How I Plan My Trips Around Culture, Art, and Food (And Why You Should Too)
By The Cultured Passport
When I say I don’t just travel for the views—I mean it. Sure, a mountain backdrop or a crystal-clear beach gets me giddy (who doesn’t love a good postcard moment?), but the soul of a trip? That’s in the culture, the art, and the food.
I plan my trips the way some people plan outfits: with purpose, a little flair, and a deep desire to experience something unforgettable. Whether it’s a family-friendly museum that sparks my kids’ curiosity or a tucked-away art gallery I can wander through solo with a coffee in hand, I crave places that feed the mind as much as the belly.
And speaking of bellies—let’s talk food. I don’t just want to eat like a local. I want to cook like one. Taste history in the spices. Find joy in a sidewalk vendor’s secret sauce. And yes, I’ll absolutely cross a whole city just to try that one dessert I read about in a travel forum at 2 a.m.
So why plan around culture, art, and food?
Because it slows you down. It connects you. It makes you feel more present. Traveling this way turns a trip into a story. It gives your kids new heroes (hello, ancient queens and space-age artists), teaches you that beauty looks different everywhere, and reminds you that the best way to learn about a place is through your senses.
So next time you open Google Maps to start dreaming up your next adventure, try this:
Look for local festivals or exhibitions happening during your visit
Search for cooking classes or food tours (family-friendly ones are a plus!)
Add “hidden art spots” or “underrated cultural sites” to your must-see list
Whether you’re jetting off solo or wrangling tiny humans, let culture, art, and food lead the way. You’ll come home with more than souvenirs—you’ll come home changed.
P.S. Here are my go-to travel tools for planning culture-rich trips:
For Solo Travelers:
Cultural Stays on Booking.com: Unique boutique hotels, riads, and charming guesthouses that feel like an experience in themselves.
Detour Walking Tour App: Immersive audio tours created by locals, artists, and historians.
Travel Journal for Creative Souls: Beautifully bound and perfect for scribbling down food finds, sketching street art, or pasting museum tickets.
Packable Day Bag: Lightweight, stylish, and ideal for carrying a camera, journal, and snack stash.
For Traveling with Kids:
Family-Friendly Cultural Tours on GetYourGuide: Think scavenger hunts through historic towns and cooking classes that welcome little hands.
Kids’ Travel Journal - Amazon: Keeps them busy and learning—plus, it becomes a keepsake.
Portable Art Kit: Great for downtime at cafes or quiet museum corners.
Noise-Canceling Headphones for Kids: Because sometimes… they just need a moment (and so do you).
