Cultural Appropriation vs Culture Sharing (Appreciation) in Travel

Understanding Cultural Appropriation vs. Culture Sharing

The line between borrowing and stealing from another culture can get blurry when you travel. You need to spot the difference between taking something sacred without permission and joining in with respect when invited.

Definition of Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation happens when someone takes parts of another culture without respect or understanding. Plain and simple – it’s stealing. (We’re not going to sugar coat things around here!) So, unless you’ve been invited by an Indigenous nation to wear, for example, a Native American headdress at a music festival, you, my friend, are participating in appropriation. 

This practice often flows from the history of dominant groups taking from marginalized communities. Power plays a big role here. The problem is it’s taking without giving credit, context, or respect.

Cultural appropriation strips away meaning and turns sacred traditions into costumes.

You might spot it in fashion, music, food, or ceremonies. For travelers, this matters a lot. Copying hairstyles, outfits, or rituals without being invited to do so or grasping their meaning can hurt the people who created them. Repsonsible travel practices show us that approaching other cultures with curiosity and respect is always the default.

Examples of Cultural Appropriation

Here’s a quick list of the most common examples of cultural appropriation during your travels or even in your hometown.

1. 1. Wearing Native American headdresses at music festivals or as Halloween costumes ignores their sacred meaning and importance to indigenous communities.
   2. Adopting hairstyles like cornrows or dreadlocks without acknowledging their cultural roots in Black communities can be hurtful, especially when these styles get renamed as “boxer braids” or “bohemian locks.”
   3. Getting tattoos of religious symbols like the Om symbol or Buddha faces as fashion statements without understanding their deep spiritual meaning.
   4. Using war paint and feathers as party costumes strips away the cultural and ceremonial importance these items hold for native peoples.
   5. Taking photos of sacred ceremonies without permission or posting them on social media for likes shows a lack of respect for private cultural practices.
   6. Buying mass-produced “tribal” items that copy traditional designs but give no credit or payment to the original artists.
   7. Using words from other languages as trendy slogans on t-shirts while mocking those same languages when spoken by native speakers.
   8. Decorating your home with religious objects from other cultures purely as “exotic” decor without learning about their purpose.
   9. Performing yoga as just a workout while ignoring its spiritual roots and meaning in Hindu traditions.
   10. Creating food fusion dishes that change traditional recipes and call them “authentic” or “improved” versions of cultural classics. 

Rooted in Colonialism and Power Imbalance

Cultural appropriation is a direct descendant of colonial history, where European nations took what they wanted from the Indigenous cultures they encountered without permission or respect. This power imbalance still exists throughout the travel industry and today when dominant groups travel to destinations, especially rural, remote, and/or developling areas, where elements from marginalized communities are presented or experienced, it is important to understand their true meaning. If we don’t move in this way, we are further perpetuating the damage that this history has caused.

Historical Context and Power Dynamics

Let’s be clear, cultural sharing has existed throughout human history, and is one of the most wonderful and important experiences about traveling. Cultural exchange has enriched human societies throughout history, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. However, when such exchanges occur within imbalanced power dynamics, then that can lead to cultural appropriation.

Colonial powers often seized not only land but also appropriated cultural symbols, practices, and artifacts from the communities they dominated. This appropriation frequently involved stripping these elements of their original significance and repurposing them to benefit the colonizers, leading to one-sided cultural exchanges.

In the fashion industry, designers have faced criticism for incorporating culturally significant symbols without proper acknowledgment. For instance, Victoria’s Secret has been accused multiple times of cultural appropriation. In their 2010 fashion show, the “Wild Things” segment featured models in tribal-inspired outfits and body paint, which was criticized for appropriating African culture and perpetuating racist stereotypes. In 2012, their “Go East” collection included a “Sexy Little Geisha” outfit, leading to backlash for its stereotypical portrayal of Asian culture. Additionally, during the 2012 fashion show, model Karlie Kloss wore a Native American headdress, prompting apologies from both the model and the brand.

Similarly, in the music industry, artists have been called out for adopting elements from cultures without proper context or respect. Madonna, for example, has been accused of borrowing from various cultures, including wearing Indian saris and bindis during a 1998 photo shoot for Rolling Stone magazine and participating in a geisha-inspired photo spread for Harper’s Bazaar in 1999. 

Even in food, companies have tried to “improve” traditional dishes—like bubble tea or birria tacos—without crediting the communities who created them.

And it’s not just about theft. It’s about who gets praised and who gets punished. Take Black hairstyles: cornrows, locs, and afros have been labeled “unprofessional” in schools and workplaces. Yet, when white celebrities wear them, they’re suddenly edgy or high fashion.

