Traveler vs Tourist
"What's the difference?" you might think. 🤔
By definition a tourist is someone that makes a tour for pleasure or culture. And a traveler is someone that goes on a trip or journey. But being a traveler is more than just that. To me it's also the ability to adapt and make wherever you are your home for that period of time. Yes you sometimes do typical touristy stuff as well but ultimately you try to stay away from attractions, and do things the normal tourist doesn't do, connecting with locals and getting a deeper insight in the culture.
I found a pretty accurate description when I was looking for the right words to describe it.
"You need to be a child before you can be an adult, likewise, you need to be a tourist before you can be a traveler. An all-grown-up traveler knows what it’s like to be a tourist and actively avoids most (if not all) “tourist activities.” Tourist activities are things like planning a short week-long trip out weeks in advance and hitting all the popular sights, it’s staying in a nice
hotel, eating at fancy restaurants, taking photos of yourself so it looks like you’re holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa…just to show your friends back home." (panamajack.com)
Yeah, and that's not me at all.
Like, I never plan much ahead. If someone asks me where I'm gonna be next month or the month after, I can't really give an accurate answer...I might have in mind to go to Canada but if you ask me again some time later I might have changed my mind and tell you that I go to India instead. My schedule is super flexible and changes accordingly.
Let me break it down a bit more.
Traveling – it's a word that evokes a sense of adventure, discovery, and wonder in me.
But within this realm of exploration, there exists a delightful distinction that often goes unnoticed – the difference between travelers and tourists. While both seek to experience new places, cultures, and cuisines, the way they approach their journeys varies significantly.
Travelers: The Adventurous Souls
Travelers are the modern-day explorers, the seekers of the unknown. They are the ones who set out with a vague plan and an open heart, ready to embrace whatever the world throws their way. For a traveler, the journey itself is the destination, and every twist and turn in the road is an opportunity for growth and learning. I'm speaking from my heart, that's how I feel deep inside.
(picture left: me and locals in the jungle of Costa Rica near San Jose 2021; burned, sweaty and dirty)
Packing Light... and Lighter: Travelers are notorious minimalists. Most of us have mastered the art of packing only the essentials, squeezing everything into a single backpack, duffel bag or trolly suitcase, and leaving room for small souvenirs along the way. A traveler's luggage is a symbol of freedom, unburdened by unnecessary items.
Seeking Authentic Experiences: We avoid the well-worn tourist traps and opt for hidden gems. We want to eat where the locals eat, sleep where the locals sleep, and dance to the rhythm of life in our chosen destination. Authenticity is our mantra.
Embracing the Unexpected: Missed flights, wrong turns, and language barriers, no problem, they are all part of a traveler's adventure. We see these moments as opportunities for spontaneity and serendipity, often resulting in the most cherished memories.
Collecting Moments, Not Things: While tourists may fill their bags with souvenirs, travellers collect experiences and memories. Our treasure trove is filled with stories of encounters with people, cultures, and landscapes from around the world.
Tourists: The Sightseeing Aficionados
Tourists, on the other hand, are the planners, the checklist enthusiasts. They approach their journeys with a detailed itinerary and a desire to check off as many must-see attractions as possible, as well as relaxing time on the hotel pool or beach. The time is limited. For a tourist, the destination is the focal point, and every moment is dedicated to capturing the perfect selfie.
(picture left: me touristing in Rome, Italy 2023)
They've Got the Guide(book): Tourists are often seen with a trusty guidebook in hand, carefully flipping through pages to find the next attraction to visit. They prefer to stick to the well-trodden path, guided by experts and their recommendations.
They Love Their Comforts: Tourists opt for comfortable accommodations, usually staying in hotels with all the amenities they're used to. Preferably all inclusive. They appreciate a good room service menu and a cozy bed at the end of a long day of sightseeing.
They Capture Every Moment: Tourists wield their cameras and smartphones like extensions of their arms. Every landmark, meal, and encounter is meticulously documented for friends, family, and their social media followers to see.
They Savor Souvenirs: Tourists are avid collectors of souvenirs. Fridge magnets, keychains, and postcards – their bags are filled with tangible reminders of their journey, making for colorful memories once they return home. (I buy fridge magnets for my parents and started to get keychains for myself)
Embracing Both Worlds
As someone who loves to travel, I've had the privilege of being both a traveler and a tourist at different times. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to exploring the world, and that's the beauty of it. Most of the time, I crave the excitement of spontaneous adventures, and I take on the traveler's mindset. Every now and then, I want the reassurance of a well-organized itinerary, and I become a tourist. 😊
The truth is, there's a little bit of traveler and tourist in all of us, and that's perfectly okay. Whether you prefer the thrill of the unknown or the comfort of a familiar checklist, what matters most is the joy and enrichment that travel brings to your life.
In the end, it doesn't really matter if you identify more with being a traveler or a tourist. What's important is that you go out there and explore the world in a way that resonates with you. Whether you're hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, sipping espresso in an Italian piazza, or lounging on a beach in Bali, the world is a vast and wondrous place waiting to be discovered, one adventure at a time. So, go ahead, pack your bags, and embrace your inner traveler or tourist – or both – and let the journey unfold in all its delightful ways.
Happy travels!
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