Published 5th May. 2026
Written by Ella Mawson
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One of the joys of travel is encountering new cultures and ideas. From ancient traditions to modern philosophies, the world is rich in beliefs with the power to expand our outlook. We’ve spun the globe and cherry-picked some of our favourites, from the conviction that every activity should involve a little fun, to the celebration of joint effort over individualistic action. Read on for our shortlist of life concepts around the world and prepare for a conceptual circumnavigation of the globe...
Greece
This untranslatable Greek word describes the act of creating with love, devotion and attention to detail. Meraki is the supper lovingly laid out for friends and family; the fresh flowers arranged in a vase; or the handwritten note accompanying a thoughtful gift. The phrase often connotes craftsmanship, but high art isn’t the aim here. Meraki is about heartfelt effort and the idea that simple tasks can be infused with passion and soul.
South Pacific
You might know this word from the eponymous 2016 Disney movie, but moana (meaning ‘ocean’ in many Polynesian languages) is celebrated as both a living entity and a connecting force between humans, islands and the sea. Rather than viewing the sea as a barrier, those in the South Pacific see it as a pathway, creating one interconnected world. On a more spiritual level, moana mirrors life’s journey, one strewn with challenges requiring courage and resilience.
Japan
In its simplest form, shokunin can be understood as ‘craftsperson’ or ‘artisan.’ But on a deeper level, it signifies an unwavering devotion to one’s craft. The word emerged during the Edo period, when guilds of carpenters, potters and blacksmiths formed to sustain traditional crafts, and it retains relevance today. Shokunin is about doing your best work, and on any trip to Japan, you’ll notice it everywhere, from a highly skilled sushi chef’s presentation skills to a calligrapher’s singular perfect brushstroke.
Thailand
It’s no surprise that the ‘Land of Smiles’ has a life philosophy dedicated to joy. The belief behind sanuk is that every activity, from studying to socialising, should involve a little fun. Even the workplace should be a place of laughter and collaborative spirit. After all, it’s proven that productivity improves when people enjoy what they do. Travel around Thailand, and you’ll see sanuk in street markets, where vendors chat and laugh with customers; at festivals, where communities come together to celebrate; and in family homes, where chores are enjoyed rather than endured.
Kenya
Adopted as Kenya’s national motto after independence in 1963 – and even appearing on the country’s coat of arms – harambee is the nation’s guiding belief, deeply embedded in Kenyan culture. The Swahili word translates as ‘all pull together,’ celebrating joint effort over individualistic action. In modern-day Kenya, this philosophy is ever-present, from a company’s staff supporting a colleague going through a tough time to a village pooling labour to build a school.
Spain
In Spain and Latin America, sobremesa (meaning ‘over the table’) refers to the custom of lingering at the dining table after a meal. Instead of rushing off after the food is finished, people commonly stay seated for half an hour or more – with a cup of coffee or digestif – to enjoy company and conversation. Sobremesa links to the belief that meals build relationships and community, encouraging people to slow down and savour the moment.
Jordan
While travelling in Jordan and the Middle East, marhaba (meaning ‘welcome’) is a word you’ll soon recognise in hotels, restaurants and markets. Though common in daily interactions, the greeting carries a more profound meaning, reflecting deep-rooted values of openness and hospitality. Marhaba comes from the Arabic root rahaba – to be spacious or open – so marhaba is, in essence, to make space for someone in your world. No surprise there, given Bedouin culture developed in the desert, where mutual aid and the sharing of shelter, food and water were necessities.
Costa Rica
Pura vida, meaning ‘pure life’ or ‘simple life,’ is the informal motto of Costa Rica, embodying the nation’s optimism. The phrase was popularised in the 1950s after the release of the comedy film Pura Vida and appears in daily interactions as a catch-almost-all greeting, farewell or thank you. The associated hand gesture (the shaka: a waggling fist with thumb and little finger outstretched) is used both to celebrate and commiserate, whether over a successful surf session or a stressful time at work. The message? It’s all good.
Andean regions
Translated as ‘Mother Earth’ from the Quechua and Aymara languages, pachamama embodies the importance of living in harmony with nature. In pre-Inca cultures, pachamama was worshipped as a deity – sustaining the soil, mountains and natural world – and was central to agricultural and fertility rituals. Today, pachamama is still honoured in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, whether by farmers making offerings at the beginning of the planting season or eco-lodges championing sustainable practices and living with the land, rather than exploiting it.
South Africa
The word ubuntu, meaning ‘I am because we are,’ from South Africa’s Bantu languages, expresses the philosophy that we’re all interconnected through our common humanity. Day to day, this means acting with care and consideration towards others, whether by volunteering to help a neighbour after a flood, sharing food with those less fortunate or treating junior colleagues with respect. Despite occasional stress-testing, ubuntu has helped South Africa’s post-apartheid regime recovery, guiding social and foreign policy and helping rebuild the Rainbow Nation.
All images by Annabel Briens
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