What Is Experiential Travel? Types, Benefits and Tips

Key Takeaways

• Experiential travel means engaging with local life through hands-on, cultural activities.
• It supports local communities and creates meaningful connections and memories.
• Travellers often gain personal growth, reduced stress, and deeper cultural understanding.

Experiential travel is about truly engaging with a destination through meaningful, hands-on activities, such as joining a community art project in Mexico or learning traditional fishing techniques in Vietnam. It all revolves around local immersion and is reshaping the travel and hospitality industry.

According to a 2024 report, the global experiential travel market is projected to reach $150 billion by 2033, growing at an annual rate of 4.5%. On the other hand, a recent survey found that 70% of Millennials and Gen Z travelers prioritize the journey itself as much as the destination.

Today, travelers are seeking lasting memories, which is exactly what experiential travel offers.

What Makes Travel Experiential?

Experiential travel in hospitality goes beyond sightseeing and rigid itineraries that are part of traditional tourism. Instead of observing from a distance, travelers engage directly with local life and culture.

This type of travel encourages participation in local traditions, daily routines, and natural environments. Whether sharing a home-cooked meal, learning a traditional dance, or volunteering with a local project, meaningful interaction is central.

Hands-on activities, such as hiking with a local guide, participating in a craft workshop, or learning about conservation efforts, help travelers better understand the local culture, environment, and community values.

These immersive experiences often lead to reflection, connection, and a deeper appreciation of the world and its people.

Types of Experiential Travel

Many different types of experiential travel reflect broader hospitality trends, each offering a unique way to connect with a destination.

Cultural immersion

Cultural immersion occurs when travelers step into the everyday life of a community. They may stay with a local family, participate in traditions, or learn about local customs and practices. Taking a cooking class, attending a village festival, or learning a craft from a local artisan are ways you can connect more deeply.

These experiences help travelers understand the culture from the inside, not just as observers. Cultural tourism creates a space for people to share, listen to, and learn from one another. Respect is important, as travelers who approach everyone with curiosity and care make the experience better for everyone.

At Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), students experience cultural immersion and develop hospitality skills firsthand through international internships in countries such as the UAE, Thailand, the United States, and the Maldives.

For example, students working in luxury hotels in Dubai gain firsthand experience with Middle Eastern hospitality traditions and service excellence.

Carla Vallet, an SHMS student in the MA in International Hospitality Business Management program, secured a six-month internship at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental in Geneva. Reflecting on her experience during her studies, she said,

The opportunity to meet individuals from around the globe has been invaluable, allowing me to step outside my European and Francophone bubble. This diverse cultural immersion significantly enhanced my English proficiency and improved my adaptability to different cultures, an essential skill in today’s globalized world.

Adventure and nature-based

Adventure and nature-based experiences encourage tourists to abandon their daily routines and spend more time in the outdoors. Whether it’s hiking along remote mountain trails, tracking wildlife on a safari, or staying in an eco-lodge surrounded by landscapes, these journeys celebrate physical activity and the beauty of natural environments.

They promote a genuine connection with nature through sustainable practices and authentic interactions with local guides. These guides share a deep knowledge of the land, ensuring that each experience feels enriching and responsible.

Volunteer and purpose-driven travel

Volunteer and purpose-driven travel allows travelers to offer something in return to the places they visit while getting to know local communities. This may include participating in conservation projects, teaching or supporting educational initiatives, or contributing to community development programs.

Ethical volunteering is equally important to avoid the pitfalls of “voluntourism.” It supports sustainability by promoting responsible tourism that benefits locals, rather than creating dependency.

Creative and artistic journeys

Travel experiences that encourage creativity and personal development are the main focus of artistic and creative journeys. Travelers may join painting retreats in scenic villages, learn traditional music from local artists, attend storytelling workshops, or improve their photography skills as they explore beautiful streets and landscapes.

Engaging in artistic expression while travelling adds meaning to the experience. The traveler becomes an active participant who captures emotions, interprets cultures, and creates meaningful memories to bring home.

