These are the top 20 signs you’re a culture connoisseur

By Charlotte Minett, 72Point via SWNS

The 20 traits that prove you are a culture connoisseur include learning the local language, eating traditional cuisine from the region and socializing with the locals, according to research.

Brushing up on local etiquette, visiting more than one destination during a trip and watching documentaries about the country before setting off, are other signs travelers identified as making themselves more cultured when abroad.

Other things include asking residents for their recommendations of places to visit, owning at least five guidebooks and doing walking tours of a city with a local guide, according to a poll of 2,000 UK adults.

It also emerged 86 percent consider themselves a culture connoisseur, who likes to soak up local sights and experiences on vacation, with 55 percent more adventurous while abroad.

And 17 percent would even be prepared to try unique food like insects, while 31 percent try to learn the local language to really absorb a country’s culture when abroad.

Adam Kemp, from Audley Travel, which commissioned the research and has put together an Ultimate Travel Bucket List, said: “There are so many amazing cultures and places to visit all around the world.

"Travelers get so much more from their trip by embracing the local culture and foods.

“More and more people are now avoiding common tourist areas and seeking a more authentic experience - this is the best way to really experience a destination as the locals do.”

The research also found 84 per ent like to visit off-the-beaten-track locations, while a quarter prefer seeing the more under-the-radar landmarks as opposed to the most famous sights.

And 45 percent have a bucket list of top travel experiences, with the average Brit having already ticked off four of these things.

Seeing the Northern Lights, traveling on the Orient Express and driving Route 66 in the USA, are at the top of the list.

While going on safari, riding in a hot air balloon and doing an off-road trip in a 4x4 are also top activities people would like to do while away.

Tracking wildlife in the rainforest, visiting a volcano and flying in a helicopter are also on the list.

Nearly a third (32 percent) think it’s important to have bucket list goals so they have something to aim for, and 28 percent believe it gives a new perspective on life.

Although, four in 10 cite not having enough time as a reason they feel held back from fulfilling their travel goals, while 16 percent believe they are too old.

It also emerged 49 percent display trinkets around their home from interesting places all over the world.

And while 21 percent get their holiday inspiration from social media, 34 pe cent trust recommendations from friends and family, according to the research by OnePoll.

Adam Kemp, from Audley Travel, which creates tailored adventures for travelers, added: “Bucket lists are a great way to keep track of the things you would like to do and see all over the world, so it’s great so many people have one and even better that people are making their way through the list.

“There is the perfect itinerary out there for everyone.”

Top 20 Signs You're a Culture Connoisseur

1. Always trying the local cuisine
2. Always visiting museums
3. Avoiding tourist traps and exploring hidden gems
4. Trying to learn local languages
5. Using local transport to get around
6. Choosing restaurants and cafes bustling with local people
7. Trying to visit more than one destination during a trip
8. Learning local etiquette to avoid making a cultural faux pas
9. Doing a walking tour of the city with a local guide
10. Trying new or unique foods, like insects
11. Booking locally owned or historically significant hotels
12. Socializing with local people
13. Asking locals for recommendations
14. Checking for local festivals/ celebrations
15. Buying local crafts and artisan trinkets to return home with
16. Going somewhere nobody else has been
17. Collecting passport stamps
18. Visiting all seven continents
19. Watching documentaries on the destination before visiting
20. Knowing about the art from a destination