Tourist vs. Traveler

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.

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.

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?