You probably think tropical holidays are all about lounging under a palm tree with a cocktail in hand. And sure, there’s a lot to be said for a beach nap. But swap the usual sun-and-sea escape for something with a little more flavor, and you’ll return home with stories that last longer than your tan. Below are five tropical destinations for your next cultural holiday.
Five tropical destinations – Holbox Mexico
Five tropical destinations for your next cultural holiday
Mexico
Step into Mexico and you’ll find a proud culture woven into everyday life, from mariachi music echoing through the streets to murals that speak volumes about the country’s history.
Start in Mexico City, where you can walk through Frida Kahlo’s cobalt-blue house before tasting slow-cooked mole in a buzzing local market. Then head south to Oaxaca, where Indigenous traditions blend with colonial influences.
Don’t rush – take the time to join a local cooking class or a mezcal tasting with small-batch producers. It’s in these personal encounters that you’ll understand what makes Mexican culture tick.
Some of the cool places I have seen thanks to earnings from rideshare – Bali rice terraces
Bali, Indonesia
Bali’s lush landscapes and beach resorts draw plenty of visitors, but it’s the island’s deep spiritual roots that give it a distinctive charm.
You can observe daily temple ceremonies in Ubud, where locals offer flowers and incense at dawn. Traditional dance performances happen nightly, often in open-air theatres framed by stone carvings and flickering oil lamps.
For a more hands-on experience, book a stay at a desa wisata – a community-based village homestay – where you can try your hand at batik painting or learn how to prepare a Balinese megibung feast. These immersive stays make your visit meaningful, not just memorable.
Related: Snorkeling West Bali National Park
Exploring the Old City in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
This Caribbean island balances lively beach scenes with an intriguing historical and cultural story. Consider Dominican Republic holidays if you’re looking for something different this year.
In Santo Domingo, the oldest European city in the Americas, you can stroll cobbled streets that date back over 500 years. Local guides bring the past to life as they lead you through cathedrals and colonial mansions.
To see today’s Dominican culture, catch a merengue or bachata show, or better yet, take a class and join in. Move beyond your resort by visiting rural cocoa farms or family-run rum distilleries. You’ll find the island’s flavour in more than just the food.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar sits just off Tanzania’s coast, but it’s a melting pot of cultures from around the world.
In Stone Town, Arabic, Indian and Swahili influences combine in the architecture, cuisine and languages you’ll experience in the spice markets. Join a guided walking tour to learn the story behind carved wooden doors or visit a traditional dhow builder by the seafront.
If you’re after an authentic experience, time your visit with Eid celebrations or local music festivals like Sauti za Busara. Local operators can connect you with real island life beyond boutique hotels and beachfronts.
Adventure on!
