Sun, sea, sand and status.

When it comes to Brits abroad, the most common stereotype is the Union Jack and football shirt wearing crowd with a pint of lager in one hand complaining about ‘this foreign food’ though wishing loudly for kebabs and curry. But though this is just a stereotype, we Brits do seem to be less interested in being culturally explorative and much more interested in whether our resort serves English breakfast and stock Tetley teabags – indeed whether or not we have to leave our exotic resort at all. We have a penchant for not bothering to learn local lingo or customs, yet we expect the rest of the world to understand us; after all, we did once rule half of it.



Part of the problem is that Western influence can be found practically everywhere. English is one of the most widely spoken languages, so the need to learn another country’s native tongue, even just a token sprinkling of phrases, seems pointless. You arrive in your destination, get out your phrasebook and hit a local with their own lingo. Generally you get a smile and then they respond in English, and from then on, that’s the language used. The British also seem to be somewhat scared of other cultures when not on their home turf, and with stunning resorts popping up all over the world that offer everything under one roof, there’s no need to leave. You jump on your plane in the UK, land, find your transfer, arrive at the hotel, swim in their pool, dine in their restaurants and sunbathe on their private beaches. A perfect holiday this may well be, but it could have been anywhere!



For some, backpacking is the only way to explore; you stay in hostels and really experience a destination… or do you? There are, of course, those who branch away from the main backpacker spots, involve themselves in local communities and customs and make a real effort to soak up the area’s culture. Others, however, like the stereotypical Brit abroad, stick to what they know and deem safe. It’s not about experiencing a new way of life or embarking on a journey to ‘find yourself’; it’s about sun, sea, sand and being able to gloat about where you went when you get back.



With so many resorts offering all inclusive holidays, private beaches and a plethora of restaurants, it’s ever more important to get out of your hotel, mingle with the locals, and experience your destination. Your journey will become that much more fulfilling for doing so.