Travelling is one of the most awesome experiences life has to offer.
It’s a lifestyle I’ve lived and breathed for the last 25 years.
You get to explore new cultures. Meet cool (and weird) people and see parts of the world you probably only ever dreamed of.
But for all the fun, a travel debate creates some of the most pointless discussions in the travel world.
You know the one. Here’s a clue, it’s in the title.
‘The Traveler vs Tourist argument. Frankly, it’s the most f*cking stupid conversation going around. Here’s why.
The Difference Between Travellers and Tourists is All in Your Head
If you’ve been hiding under a rock (and if you’re reading this, you probably aren’t), let’s start with the basics.
What exactly is a traveller? And what is a tourist?
If you look up the definitions, you’ll find that the lines are incredibly blurry and subjective. There have even been studies on what it means. From professors through to bloggers and everyone in-between and guess what?
They still haven’t figured out what it really means.
But to keep it simple, the common theme is a traveller is someone who travels for a deeper, more meaningful experience. Often over a longer period of time.
A tourist is someone who travels for pleasure or fun, cramming in as much as they can in popular places. The irony is that travellers and tourists end up doing a lot of the same things.
People throw around these terms to make themselves feel special, even superior. It’s the stupid ‘identity’ thing we’re obsessed with.
We do it with our careers and where we come from too. You’ve gotta fit in a box somewhere.
You’ve probably come across someone like the person below who declares:
“Oh, I’m not a tourist, I’m a traveller.”
This is little Danny preaching his newfound self as he comes home from 3 months in Bali.
Danny has come home all enlightened and spiritual. He not only has a new yoga habit, but also a few extra kilos after hitting the Bintangs in Seminyak every night. It’s as if the label somehow makes your experience more authentic.
Sorry to piss on your parade, Danny. It doesn’t.
“Whether you’re a traveller or a tourist, you’re still doing the same things. You visit new places, see the sights, take pictures for your Instagram, and try the local food.”
The difference is in how you see yourself and want others to perceive you (especially online). Like anyone cares, but that’s another article.
Think about it.
The so-called travellers like to see themselves almost as intrepid explorers. Braving the unknown and seeking out the sights others don’t.
Tourists are typically recognised as those who stick to the beaten path.
Following a busy itinerary on their dream trip, time is of the essence. Tourists follow flag-holding walking tour guides, snap selfies, and buy cheap souvenirs.
But at the end of the day, both are doing the same thing. Enjoying a place they don’t call home.
Can you tell the difference? I can’t. It’s all about perspective.
The real answer comes from giving power to the locals. Let’s think about it from their point of view.
Do you think locals look at your strange clothes, laugh at your funny accent, and wonder whether you are a tourist or a traveller? Of course, they don’t. After all, you don’t do that when visitors come to your local town, either.
Being a Travel Snob Makes You Look Like a Dick
Now, let’s talk about the real issue here: travel snobbery.
There’s a group of people who love to look down on “mere tourists” and their manufactured experiences.
They are never shy of telling you how ‘Spain is full of tourists, the real experiences are in Uzbekistan”. They remind me of the schoolyard bullies who think they are too cool for school.
There is no right or wrong way to travel. Travelling is an intensely personal experience. It doesn’t matter where you do it. You do you.
Read that again.
Some people have fun visiting famous landmarks and ticking off bucket list items. I do. Others love getting lost in a city’s backstreets and discovering places by accident. I like doing that as well.
“Neither is better than the other – they’re just different ways of experiencing the world.”
When I was 19, I began my travel life as a ‘tourist’.
Visiting the well-known spots in the UK as I followed my trusted Lonely Planet guidebook all over.
With time and experience, that changed.
I started skipping the hostel happy hour and popular sites to visit different places. I changed, we all do.
But that doesn’t devalue what I did in my twenties. I often miss those times and love to reminisce about them.
Every trip, no matter what it is contributes to a person’s perspective and understanding of the world.
Life Would Be Boring If We're All the Same
Here’s an idea: what if we stopped judging each other and accept we’re different?
People travel for different reasons (and in different ways). That’s something we should accept – not criticise.
Because I love trekking in the mountains and drinking in German beer gardens, I don’t expect others to.
Your taste of adventure might be something wild as you seek out the more remote spots around the globe. Or you might prefer the predictability of going somewhere you know and love – it’s how my holidays as a kid were,
“Criticising one over the other is pointless. Both approaches have their own value and offer unique experiences.”
Regardless of your travel style, the benefit is the same to everyone. It’s about opening your eyes to the world, not closing them.
Ask yourself the question. Does it really matter?
Probably not.
You Are Probably a Tourist and a Traveller
I know a few people who are so set in their box that they would hate to be called a tourist.
But guess what, sunshine? They tick most of the boxes. And that’s cool.
Smart travel is simple.
It’s about enjoying the famous landmarks (which are probably the reason you went). But also seeking out places that are a little less popular to give you a different perspective of a place.
For example, visiting New York and not seeing Times Square would be a massive fail for many. However, once you’re done there, if you wander down to Central Park or check out the SoHo neighbourhood, you will enjoy a different experience.
Mixing the two allows for a well-rounded travel experience. It’s a balance I try to find on every trip.
It’s a win/win when you get it right.
It's All About Getting Out of the Zone
Anyone who reads my stuff knows I hate cliches. Especially all that stuff about hidden gems’, ‘rustic villages’, and ‘off the beaten path’ towns. (It’s lazy writing, people).
But here’s one that’s true.
One of the most valuable aspects of travel is the opportunity to challenge your comfort zone.
Whether you’ve travelled for decades or it’s your first time on a plane, the challenge is the same.
Travel is about getting out of your comfort zone. Getting out of your daily routine and immersing yourself in a new environment. It can be life-changing.
“It won’t change you on its own, but exposing yourself to the world reveals your best and worst qualities.”
It can be confronting.
For tourists, this might mean trying some local street food. Or learning a few phrases in the local language (my awkward Thai still embarrasses me).
For those travellers, it could mean visiting a popular tourist location. One they’ve ignored in the past to escape the crowd. Or (dare I say it) going on a guided tour with other tourists.
The two have more in common than you think. The differences become so small, you will wonder why the conversation even exists.
This stupid argument ignores a simple truth. Travel is meant to be fun.
It’s an opportunity to break free from your normal day to day and experience something new.
So, instead of worrying about whether you’re a traveller or a tourist, let’s keep it simple. Focus on having the best experience for you.
Do you love visiting famous landmarks? Great, go for it. Do you prefer getting lost in unknown neighbourhoods? That’s cool, too. The world is diverse and caters for every taste – there’s no wrong way to see it.
Still Not Convinced?
The traveller vs tourist debate is pointless and needs to end.
It’s an unnecessary argument in an already divided world that doesn’t help anyone. It only gives people another thing to argue about.
In the end, whether you’re a traveller or a tourist (or someone in between), all that matters is you’re out there. Experiencing the world, learning new things, and making memories. So let’s drop the labels and just enjoy the journey.
Because that’s what travel is all about.
I love this – honesty as always. I am always amused by the elaborate explanations some people make to defend having one of these titles. I see it very simplistic – we are all privileged visitors to someone else’s home country !
Thanks Marc, another great article.