Photo: Emily Deutschman
Some of the most lasting lessons happen outside the classroom. During my family’s recent trip to Belize, we experienced firsthand how travel deepens our understanding of culture, history and people.
A Mayan cooking class became more than just a lesson in making tortillas—it was a hands-on experience in heritage. As we ground corn by hand and shaped tortillas over the fire, we also learned words in a Mayan language and heard stories of a culture striving to keep its traditions alive. During a Garifuna drumming lesson, we discovered how drumming evolved into a powerful tool for cultural storytelling, preserving history through rhythm as ancestors built a thriving community in Belize.
These moments reminded us that travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about truly experiencing them. When we step into another culture’s traditions, even briefly, we gain knowledge, appreciation and a deeper connection to the world.
Emily Deutschman is joining our Travel columnist team. She is known for designing culturally immersive trips that go beyond the typical tourist experience. Find more at puffinnesttravelco.com.
