Royal Lessons: Harry & Meghan's Nigeria Trip Spotlights Cultural Understanding, While William & Kate Keep Their Distance.

In the realm of royal engagements, each diplomatic visit is not just an opportunity for photo ops and handshakes; it's a chance to bridge cultures, foster understanding, and leave a lasting impact. While Harry and Meghan immersed themselves in the Nigerian culture, William and Kate maintained a diplomatic distance, opting for a more reserved approach. This divergence in strategy speaks volumes about the importance of cultural understanding, not just for royals, but for travelers worldwide.

From engaging with local communities, meeting Nigerian royalty, and simply allowing themselves to be among the people, their visit epitomized the spirit of cultural exchange. This contradicts William and Kate’s visit as they were seen being carried by locals, while shaking hands through a metal gate. Their approach could be perceived as a missed opportunity to engage authentically with Nigerian culture and its people. Harry and Meghan demonstrated a genuine respect for the host country—a sentiment that resonated deeply with Nigerians and global observers alike.

So what does this trip teach us about our own travels? Cultural competency is an essential skill for every globetrotter. Whether you're navigating the bustling markets of Lagos or exploring the serene landscapes of Abuja, understanding and respecting local customs can enrich your travel experience immeasurably.

So, how can you navigate cultures with respect and confidence?

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about its history, customs, traditions, language and social norms.

2. Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how locals interact, dress, and behave in different situations.

3. Respect Cultural Differences: Recognize that cultural norms may differ from your own without judgment or prejudice.

4. Practice Active Listening: Listen attentively to locals' perspectives, stories, and experiences. Ask questions and show genuine interest in learning about their culture and way of life.

5. Be Mindful of Body Language: Be aware of how your body language, gestures, and facial expressions may be interpreted in the local culture.

6. Show Humility and Empathy: Approach interactions with humility, acknowledging that you are a guest in someone else's culture.

7. Ask for Permission: When photographing people or sacred sites, always ask for permission first out of respect for their privacy and cultural sensitivities.

8. Avoid Stereotypes: Resist the temptation to generalize or stereotype individuals based on their culture or ethnicity. Treat each person as an individual with their own unique background and experiences.

9. Be Patient and Flexible: Embrace the unexpected and be prepared to adapt to unfamiliar situations.

Apps to help

1. Google Translate

2. Culture Trip: offers personalized travel recommendations and insights into local culture, food, and attractions.

3. DuoLingo: language-learning app that offers interactive lessons in dozens of languages.

4. TripLingo: provides essential travel phrases, cultural tips, and language lessons tailored to specific destinations. It also offers features like a currency converter and Wi-Fi dialer to help travelers stay connected abroad.

5. SpeakEasy: SpeakEasy offers audio phrasebooks for various languages and situations, allowing travelers to learn essential phrases for greetings, dining, shopping, and more.

6. Localeur: Localeur connects travelers with local insiders who provide authentic recommendations for dining, nightlife, and cultural experiences. It's a great way to discover off-the-beaten-path gems and immerse yourself in local culture.

7. HappyCow: HappyCow is a must-have app for vegetarian and vegan travelers, offering a comprehensive directory of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants around the world.

8. Time Out: Time Out provides curated guides to cities around the world, offering recommendations for dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions. PackPoint:**

9. PackPoint: helps travelers pack efficiently by generating customized packing lists based on destination, travel dates, and planned activities.

10. Local Guides by Google Maps: allows users to contribute reviews, photos, and tips for local businesses and attractions. It's a great way to discover authentic experiences recommended by locals and fellow travelers.

Challenge: Experience a different culture this week by eating in a different neighborhood, volunteer, or simply sightsee and use these skills.

Discuss this around the dinner table tonight, and let us know your thoughts.