Overall I found the whole experience worthwhile. That being said, I truly believe that to experience the culture of the location that you are visiting, then you have to GET OUT THERE and explore! By visiting local restaurants, and meandering around the locale you will so greatly enhance your vacation experience, and get a taste of the local culture that will form your memories of your trip.
So, how to go about making this cultural exploration simple? The first step is often your own hotel concierge or even the bell boy. hehe… Ask them where the locals eat. Where is a good place for lunch in the middle of town? Consulting your travel books can often times give you further options that are rated by those that have visited the places. Finding what type of local food you want, atmosphere, and in what part of town are all researched for you. Getting out and exploring is all that is left for you to do.
However, you have to be aware of safety concerns and the time of days that you venture out to certain locations. Again, your hotel concierge may advise you not to visit certain parts of the area at certain times of night. Simply ask the question so that you are forewarned.
I, for one, don't want to spend all the money to travel to a place and not get out and see the people and visit places that have formed my memories on the best trips that I've had.Where should my next destination be?