People of Color and Cultural Appropriation

People of color face a different set of rules in cultural exchanges. It’s not just about what is being shared—it’s about who is sharing it, and how society treats them for it.

People of color don’t have the same level of systemic power, and that makes a big difference in how cultural borrowing plays out. When Black Americans wear Celtic symbols or Asian Americans practice yoga, it doesn’t carry the same historical weight as a white influencer wearing an Indigenous headdress to Coachella. The dynamic just isn’t the same. It really does go back to history, as it was the foundation for where we are today.

I don’t speak of this lightly or as just an opinion. My undergrad degree from UCLA is in the Study of Religion. Where my course work was deeply filled with anthropolgy, tons of history, sociology, and philosophy. Add to that my 15 years as a travel journalist and documentarian.

But, you certainly do not have to have a degree to notice these imbalances while traveling. A Black traveler wearing a kimono in Japan is often treated with curiosity and hospitality; while a white tourist doing the same may be seen as exoticizing or playing dress-up. The intention might be the same, but the cultural baggage is not.

This isn’t about creating double standards—it’s about understanding that culture doesn’t exist in a vacuum. History matters. And when you recognize the systems of power behind these exchanges, you can engage more meaningfully and respectfully as a traveler.

Ethical Engagement with Other Cultures through Travel

Ethical travel goes beyond packing light and staying at eco-lodges—it’s about how you show up in someone else’s cultural space. It means traveling with curiosity and humility.

A key thing to note is that it’s not about perfection. It’s about respect.

Why Research Matters (and How It Changes Everything)

A little research before your trip can go a long way. It gives you a framework—not just for understanding traditions, but for knowing how to engage with them in a way that’s respectful.

When I traveled to Mexico and prepared to participate in a Mayan temescal ceremony—a traditional sweat lodge—I didn’t want to just show up. I learned about the ritual’s roots, its spiritual meaning, and the role of the shaman. But the most important part? Talking with locals. That changed everything. I didn’t just attend—I was welcomed in.

Contrast that with stories from places like Bali, where travelers sometimes enter temples in tank tops and climb on sacred altars for photos. Besides being disrespectful in someone else’s “home”, it is a show one’s character if you can’t read the room that this kind of intrusive behavior can deeply offend those who invited you in.

Asking yourself questions like “Am I learning, or just taking?” is a powerful step. Cultural appreciation means engaging with intention, not just aesthetics.

Local guides can be your greatest allies here. They know what’s appropriate, what’s sacred, and how to guide you through experiences that might otherwise feel off-limits. They help you see the difference between being a guest and being an outsider.

Consent Is Cultural Currency

I’ve witnessed tourists talk loudly during prayer while visiting working churches Guatemala, touch ancient carvings in Moab, and snap close-ups of Indigenous elders in Quebec without asking. No words, just a camera click. I point out these destinations as they are in the Americas. You don’t have to go far to be immersed in sacred spaces, and it doesn’t take much to do better. The best strategy is to always ask for permission. A smile, a question, or even a gesture asking “May I?” goes a long way. And if the answer is no—that’s okay. You’ve still shown respect.

Real culture sharing happens through invitation, not interruption.

What Real Connection Looks Like

One of my biggest wake-up calls came at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. Every night, there was a show—a taste of “local culture” packaged into 30-minute performances with bright costumes and rehearsed dances.

It was fine. But it wasn’t real.

So I stepped outside the resort walls. A local guide took me to a dance hall tucked away from the tourist path. Inside, it was electric. No stage, no script—just rhythm, community, and joy. Locals pulled me into the circle, laughing and teaching me their steps. That’s the kind of cultural exchange you don’t forget.

Or the time in Guatemala when I stayed at a local family’s home. They invited me into their kitchen to help prepare a traditional meal. Then we ate dinner and shared stories. I brought a gift of playing cards for their son, and the cultural sharing continued.

The exchange is realizing that as curuious as I was about them, they were about me and my American cutlure.

— Dayvee Sutton

These are the moments you carry as special and impactful memories.

Quick Tips for Respectful Cultural Engagement 

• • Ask first, always. Especially when it comes to photos, sacred spaces, or ceremonies. Consent is a small step with a big impact.

Pro Tip: Bring a camera that prints photos or a portable photo printer when visiting rural or Indigenous places. If photos are allowed and you take any with people from the village, you can print off a copy for them immediately. Your visit, and them meeting you, also impacts their life. So instead of you just “taking” from them – you can give them a piece of your moment together. HERE’s the printer I currently use.

• • Try the language—even if you butcher it. Locals usually appreciate the effort more than perfect pronunciation. It shows heart.

• • Let food guide you. Sitting at a family table or eating at a community kitchen teaches more than any museum exhibit ever could.

