Community-based tourism is a form of responsible travel that is gaining in popularity across the world. It denotes a type of excursion that is created with local communities, often in…
local life
Insights into local life tend to play a big part in ETG trips to South and Southeast Asia. From experience, we believe that looking beyond the must-see sights allows a much deeper connection with the destination you visit. We find that experiencing everyday life in a country often helps creates the conditions for memorable and random encounters. Our travellers frequently tell us that these moments become highlights of their holidays and very personal memories.
This archive dives into experiences and stories based on our time getting under the skin of a destination. We also tackle the impact of over-tourism on local life and prominent issues specific to that destination, as well as the the benefits of local-led community tourism.
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Seminyak? Kuta? Legion? Forget about it, some parts of the island are so unexplored…so much so there is even the Bali we didn’t notice…
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Three of the fantastic ventures in our portfolio that will appeal to people looking for fun, wonder, excitement – and the lasting memories that come from connection and exchange.
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When Phonsy, my ETG guide in Luang Prabang, mentioned he was going to a traditional lao wedding the following night I didn’t think for one minute that I’d be invited.…
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When you think of The Maldives the image that comes to mind is usually luxury resorts nestled on white-sand beaches overlooking clear blue oceans. Although this is true, and a…
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On a recent research trip to India, ETG was lucky enough to meet with Isa Heini. After working as a nurse for 13 years in her native Switzerland, Isa visited…
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Bali is famous for its seaside barbecues. But would you ever stop to consider how that succulent red snapper ended up on your plate? Discover what goes on in the lives of Indonesia’s fishermen.
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The twin volcanic island Sultanates of Ternate and Tidore in the North Maluku Islands, Indonesia, have been enemies for as long as anyone can remember. Discover their unique and fascinating story.
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Hanoi is at a fascinating crossroads between old and new. We explore this moment in history with some of its longest standing residents.
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaThe Maldives
Culture in the Maldives: new flight route to Gan Island
If you thought that a visit to the Maldives meant sacrificing local culture, think again. Gan Island, the most southerly point in The Maldives, has recently become considerably more accessible…
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Before travelling to Myanmar, you may wonder what your guide will be like. To give you an idea of who to expect, we asked a few questions of our very…
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Deep, plunging valleys and looming mountain ranges that are breathtaking and heart-stopping all the same, Himachal Pradesh is a heavenly abode that none can forget once visited. Treacherous trekking routes and magical rivers along with quiet monasteries and relaxing resorts, there is so much to explore in Himachal Pradesh that you just can’t get enough of it. Whether it’s exploring quaint hill stations of attempting the impossible through paragliding, here’s a handy guide to take you through the roller coaster that is Himachal Pradesh.
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Our in-country partner Kelly uprooted from her native Yorkshire to develop and deliver our Vietnam experiences with travel loving locals. Here she shares her story and insider insights into life in this intriguing destination.
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Kevin, owner of Jim’s Farm, between Dambulla and Kandy shares stories about his life on the property. From the annual cultivation and harvest of coconuts, spices, pepper, cinnamon and mangoes, to the welcoming of calves and chicks, staying here lets you get an unprecedented insight into a rural way of life.
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The Muslim celebration of Eid is one of the most important religious occasions in the Islamic calendar and is a time of festivity in The Maldives. Here Ruth, our in-country partner, describes what happens during Eid Ul Al’haa occurring every year after the Hajj pilgrimage.
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Travel expert Matt has researched new experiences in the eastern states of Myanmar (Burma), largely untouched by tourism. From discovering Kayan tribes in remote villages, to absorbing the stunning terraced landscape for rice cultivation, here he describes the findings from his trip to Loikaw.
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Along with much of the country, Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, has become a booming destination to travel to. But where do you go in a city with so much to offer? Well, trying some of the more unexpected delights Hanoi boasts is a sure way of coming home with some lasting memories. We’ve gathered five of the best.
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Co-founders Sam and Tom recently visited the off-the-beaten-track region of Mannar, Sri Lanka with travel photographer Damon Wilder. Situated in the northwest of the country, it’s a flat, wild west kind of landscape with an overlooked culture and identity. Here Sam reviews the new holiday experiences we have in development on the island:
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‘Grandpa’s sleeping up there with the children.’ My guide said. ‘But he’s been dead for three years… Well sort of.’
So sets the scene for my perplexing visit of Sulawesi with its intriguing concept of life and beyond.
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In this blog, we hope to layout the defining features of an experience-based holiday and how it can change your time away into an extraordinary holiday.
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Philippa Kaye, our ‘on the ground’ travel expert in Delhi, says everyone travelling to India should stay in a homestay. I was surprised because for me ‘homestays’ conjure images of quaint local houses, with pretty basic conditions, in remote rural locations – they certainly weren’t for everyone. I went to investigate myself to resolve the great Indian homestay conundrum.
Having travelled recently from Varanasi to Chambal Safari Lodge, where I visited the nearby Bateshwar temples, I was struck by the comparison between the two experiences. Here’s why I think Bateshwar…
Coming off the back of a whirlwind few days in Kolkata city, my trip to Odisha in east India started through fatigued eyes and on achy legs. Landing at night…
Co-founder of Experience Travel Group, Tom Armstrong, discovered the hidden riches of Malaysia. On an in-depth research trip, he found some fantastic experiences you could include in your holiday, the Suka Suka Homestay is but one example. Here he reviews his time with Aziz and family, the hosts – I hope you’ll feel inspired.
Guesthouses in The Maldives are the latest accommodation style to arrive in the country and they allow visitors to stay on local islands, gaining insight into Dhivehi culture. There are a large variety of them on offer, from basic rooms in simple houses, to grander hotel-like constructions, each providing very different experiences. They’re not homestays as such, but usually run by locals who’ll provide home cooked food and various insights into the heritage of this thousand-isle country.
Content editor Philly recently explored new local island experiences in The Maldives. From tucking into delicious local dishes, to exploring important cultural sights to appreciating the everyday life of Maldivians on inhabited islands, here she reports back on her findings that have formed the basis of our new cultural holidays to this fascinating country.