How can one have a less materialistic lifestyle and still gain knowledge of cultural differences elsewhere?

I have been researching anti-consumerism, and I recognize that driving less or not at all is a good move, but I am unsure how one can gain the knowledge of other civilizations without a certain expenditure on transport-say, to another continent. If it were not for our exploration of other regions, we would not be aware of many technologies or ideas. In today's world, how does one go about taking a trip to a region not accesible by foot or non-car transport? And does the anti-consumerist viewpoint even encourage such travel?