Top signs you’re a ‘culture vulture’ – from learning language to eating cuisine

The top 20 signs that you are a “culture vulture” who loves to soak up local experiences while abroad include learning the local language, and always trying the traditional regional cuisine.

More than four in five Brits (86%) would consider themselves a “culture vulture” – with over half (55%) saying they are more adventurous while abroad, according to a poll of 2,000 adults.

Nearly a third (31%) will try to learn the local language in order to really absorb a country’s culture – while 17% would even be willing to try unique food, like insects.

And other ways people make themselves feel more cultured while abroad include owning at least five guidebooks, asking locals for recommendations of where to visit, and taking a walking tour with a local guide.

Travel-loving Brits will also watch documentaries about the country they are visiting before setting off, and will spend some time brushing up on local etiquette.

Adam Kemp, from Audley Travel, which commissioned the research and has put together an Ultimate Culture Vulture’s Travel Bucket List, said: “There are so many amazing cultures and places to visit all around the world.

“Travellers get so much more from their trip by embracing the local culture and foods.

“More and more people are now avoiding common tourist areas and seeking a more authentic experience – this is the best way to really experience a destination as the locals do.”

The research also found 84% like to visit off-the-beaten-track locations, while a quarter prefer seeing the more “under-the-radar” landmarks as opposed to the most famous sights.

And nearly half (45%) have a bucket list of top travel experiences, with the average Brit having already ticked off four of these things.

Seeing the Northern Lights, travelling on the Orient Express, and driving Route 66 in the USA, are at the top of the list.

And going on safari, riding in a hot air balloon, and doing an off-road trip in a 4×4 are other top activities people would like to do while away.

Tracking wildlife in the rainforest, visiting a volcano, and flying in a helicopter also made the top 10 list.

Nearly a third (32%) think it’s important to have bucket list goals so they have something to aim for, and 28% believe it gives a new perspective on life.

However, four in ten cite not having enough time as a reason they feel held back from fulfilling their travel goals – while 16% believe they are too old.

It also emerged 49% display trinkets around their home from interesting places all over the world.

And while one in five (21%) get their holiday inspiration from social media, a third (34%) trust recommendations from friends and family, according to the research by OnePoll.

Adam Kemp, from Audley Travel, which creates tailored adventures for travellers, added: “Bucket lists are a great way to keep track of the things you would like to do and see all over the world – so it’s great so many people have one, and even better that people are making their way through the list.

“There is the perfect itinerary out there for everyone.”

TOP 20 SIGNS YOU’RE A “CULTURE VULTURE”:

1. Always trying the local cuisine
2. Always visiting museums
3. Avoiding tourist traps and exploring hidden gems
4. Trying to learn local languages
5. Using local transport to get around
6. Choosing restaurants and cafes bustling with local people
7. Trying to visit more than one destination during a trip
8. Learning local etiquette to avoid making a cultural faux pas
9. Doing a walking tour of the city with a local guide
10. Trying new or unique foods, like insects
11. Booking locally owned or historically significant hotels
12. Socialising with local people
13. Asking locals for recommendations
14. Checking for local festivals/celebrations
15. Buying local crafts and artisan trinkets to return home with
16. Going somewhere nobody else has been
17. Collecting passport stamps
18. Visiting all seven continents
19. Watching documentaries on the destination before visiting
20. Knowing about the art from a destination