This is a much talked about topic amongst all millennials. Lot of people I know they hate to be addressed as ‘tourist’ than to be called as ‘travelers’. I guess it sounds cool to be called a Traveler:-0
I find it strange since practically both are doing same thing but just differently😉
I know the fact that We are all tourists at some point. I know I have certainly been one. I am also a traveler. There is no exact definition and the line blurs between the two. It is all subjective, of course, and isn’t the whole point of travel to dispel the stereotypes and labels? But, what makes one a traveler?
So as per my understanding of each of these types, let me pen down some of their peculiar traits –
‘Tourists’ are quite obvious. I usually see them in groups with cameras near any semi-important monument/site or at some handicraft shop in herd. They’re usually dressed in a group T’s as proof that they indeed did see the location in question, holding cameras and waiting at a common junction for rest of the team members. They’re more interested in the guided tours, obvious attractions & love to stay in luxury hotels with full amenities.
On the other hand now meet ‘The Travelers' - They see tourists and usually end up going in the opposite direction;-) While they also go to these historical sites, hold their SLRs but not necessarily clicking anything or everything, generally look for quaint little indie/hipster places to go to chill… They end up going to see the place only the locals know about. To be precise they - Sit at a café, chats up with locals, go to a more ‘real’ part of town where people are really living and working, and enjoys a home cooked meal in someone’s home, spend evening with wine and fun conversation than going to some fancy restaurant or pub. They try to learn the language, meet the locals and fit in with the culture. They laugh at the travel faux pas the silly little tourists commit as they bumble through the city.
Below bucket of adjectives describe the real traits of a traveler –
Buoyant - Being a traveler you should be resilient. I guess people with hang-ups can’t travel anywhere. The way situation demands you should act accordingly. Say; If it’s raining you throw on your hooded rain jacket. If it’s cold you pile on the fleecy layers. If it’s hot, you strip down to the barest threads than only. things like where to eat/stay/ how to travel n so on...just be flexible as per place you are travelling.
High Spirited – I end up getting along best with people who are full of life. Don’t you think There is enough sorrows anyways in everybody’s life. what’s the point carrying that burden while travelling:-). You have to be up for fun/adventure to live up the spirit of the place. just follow this rule ‘When in the Rome, do as the Romans do’…believe me you will end up enjoying all the places without hassles.
Unprejudiced - you embrace others’ differences. Believe me different does not mean wrong. In fact, it may be better in some contexts. Learn new languages, learn about new cultures, taste new foods, learn about local habits/ taboos without any unbiased opinions . let me give you some examples – like being a Traveler you should try new cuisines than to have a long face when enter in any local restaurant…you can’t be disgusted to not find your style of food on the menu. If that’s the case its best you stay at home or carry your food everywhere…another instance like countries/places where people prefer talking in their own local language than in English…you can’t Insult locals because of this. Different should not scare you, rather you have to adapt yourself into that, just be open to see the world from other’s eyes too.
Last not the least be ‘Adventurous’ - Always keep that crave for adventure and push your own limits further and further. No wonder some say it’s an addiction. And for the record, being adventurous, does NOT have to mean jumping out of an airplane or bungee jumping off of a bridge (Yet to do one:-)). Getting out of your comfort zone, travelling solo, strumming down in the middle of a foreign land with no friends or plans — that’s all very adventurous!
In nutshell my take on this topic, people by n large whether ‘Tourist’ or ‘Traveler’ neither of them are permanent residents of the area. They visit a place just for the sake of entertainment or for carrying out any important work…To be more accurate, a tourist wants to visit and appreciate almost every worthy place of that country or city as per the list. While on the contrary, a traveler tends to travel to enjoy the local flavor rather than visiting almost every single place just for the heck of going.
Guys there is no debate if you fall into either category, both are fine in their own way if the main objective is to have fun. I would say just go out there and keep exploring…travel whichever way you like...end of the day travel will only make you wiser and aware of new horizons😊
