The best part about traveling is learning about cultures. But you don't always have to leave your home- you can read up on cultural issues, attend  cultural events (virtually and in person), or have a great chat about cultures.
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Websites
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Events
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Music
Websites
Here are some great websites for learning about the cultures of global people
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The US State Department travel website is full of helpful travel info- whether you're American or not.
Travel.State.Gov
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The CIA keeps up to date information on every country in the world. Traveling soon? Learn about your new destination.
The World Factbook
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This website has travel recommendations and interesting itineraries that help you learn about these different places.
The Culture Trip
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Atlas Obscura is one of my favorite reading sites. They know everything about everywhere.
Atlas Obscura
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Features stories from around the world, written by local contributors, highlighting diverse perspectives and cultural nuances.
Global Voices
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Covers in-depth cultural insights, historical background, and travel experiences for global destinations.
BBC Travel
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Learn about protected cultural landmarks and their significance across the globe.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre - World Heritage List
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Known for its travel guides, the website also offers blogs on local customs, traditions, and etiquette.
Lonely Planet
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A comprehensive resource offering insights into the cultural norms, values, and etiquette of different countries.
Cultural Atlas
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Provides information about the world’s languages and their cultural significance.
Ethnologue
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Offers detailed economic, cultural, and social data to understand a country’s context better.
World Development Indicators | DataBank
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Features in-depth articles about global cultures, traditions, and ways of life through stunning storytelling and photography.
National Geographic Travel
Events
Go and see for yourself what and how people celebrate
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Experience samba parades, elaborate costumes, and the energy of Brazil’s iconic pre-Lent celebration.
Rio Carnival
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Celebrate the "Festival of Colors" with traditional rituals, music, and vibrant powder across India.
India Holi
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Celebrated all over the world in some form, these vibrant celebrations have an interesting history and an important place in honoring our loved ones.
Mexico's Day of the Dead
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New Years celebrations come at different times of year around the world. This one is pretty cool.
Songkran - Thai New Year
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I learned about Fringe from my European friends. I can't wait to attend one day.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
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I would absolutely love to see these floats. This July festival in Kyoto Japan has been celebrated for nearly 1200 years. It started as a way to placate the gods during an epidemic.
Gion Matsuri
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A 10 day music festival in Morocco? Yes, please!
Fes Festival
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Held every five years, this massive celebration of Bulgarian folk music, dance, and traditions gathers thousands of performers and visitors in a stunning mountain setting. It’s a UNESCO-recognized event that preserves centuries-old cultural heritage.
National Festival of the Bulgarian Folklore - Koprivshtitsa
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This famous tomato-throwing festival is a fun and messy celebration rooted in local tradition, attracting participants from around the world.
La Tomatina (Spain)
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A month-long celebration of arts, culture, and performances, featuring theater, music, dance, and indigenous Australian storytelling.
Sydney Festival
Music
Get into the global rhythm
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A unique interactive map that lets you explore and listen to live radio stations from almost every country in the world.
Radio Garden
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A free internet radio service with dedicated world music channels spanning every continent.
AccuRadio Online
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Offers curated playlists like "Global Groove" and "Folk & Acoustic from Around the World" featuring diverse music styles.
Spotify
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A platform where independent global artists share and sell their music, often featuring rare and traditional sounds.
Bandcamp
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Streams thousands of international radio stations and podcasts, making it easy to discover global music trends.
TuneIn
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A treasure trove of recordings preserving traditional and folk music from every corner of the world.
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
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A dedicated world music site featuring reviews, artist interviews, and global music recommendations.