

 It's not even hard to see the effects that pollution and waste have had now so I believe a creatively cultured Surfer is a "woke surfer". One who should represent themselves as an advocate of sustainable practices. I mean how else will we continue to enjoy these things if we don't all do it at the same time? A surfer who cares about supporting  the smaller local businesses when traveling and learning the culture makes sense right? 

Having fun when traveling is all about striking the right balance between respecting the local customs and culture, engaging in exciting adventures, remaining conscious of safety and sustainability. I'll share some easy ways into making this work for you. 


Sustainable habits and eco-friendly products shows our gratitude for our being in the Ocean

Small things like picking up any litter you see or avoiding single-use plastics (carrying your own BPA free water bottle) when possible can go a long way towards helping to preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Supporting local businesses or organizations that are working to preserve the area's natural habitats and wildlife is a great way to make a positive impact on our environment. 

Using eco-friendly and sustainable products is one of the best things we can do to protect the beauty of the ocean. Not only does it reduce our carbon footprint, it also helps us to reduce our impact on the environment. With fewer materials being used and discarded, it helps to protect the ocean's delicate ecosystem. We can also help protect the ocean by properly disposing of our waste and other pollutants, and being conscious of our energy usage.



 Together, we can make a real difference in preserving the ocean's beauty by reminding our friends and families to do the same. They might not hear you the first couple of times, which is why I love talking about it on social media and showing others what products to use because they might not understand until we show them. 


7 ways to be a more Cultured Surfer when traveling

When traveling to a different culture, it is important to respect and understand the locals' customs and beliefs. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

  • Research the local culture before your trip. Find out what social norms and customs are expected so that you can be sure to fit in and be respectful traveler.
  • Look for fun activities, such as visiting historic sites, trying local cuisine, or exploring the outdoors that are within your comfort level.
  • Make sure that you dress modestly and appropriately. Different cultures have different dress codes, so make sure you are aware of them. This will certainly make it easier for you to have a warm welcome when asking the locals questions or touring throughout the Country. 
  • Learn some of the language. Even if you don't become fluent, it's a great way to show respect to the locals if you can communicate with them a bit in their language.
  • Get to know the locals. Talking to locals can be a great way to learn more about the culture and the people who live there. Also, be willing to share where you come from and your experiences as well. 
  • Be aware of your body language. Different cultures may have different interpretations of the same gesture, so be mindful of how you are communicating with your body.
  • Show respect when visiting religious sites. These places are sacred to many cultures and should be treated with respect and reverence.
  • Don't take anything from the local culture without permission. This includes things such as taking pictures of certain sites or people, or taking artifacts.
Finally, stay safe by being aware of your surroundings, keeping copies of your important documents, waterproof pouch, don't want to leave those things on the beach or a car while you surf unless you can see it  and following the safety guidelines established by the local authorities. By following these tips, you can have a fun and safe travel experience!

In conclusion being a Surfer who practices sustainability by protecting the Ocean and Marine Life in addition to learning the local culture is a cool human being. Here's a link to the post that goes more in depth to being a creatively cultured traveler
Good Luck and Safe Travels. 
Welcome to Creatively Cultured, a BIPOC Woman-led blog site to inspire and empower lifestyle entrepreneurs who love beach culture and traveling, while at the intersection of cultural exploration, and sustainable living, providing insights that promote health, wellness, and responsible tourism.

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