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Tourist vs. Traveler

July 25, 2016 1 Comment

The words “tourist” and “traveler” are not interchangeable. If you travel or want to travel, you probably have an ideal plan of how you want to see your destination. Maybe an all-expenses-paid tour? A food-focused trip? A DIY meandering?

Each word defines a certain way of traveling, and they’re not the same.

Chatting with locals at Ivy's Cayman Treats — Chatting with locals at Ivy’s Cayman Treats

A food focused trip: Asheville, N.C.: White Duck Taco and Vortex Doughnuts

A couple of weeks ago (on my most recent travel), I had just seated myself at the table for the evening’s fine dining experience after exchanging greetings with the other table occupants. The waiter unfurled my napkin over my lap, and I straightened the fabric over my dress.

“We tried to venture out into the town, but all the shop owners were yelling at us.” The woman shuddered as she reached for her iced water. “It didn’t feel safe so we came back.”

I nodded, trying to be sympathetic, as I bit the inside of my mouth. This was not the time for a lesson on cultures. But I was just bursting to instruct, This is your most real brush with actual island culture all week. Everywhere else all of our American pretensions have been catered to, every whim, every tidied room, every dessert.

But she didn’t want to hear that. She was on vacation.

So before you think I’m just hating on this woman, I want to say that I really liked her. I found her wise, easy to chat with, and exceptionally kind.

But, she was on vacation.

In Prague with @wayfaringreader, trying to become unlost!

Tourist vs. Traveler: Deciphering the Differences

There are many, far smarter people than me who have defined these two terms so I’ll jump right to linking a few of my favorite articles below. They’re each a quick skim, so click away!

Bored Panda: 10+ Differences Between Tourists And Travellers

The Huffington Post: 21 Signs You’re A Traveler, Not A Tourist

Elite Daily: The 7 Real Differences Between A Tourist and A Traveler

All of those articles are fairly entertaining. I think I might like Elite Daily’s the best because I think it captures something specifically.

The true difference between the tourist and the traveler is the purpose of their country hopping.

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The Tourist

Tourists sign up for tours, museums, and the “authentic” experience. Whatever that is.

My dining companion above was a tourist through and through. She wanted to experience the country and the culture on her own terms. She didn’t want to be uncomfortable. And you know what, she purchased the right trip to cater to those desires.

There is tremendous value in being a tourist. You can unashamedly do all the things that locals will roll their eyes at. This is your time to splurge on shopping, eating, or whatever you most love. Regular life needs the reward of being a vacationer.

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The Traveler

Travelers recognize that true learning happens when interacting with the locals of the country, getting lost and then getting unlost.

But I’m a traveler. The discomfort is terrifying, but at the end of the day, I’ll remember negotiating for a taxi cab and then wondering if the taxi will appear at the chosen time. I’ll remember the island boys with their broken-English charm and white-teethed grins. And you know, maybe I didn’t purchase the right trip for my wishes since I wanted to interact with the locals.

And naturally, the value of being a traveler is high. A traveler enters other countries and cultures with the desire to learn and to even blend into the local community (as much as they can). It’s quieter, and it’s more work to keep your home cultural quirks packed away.

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What other tell-tale signs can you list for a tourist or a traveler? Do you have any good stories about other tourists or travelers?

Book Recommendation: 6 Books on Writing

July 21, 2016 Leave a Comment

The life of a writer is lonely. I’ve heard it said by so many people and even written by other authors. I used to believe it.

Sure, writing is something that you have to do alone, and yes, you often rewrite and edit alone, too. But I’ve learned that my writing improves when I release it to my community for their opinions and skilled edits. They challenge me to take my writing through another edit when I’m ready to be done already.

Oh, yes. Fiction books can help with your writing, too!

In the spirit of the helpfulness that I’ve received from so many, I wanted to share with you the books on writing that have helped me the most. If you’re not into writing but you love books, keep scrolling (a writer learns best from reading after all).

6 Books on Writing

Rivet Your Readers With Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

I reread through this entire book yesterday morning because I needed to do a thorough edit of my sample chapters as I prepare a book proposal. I’m wondering if I ought to just make this daily reading!

Structuring Your Novel by K. M. Weiland

K. M. Weiland also has a website where she is highly active, sharing great information for writers. She’s one of those authors who I hugely admire and am simultaneously intimidated by!

Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc by Dara Marks

I need to cozy up with this book again. It’s such a thick resource!

Villains by Darcy Pattison

It’s only 99 cents for kindle, and if you like smart villains, this is a great first resource for learning how to write some dastardly ones!

My Current Learning-To-Write-Better Reads

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Although Zinsser’s focus is nonfiction (and I prefer fiction), his writing is entertaining and informative. His chapters are generally short, spunky, and smart. I can learn just as much from well-written nonfiction as I can from an exquisite story.

