Intercultural Learning: Make Deeper Connections With Locals While Fostering Transformative Travel

What is the most immersive travel experience you've ever had? Intercultural learning allows us to develop our cross-cultural skills and is something we should all prioritize. Engaging in intercultural learning can lead to a more immersive travel experience for the traveler — as well as a kinder world. In this post — part of the Jessie on a Journey "Inspiring Travelers Series" — Lena Papadopoulosa shares some incredible insight into why and how. Lena is a Greek-American intercultural consultant whose experiences have taught her that our cultural conditioning can divide us from others.  This can have a negative impact in a number of ways. For travelers, in particular, it can hinder the ability for travel to be truly transformative and can keep you from making meaningful connections with locals.  Just a sampling of what you'll learn after digging into this mindset-shifting interview includes how to: Know if you're objectifying the cultures you visit (and how to stop doing it) Let locals tell their own stories (and common phrases you may be using that stop them from doing so) Handle cultural differences on the road (even when you feel morally-opposed to what you encounter) Use travel to create a more just, inclusive and kind world (hint: it'll make for a better trip experience, as well) Understand the dangerous impact of remaining unaware of your cultural conditioning (and how to become more aware)  Personally, after simply chatting with Lena on Facebook Live, my mind was buzzing with so many shifts I want to make in the way I travel. I'm really excited to implement them.   Ready to change the way you travel — for the better? Watch the video or read the full post here: https://jessieonajourney.com/intercultural-learning-immersive-travel-a-kinder-world/