Many of us choose to travel for many reasons: visiting famous ruins, climbing an iconic peak, seeing captivating wildlife … the list could go on and on. At the same time, many of us travelers come away with a much greater than anticipated appreciation for the local people we meet in the country we visit. It is often said that a smile is the universal language, and it can be a charming part of our trip to make our way through our trip relying on our guides and some nonverbal communication. However, it is both practical and polite to learn some of the language of the people whose homelands we will be visiting.

When it comes to clothing for travel, is one outfit as good as another? A pricier pair of pants just a gimmick, trodding the fashion treadmill? And what about something more specific, like a rain jacket? Does our old one we dig out of the back of the closet work just as well as one we might choose at an outdoor retailer after talking to a specialist there?

Unless you’re hitchhiking, in today’s travel scene you are good with a debit card … end of story. Or is it?

Of course not. Travel - especially to international destinations, particularly those in the more economically developed countries - requires careful budgeting and money management, and there isn’t always an ATM around every corner like in many parts of Europe. Just like covering passport and visa issues, learning phrases in the local language, or taking care of your health while traveling, being sure you have a clear picture of how money matters work in your destination country is important. No two countries are exactly the same in this respect, and they can bring surprises.

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When we travel, we have the opportunity to experience other cultures in so many ways. We can meet the locals and learn from them about their culture and language, take in the scenery and wildlife, experience the food … the chances for our hearts being transformed are endless. And of course, music! Traditional music everywhere we look across human cultures, and few places are as synonymous with rich musical heritage of song and dance than Africa. The continent of Africa is home to a vast array of devotional, classical, folk and popular musical traditions which come together to create vibrant music festivals, a perfect add-on to your trip with Global Basecamps. There are many of these festivals that take place throughout the year in the countries we serve, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Morocco.

Authentically connecting with the local people in the countries we visit is a central part of why many of us travel. At Global Basecamps, we emphasize the importance of “know before you go” in regard to the economic, environmental, and especially social, aspects of our destination countries. Learning about these topics greatly helps us better know how to build relationships with both the traditional and more modernized citizens.