When I set out on a new adventure, I try to figure out the ‘local way’ of doing things, from the clothing I choose to wear, to the food I choose to eat, which led me to ask myself, am I a tourist, or a traveler?
Some people think they’re the same, others argue that they would never want to be referred to as a tourist, as if it were the biggest insult they’ve ever received.
So what’s the difference?
To start off my answer, there is a quote I absolutely love that I think can answer this debate in it’s entirety.
“A tourist wants to escape life, a traveller wants to experience it.” – Scott Ly
image source pexels.com
A tourist needs a break, a week-long vacation with an itinerary full of all the hot spots, classic tourist traps, fancy accommodation, and expensive nights out.
A traveller doesn’t go on vacation, they go on a journey. They have a curiosity to what else the world has to offer, a wandering mind to discover new culture through local dining, work exchange accommodation, deep interactions with the locals, and no ticket home.
Do you see where I’m going with this?
A tourist’s main objective is to numb themselves from their reality while a traveller just wants to feel.
A tourist will probably stay in a very well known area, with lots of hotels, restaurants and “things to do” while a traveller might opt for finding accommodation in a more creative way such as couch surfing, online travel forums, or simply meeting people along the way.
A tourist will expect the location to adapt to them and their standards while a traveller will adapt to the location.
A tourist will bring an outfit for every day and night with the shoes and jewellery to match while a traveller will most likely be minimalistic and only bring what they need. This is because a tourist thinks they need to show-off and impress while a traveller knows it’s their spirit that does the impressing.
A tourist won’t do much to step out of their comfort zones while a traveller will spend a majority of their time away from home uncomfortable.
A tourist will stick to the plan, while a traveller makes it up as they go.
Whether you are a tourist or a traveller, is completely up to you.
Being a tourist doesn’t leave much room for you to learn about yourself whereas the life of a traveller is based on learning who you are in this world and what that means.
There is nothing wrong being one way or the other, however if you find yourself taking offense to these words, maybe there is change waiting to happen in your future.
Are you a tourist or a traveller? How does that make you feel?
Let me know in the comments!