Build Your Author Platform by Carole Jelen and Michael McCallister

A reality of today’s culture is platform regardless of what you write! You need a reader. Platform is hands down imperative for nonfiction writers, but it’s important for fiction writers too. When I interned for a publishing house, I was privileged to read through the slush pile (the stack of letters from writers with a story and a desire to be published). Some of those writers had brilliant ideas but no community, no website, no media presence, no viable self-marketing plan. So write well, but invite your friends and their friends to join your journey.

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My Learning-To-Write-Better Fiction Reads

French Twist series by Sandra Byrd

With a heavy dose of adulthood confusion and delicious pastries, Sandra Byrd enchanted me with her lovable heroine as she tried to figure out her place in the world. She even spends a few months in Paris, which further delighted this particular travel addict. I think this story made my own bumbling adulthood journey less terrifying and wrong-feeling.

The Return of Miss Blueberry by Rachael Phillips

A clumsy heroine with a small town history and a pageant crown to her name returns to her roots, running headlong into her past and a certain high school hottie. Goodness gracious, I enjoyed this story, especially since I recognized the real life setting. But I was inspired by this book because I have the privilege to call Rachael a friend of mine. She makes writing look easy and inspires me to keep tapping away.

Lady Windermere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde

A good woman, who accuses her husband of having an affair with an older yet glamorous woman with a history, catches herself between ruin and honor. Somehow Oscar Wilde, in a play, is able to convey more truth about humanity through dialogue than a heavily detailed novel. His writing challenges my own over-telling and over-wordiness.

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So, my friends, a writer’s life is far from lonely when it can be shared with you readers, the writers of today, and the writers of the past. What fun tidbit can you share with me about your writing or reading life?

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Oh, here are some more books for you, if you’d like! Naturally, it’s now I notice that my titles are not consistent…

6 Books You Should Read This Summer

Six Books for Grief and Loss

7 Souvenirs for Souvenir-Haters

July 18, 2016 2 Comments

I’m against souvenirs. They’re usually cheaply made items that tourists will throw away after the first showing to all their friends and family at Christmas.

If it’s not the stress of buying a souvenir for everyone, it’s the frustration of trinkets upon trinkets. Will it fit into the suitcase? Does it fit in the budget? Will the receiver like it?

When I first began traveling, I bought souvenirs for everyone. It seemed like the thing to do. But then, my dad didn’t need another key chain, and my mom was out of space for the cute figurines. Time for a new motto.

No souvenirs.

Perhaps it seems cold hearted, but if a friend didn’t visit the city or country with me, the souvenir meant nothing to them (other than the fact I thought of them). My little gift to them was just another thing to collect dust or be donated in a year’s time.

But, sometimes you still need to bring a souvenir back as a “thank you” or a “remember me”.

1. A jar of jam or sauce

It’s a cute, flavorful oddity for your friend that came from some exotic location. It will be eaten and enjoyed. Then, one day, it will be no more. It’ll no longer take up space or collect dust. Useful and thoughtful.

A delicious gift from friends who traveled in Asia

2. An article of clothing? No, not a t-shirt. Maybe not even a scarf.

If you know your friend’s style, you could pick up a lovely item for them. A clothing piece will be incorporated into their wardrobe, and it will be used throughout the week. This is my favorite option when I purchase something for myself in a place I’m visiting. Practical and playful.

3. A kitchen item

People spend time in the kitchen, working with food or eating food! If you’re visiting a place that specializes in woodwork or pottery, a gift option is clear. Can you have too many cutting boards or mugs? Okay, I suppose you can, but buy them something to replace an old thing. Usable and classy.

Some beautiful earrings from the Cayman Islands!

4. A set of earrings or a bracelet

Travel-sized. Eccentric. Classic. Jewelry from other countries or cities will feel one of a kind. It’s especially neat to wear said item and receive a compliment, just to reply, “Thanks, a friend brought it back from Spain for me.” Eclectic and cultural.

5. A postcard or a postagram

Decorations for the refrigerator or the work desk (or could be a bookmark). And if you want to personalize your gift, you can use postagram, which uses a photo that you choose! When I lived in Austria, Postagram saved me money when I was sending to people in the US. Multi-purpose and fun.

6. A bottle of alcohol

You know your friends better than I do (I sure hope so). Some of my friends would appreciate this, and others would hate it. You can cook with alcohol. You can drink it. You can leave it in the bottle for looks. You can even give it away! Usable and classic.

7. A bag of local candy

Although a common option, it doesn’t stop being awesome. In Austria, it’s easy to know what to purchase. Mozart kugel. Chocolate wrapped around a pistachio marzipan center. When you share candy from another country, it’s like split second of being there yourself.

My list of Never Evers:

Never ever buy figurines. Never ever buy t-shirts. Never ever buy items you have no purpose for (chances are your friends and family will not have a purpose for them either). Never ever buy a sports team item for a non-fan. Never ever. Just ever. Don’t do it.

What souvenirs do you love? Do you hate any souvenirs like I do?