UNESCO recognition through its World Heritage List and time in the subsequent travel spotlight can be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, a new site gets a big status boost and some protection. On the other hand, an influx of tourists adds pressures and more need for protection. One way to curb this effect is for travellers to visit alternative heritage destinations where high tourism congestion isn’t causing problems.

Who has never tried enchiladas, guacamole or tacos? Very few people. Fittingly, Mexican cuisine was in 2010 listed by UNESCO for its Cultural Intangible Heritage, gaining Mexico recognition for its traditional dishes that retain the names, ingredients and cooking practices dating back to the pre-hispanic era and incorporate influences and contributions from other cultures.

Beer is the ultimate social drink and there’s no better time to enjoy it than in October, a month during which, all over the world, the old, the young, the fat, the slim, the good, the bad and the ugly all come together for ‘Oktoberfest’-inspired beer-appreciation marathons. In a tribute to Oktoberfest, The Travel Word brings you a selection of seven surprising brews from different parts of the world.

An elderly woman wearing traditional dress accosts me as I focus my camera on the exterior of the church. She wags her bony finger at me and ominously hisses “No…no…no….” She unnerves me so much I quickly hide my camera. We are near San Cristóbal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico, in a town called Chamula, where the indigenous Tzotzil people earnestly protect their society and way of life.

Sweat is pouring from my pores. I am saturated with my own perspiration. Near Mérida on the Yucatán Peninsula, I have opted for detoxification and rebirth through a unique spiritual journey practised in similar ways by indigenous people worldwide: a Mexican temazcal.

Solo travel is an amazing opportunity for adventure. It’s a chance to discover yourself as you discover the world. It is safe. It is fun. You’ll also meet more people – locals and travellers – than you would travelling with a companion. You’ll have amazing experiences you will never forget.

Over the past two weeks, in honour of the end-of-year holidays, we’ve shared some of the fourth-quarter stirrings from a few places around the world. Sikh pilgrimages, Orthodox Christmas, Eid in the Maldives and more. We’ve offered our top five picks of places where you can tap into a mystical vibe if you’re not already adept at just finding the spiritual experience in all travel. Even after all that, we still had a few items on our list that we wanted to share.