• • Write it down. A travel journal isn’t just a souvenir. It’s a way of honoring what people shared with you. It helps you remember the lessons, not just the landmarks.

• • Watch reactions. When you’re engaging with a culture the right way, you’ll feel it. Faces light up. People lean in. You’re not just observing—you’re being welcomed.

Distinguishing Between Cultural Appropriation and Culture Sharing

When it comes to cultural exchange, the line between honoring and appropriating can feel thin—and that’s where context makes all the difference.

It’s not just about what you do, but why you’re doing it, how you came to it, and what it means to the people whose culture it comes from.

During a trip to San Blas in Nayarit, I bought a pair of beautiful earrings from a street vendor after watching him and his family craft each piece by hand. I was mesmerized—the detail, the patience, the skill—it was clearly more than just jewelry. Later, our local guide told me this was no ordinary craft. The technique they used had been passed down for generations and traced back to the ancient Mayans.

Suddenly, those earrings weren’t just accessories. They were storytellers.

This is what it means to honor a culture—when you know the hands that made something, the history behind it, and the legacy it represents. That kind of context turns a souvenir into a connection.

But not all cultural exchanges are so thoughtful.

In my travels, I’ve also seen how Indigenous and local artisans are taken advantage of—especially by fast fashion. In Guatemala, we visited a women’s weaving cooperative where they demonstrated the techniques used to create traditional wedding garments. They told us that researchers from Chinese fast fashion companies had visited their community under the guise of cultural tourism—buying garments, asking questions—and then later saw nearly identical designs being sold on Alibaba. The community received no credit and no compensation; and worse, their sacred cultural garments were made into cheap, poor quality replicas!

I witnessed something similar in Dakar. While walking through a market, we were invited behind the scenes into a craft shop where artisans were creating intricate metalwork. In the back, I saw a group of Asian visitors—not tourists, but what looked like scouts, as they were in suits—studying their techniques and taking notes. These are culture vultures!

That tribal necklace or sacred tattoo design might look trendy, but if it carries deep meaning for the culture it came from, wearing or reproducing it without understanding—or permission—can turn appreciation into disrespect. Especially when the original creators are shut out of the profits or the story.

Intent matters. So does awareness. Appreciation starts with curiosity, but it grows through understanding—and accountability.

Check out my resources on Responsible Travel HERE

The Role of Attitude and Intention

The difference between appropriation and appreciation often comes down to your attitude. Are you treating someone’s culture like a costume? Or are you taking time to understand where something comes from, and what it means?

One traveler might wear a sari as a fashion statement, another might wear one after being invited to a family wedding in India. Same garment. Entirely different context. One instant is a bit sketchy. The other is clear and welcomed!

Approach matters. Curiosity builds bridges. But, entitlement builds walls.

Simple things make a big impact:

• • Ask questions about an item’s meaning before buying.

• • Learn about who made it and how it’s traditionally used.

• • Choose community-led tours or artisans rather than mass-produced imitations.

Strategies for Genuine Culture Sharing While Traveling

If you’re looking for real connection while traveling—not just souvenirs and snapshots—these approaches help you build deeper, more respectful experiences.

People Watching and Natural Cultural Exchange

Some of the best cultural learning happens quietly, without a guidebook.

Grab a seat at a local café or park bench and just observe. Watch how people greet each other, how families interact, how teens dress or elders gather. These rhythms of daily life tell you more than any museum label ever could.

In Puerto Rico, I once smiled at a group of locals who were hanging out on the beach on the small island of Ponce. One simple exchange turned into them inviting me for a beer, and a long afternoon of stories, laughter, and a spontaneous gift of sharing an invention they made from the trash they clean up monthly on the beach! 

Sometimes, being more intentional, like  joining community projects—like beach cleanups or harvest festivals—leads to organic conversations. You’re not a tourist then. You’re a fellow human, pitching in.

These are the moments where culture sharing thrives.

Booking Local Guides for Authentic Insight

Hiring local guides is one of the most powerful ways to engage with a place authentically. And is at the top of my recommendations!

They don’t just show you landmarks—they connect the dots between past and present, ritual and daily life. They explain the why, not just the what.

In Hanoi, my guide took me on the back of his motorbike and we went off the beaten path to a family-run noodle shop. We just sat there on the street, eating, watching people, and sharing stories. Not only did I learn how to eat pho the right way, but I also heard stories about the family’s legacy and what food means in Vietnamese culture. No restaurant review could’ve taught me that.