Benefits of Experiential Travel

Experiential travel offers more than memories—it creates meaningful impact. From personal growth to community support, here are some of the key benefits:

• Deeper cultural understanding: Immersing yourself in local life—through shared routines, stories, or customs—helps build empathy and insight into how different communities live and think.
• Direct community support: Choosing family-run guesthouses, local guides, or artisan workshops ensures your spending benefits small businesses and contributes to the local economy.
• Mental and emotional wellness: Being fully present in new environments encourages mindfulness. Hands-on experiences like cooking with locals or joining a traditional ceremony can lower stress and improve emotional clarity.
• Stronger personal connections: Experiential travel often creates lasting bonds, whether with local hosts or fellow travelers, making the journey more memorable and meaningful.
• Greater appreciation for sustainability: These experiences often highlight the importance of environmental and cultural preservation, encouraging travelers to make more conscious choices in the future.

Popular Destinations for Experiential Travel

Here are some standout countries where you can immerse yourself in meaningful experiences:

Japan - Tea ceremonies and traditional ryokans

In Japan, experiential travel often involves participating in a traditional tea ceremony that emphasizes mindfulness, etiquette, and aesthetic appreciation.

Staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, allows visitors to experience tatami rooms, futon bedding, and authentic Asian hospitality with centuries-old customs and traditions.

Peru - Andean village life

Travelers to Peru can engage with local communities in the Andes, where they learn about traditional weaving, farming techniques, and Quechua customs.

Staying with host families or participating in community-based tourism projects gives people a firsthand look at daily routines in remote highland villages.

Morocco - Souks, cooking, and crafts 

Morocco offers sensory-rich experiences through its markets, where travelers can interact with artisans, shop for spices, and observe traditional craftsmanship.

Many take part in Moroccan cooking workshops where they learn to prepare dishes like tagine and harira alongside local chefs.

Italy - Farm stays and pasta-making

Italy is a classic experiential destination, especially in its rural surroundings, where agriturismi (farm stays) welcome visitors to take part in olive harvesting, winemaking, or cooking rustic meals from scratch. Pasta-making classes with Italian nonnas (grandmothers) offer skills and cultural knowledge.

Tanzania - Community tourism and safaris

In Tanzania, travelers can participate in ethical safaris that involve visits to the conservation areas and cultural tours led by local guides.

Community tourism initiatives allow travelers to engage with Maasai communities, learn traditional dances, or help with local development projects.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Experience

Traveling is an exciting opportunity to explore new cultures, meet people, and create lasting memories. To make the most of your experience, consider these practical tips:

• Keep a travel journal or blog: Documenting your experiences helps you reflect on your trip and preserve memories long after you return. Write about the places you visit, the people you meet, and your feelings throughout the journey. You can also include photos, sketches, or tickets as mementos.
• Learn basic phrases in the local language: Even just a few words or phrases in the local language can make a difference in your experience. Saying hello, "thank you," and "please," and asking basic questions demonstrates openness and respect.
• Practice respectful curiosity: Be genuinely interested in the customs, traditions, and daily lives of the people you meet. Ask questions politely and listen attentively. Avoid making assumptions or judgments, and be mindful of cultural sensitivities.
• Be flexible and slow down your pace: Rather than rushing to check off every attraction, allow yourself to enjoy the environment. Being flexible allows you to embrace unexpected opportunities, such as local festivals or spontaneous invitations.

Travel That Leaves a Mark

Experiential travel creates lasting impressions. A guided hike that reveals the hidden history of a valley, an evening spent cooking a traditional meal, or a day contributing to a local conservation project becomes how a place is remembered and how it’s described long after.

For future hospitality managers, designing stays that encourage connections and participation is a valuable skill that shapes the guest experience. When travelers feel included and appreciated, their stories become part of your success.

SHMS offers hospitality management programs that prepare you to create these experiences. At SHMS, you’ll combine operational expertise with cultural insight and creativity.

If you want to make a lasting impact through hospitality and support others in discovering the world, apply to SHMS today to start your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between sustainable travel and experiential travel?

Sustainable travel focuses on minimizing environmental and cultural impact, while experiential travel emphasizes meaningful, immersive experiences that connect you with local culture.

How do I know if an experience is authentic or touristy?

Authentic experiences involve local guides, traditions, and community interaction, while touristy ones are often mass-produced, crowded, and catered primarily to visitors.