If I can do nothing else in my life (and I like to think I can), I can plan a kick ass trip full of history. My research skills and creativity tend to lead to some interesting and unique experiences. I’ve also become pretty handy at coming up with ideas and plans for others’ trips, as well! I think that discovering the culture and history of the world is one of the most worthwhile things you can do. Taking a bit of thought and care into the planning of your trip can have big payoff, and you will make priceless memories. You also may discover a new favourite artist, or a period in history that is entirely new to you. These are my 5 cultural and historical travel tips to make the most of your travels!
1) Check Exhibition and Performance Dates
Before you even book your trip, check exhibition dates and performance runs for museums, galleries, ballets, plays, symphonies, musicals, and anything else you might be interested in seeing. There is nothing so frustrating as booking a trip only to find out that you have missed an exhibition by a day or two. While I am seeing several exhibitions I couldn’t be more excited for on my trip, I am also missing an exhibition of the costumes from The Favourite by a day. I was pretty ragey for a bit when I found that one out… I am able to see a very specific Royal Ballet performance because I checked things before booking. If your travel dates are restricted because of work or an event, you won’t have a choice. However, if you do have any flexibility, check before booking! (Check the dates of any major festivals/events also, if you are of a mind to avoid them.)
2) Google Map Everything
Obviously you should ensure that you know where things are when you get there, but I would recommend Google Mapping anywhere you are thinking of going long before you arrive. It is a wonderful way to find small and out of the way museums, galleries, and memorials that you may not otherwise find. Play around with the map, zoom in as far as you can, and start exploring where you think you will go. I’ve discovered quite a few private museums and old churches tucked away on side streets that are some of my favourite places ever simply by spending a little time on Google Maps beforehand. (It is also a great way to figure out how to plan the most effective day- you can group close things together and cut out extra travel time!)
3) Pay Attention to Prices and Book Ahead
There is a big range in ticket costs for museums. They can be anywhere from free to $40+ CAD, depending on the museum or gallery. It also can vary for the exhibition- at the Victoria and Albert Museum, general admission is free but the Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition is £24. You will want to ensure that you have the budget to see things, as well as the cash needed when purchasing it. Don’t ever assume that something is free until you’ve confirmed on the official site or with the front desk there. (There are many free museums, I wouldn’t worry too too much.)
I would also look at booking tickets ahead if you can. I find that it makes budget that much easier if things are paid for ahead of time- one less thing you have worry about while you are travelling. Typically you just have to show them the booking and email, and you are good to go! Some just allow you to book a ticket period, while others will have you book on a specific day, and sometimes even a specific time. One big positive to booking online? You sometimes will save money (I’ve seen up to 25% off)! I have booked my Historic Royal Palaces specifically for that reason.
4) Sign Up for Newsletters
I’ve have discovered a lot of extra talks happening during my trip, as well as special events, and ticket deals just by signing up for museum and gallery emails these few months before the trip. It doesn’t cost me anything, and I’m obviously interested in what the museums have, so it is a win/win! Museums will often have lunchtime or evening talks by curators, artists, and guest lecturers for free. You just have to know about them to go. I’ve also noticed that a lot of them will include interviews and snippets related to the current exhibitions- it is a free way to add to your experience. And if you are new to that city, town, or area, they often will have helpful information about transportation, parking, food, and other nearby attractions. (It’s almost like they are going out of their way to get you to visit, hmmm.)
If you are super anti-email, you can always unsubscribe once your home from the trip. However, I love seeing what is happening at museums later! I can’t usually go back, but getting those newsletters are a lovely little blast from the past to bring back your trip and experiences.
5) Reach Out
If you are truly interested in a subject or an exhibition, reach out to the museum. I have found that really sizeable museums, like the V&A, don’t always make their staff available for meetings. However, smaller museums have been more than happy to set up a meeting with me when I am visiting! I think that in most cases, people are excited to share their own work, and possibly do something a little out of the ordinary for their normal day. If you do reach out, I would have something in mind that you want to talk about- don’t just put them on the spot! And if you are like me, and enjoy the ballet or theatre or symphony, there may be pre-show or post-show chats. You may also be lucky enough to get a tour of the theatre. In any case, the worst thing that happens is that your email gets a “no” response. (And if that happens, they will have no idea who you are when you are there…) Take advantage of everything you can!
What are your best cultural and historical travel tips?
Cheers,
The Historian
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I never thought to sign up for newsletters! I am a back alley person and a walker so love heading down excepted streets and off the beaten track. Sometimes I see a house/door/garden that I enjoy that has no historical significance. Will start to use Goggle more.