Other times, local guides helped me avoid missteps—like knowing when it’s respectful to join a celebration, and when it’s best to observe from the sidelines. During an Easter celebration in Mexico, we were in the small town of Jala. For the entire the week the town lights up to celebrate the holiday. It’s a sacred time for the entire country, so I was prepared to sit on the outskirts and just observe. Well from the begining, we were invited to participate – even grabbed by locals – to participate in the festivities.

And let’s not forget the economic impact. When you use a local guide instead of a big tour company, your money goes directly to that guide and the community. That’s responsible travel in action.

Ethical Travel: Beyond the Human Experience

Cultural respect extends to animals and the environment too. Around the world, I’ve seen how tourism can harm wildlife—like elephants made to give rides or dolphins forced to perform tricks.

If an attraction feels exploitative, it probably is. That’s why I now prioritize experiences that protect animals rather than profit from them. Like planniing a visit to a true elephant sanctuary in Thailand, where the animals roam freely and aren’t ridden or bathed by tourists.

The same goes for the environment. Cultural traditions are deeply tied to land and water. When we treat those elements with care, we’re also respecting the culture that lives within them.

It really all does work together.

Embracing Slow Travel and Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Slow travel lets you sink into a place like a local, not just skim the surface like most tourists. You’ll find magic in small villages and hidden spots that big tour buses never reach.

Participating in Local Traditions and Activities

Local traditions offer you the best way to understand a culture beyond tourist spots. Joining in these activities creates real connections with people and places during your travels.

• Join local games that families play in parks or town squares. Kick a soccer ball with kids in Brazil or try pétanque in France to break down barriers without words.
• Learn basic dance moves from the places you visit. Many towns host public dances where locals will gladly teach you steps to traditional dances like salsa in Cuba or the hula in Hawaii.
• Sing along with locals during festivals or gatherings. Music brings people together across all cultures and shows your interest in their traditions.
• Take Polaroid photos to give as gifts to people you meet. This practice creates instant joy and leaves a small piece of your visit behind as a thank you.
• Ask permission before joining religious ceremonies or sacred events. Some rituals welcome visitors while others remain private for community members only.
• Wear proper clothing that respects local customs during cultural events. Your outfit choices show if you value cultural sharing versus cultural appropriation.
• Cook with a local family to learn about food traditions. Food tells stories about history, geography, and values better than any guidebook.
• Visit during harvest seasons to help with traditional farming practices. Many rural communities welcome extra hands during busy times.
• Shop at local markets using basic phrases in the local language. Vendors appreciate your effort even if your pronunciation needs work.
• Attend community meetings or town gatherings if they’re open to visitors. These events show how decisions get made and what issues matter locally.

Making Connections with Locals

Locals bring a place to life through their stories, customs, and daily routines. You’ll discover the true heart of a destination by sharing meals with families or spending several days in their homes.

These simple acts create bonds that cross language barriers and cultural differences. One traveler in Peru spent three days helping a family harvest potatoes, learning more about Quechua traditions than any guidebook could teach.

The family later invited her to their daughter’s birthday celebration – a rare honor for outsiders.

Breaking bread together opens doors to real cultural exchange. Try cooking classes taught in family kitchens, community dinners, or homestay programs that put money directly into local economies. One of my best tips for finding locally driven experiences in on Airbnb Experiences.

You can also try by starting conversations with shop owners, taxi drivers, or people in parks. Ask about their favorite local foods or childhood memories of the area. 

Most people appreciate genuine interest in their lives and culture when approached with respect. These interactions often lead to the most treasured travel memories and deeper understanding of places you visit.

Final Thoughts

Travel opens doors to new cultures, but we must step through with care. You now know the line between taking and sharing – it’s about respect, learning, and fair exchange. Power matters in these talks, as does the history behind each custom you meet.

Next time you pack your bags, think about how to join in rather than just grab what looks cool. 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between cultural appreciation, cultural sharing, and cultural appropriation?

Cultural appreciation and sharing happen when you learn about and honor other cultures with respect. You take time to understand the meaning behind traditions. Cultural appropriation occurs when you take elements from another culture without permission or understanding, often for profit or fashion.

2. What is the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation in literature?

In literature, appreciation means authors research deeply and portray cultures accurately. They give credit where it’s due. Appropriation happens when writers use cultural stories or symbols without context, changing their meaning or claiming them as their own.

3. What is the difference between cultural appropriation and appreciation in design?

Design appreciation involves studying cultural art forms and collaborating with artists from that culture. Appropriation in design means taking patterns, symbols, or styles without permission and using them just because they look cool.

4. How can I practice cultural appreciation instead of appropriation?

Learn the history behind cultural practices before joining in. Ask permission when needed. Buy directly from artists of that culture rather than from big companies selling knockoffs. Remember that cultures aren’t costumes – they’re living traditions with deep meaning to real people.