Do you ever wish you could just go back to a simpler time?
Distance yourself from the stresses and pressures of the modern world for a while and let indigenous communities remind you of a time before digital technology. With a deep connection to the land they inhabit, learn from locals about cultural practices which have been passed down through the generations.
Discover five hand-picked destinations below where a traditional way of life is still very much alive.
Step into living history in Northeast India
Celebrate the remote Aoling Festival with the Konyak, a community of former head-hunters. Witness traditions and rituals, striking attire, piercings and faded tattoos—symbols of an enduring legacy. Explore Assam’s tea culture and Kolkata’s energy, guided by historian, filmmaker and author, Sam Dalrymple.
Listen to ancestral stories in Australia
See Australia through the eyes of its original inhabitants, whose deep connection to the land reveals new meaning across cities, monoliths, reefs and rainforests. From art to nature, every place is brimming with Aboriginal folklore. Explore the Northern Territory, with privileged access to the sacred lands of Arnhem Land, for a glimpse into the world’s oldest living culture.
Discover desert survival in Botswana
Walk, hunt and gather with the San Bushmen of the Kalahari—the desert’s original inhabitants. Discover how they thrive in this harsh land as you track wildlife, forage for food and master fire-making skills. Embrace a simpler way of life amid Botswana’s wild beauty, where breathtaking landscapes meet rich cultural traditions.
Sail back in time in Canada
Emabark on a journey through the remote beauty of Haida Gwaii, home to one of Canada’s earliest settlements. The Haida people’s deep connection to land and sea spans centuries. Hear their story from Haida guides as you explore Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and visit SG̱ang Gwaay’s ancient totem poles and cedar longhouses.
Embrace the Gaucho lifestyle in Argentina
Experience the old-world charm of Estancia Los Potreros, a family-run cattle farm near Cordoba. Ride with gauchos, round up and lasso horses and embrace the slow rhythms of rural Argentina. As owner Kevin Begg says, “Tourism has enabled more sustainable projects at the farm and sharing the gaucho lifestyle is great fun!” With just 12 guests at a time, this is an intimate, immersive experience.
Explore our holiday ideas to discover how you could incorporate a living culture experience like this into your trip. If you already know where you want to go, get in touch with one of our experts to bring your idea to life.
By Emilie Richmond-Watson