Too bad my blog post couldn't just be tagged as- The World

on 2/29/08, lhumphre posted:

I want to discuss the difference between a tourist and a traveler and where they overlap. Many people complain about tourists- by definition I guess we are saying they are on tours going to set areas? Normally places populated with non-locals and places the locals don't really care about. I agree- as tourists, travelers, young people or whatever else we are- we should follow the locals- let them take us to where we can really see the heart of a place.
However, I also understand being a "tourist." Places that are considered "touristy" are that way for a reason- they normally have something to offer! It could be a place of historical significance, natural beauty, or fun- which I still think is worth seeing! So as a traveler, and yes I'll use the word, an occasional tourist I think you should experience both if possible. Why go to Rome and not see the architectural marvel the Pantheon just because it's touristy? Who goes to Paris for the first time and doesn't want to stare in awe at the Eiffel Tower? What about Athens- does anyone really go to Athens and not pay respects to the 2000+ year old Greek ruins? These, as well as the locals, are places to learn from and about. They are places that teach us about ourselves, about physics, about history- so although we should use our time wisely- meet people, learn about the world, learn who you are, take something home with you (no, not a souvenir... well, they can be fun too, but think more deep), in reality my best advice for anyone, especially if it is your first time in a place- is to follow your heart and have an open mind. Respect the locals- respect the history and do what you do, but most importantly- LEARN.

I'd like to know what others think about the difference between a tourist and a traveler- so let me know!

on 2/29/08, andreaceleste comments:

i agree when you say its ok to be a “tourist” at times, i also think that tourists have been stereotyped as those who only go to see cool sites and have fun.
it may be a bias, yet most of the time that is because it’s true! (think resorts and costly tours).
the way our world works is that people take the most gorgeous sites and amazing places of history and scientific and architectural feats and make a living out of it – because its a great idea and they can! and people are soo willing to pay a nominal fee to have a tour of the ancient mayan ruins or museums in barcelona (even though some of us would argue many places are better left uncommercialized – tourism is a great money-maker for many countries).
so you gotta jump in with the touristy crowd at times, but that doesnt mean you have to be one! dont be afraid to talk to the boat driver thats taking you to the great barrier reef or your tour guide in paris – and once the tour is over go out and do your own thing, be a “traveler”
so i agree w/ what you said, traveling and really learning the most about a culture is getting in on the touristy aspect of traveling because there is some amazing stuff to be seen, but also get out on your own and trek those unknown places!

*and yes, learning is key.

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on 3/2/08, trvladdict comments:

I think everyone experiences this mix or being a tourist and a traveler whenever going to a new place is involved. Everything is so new and astonishing that you can’t help being a tourist for a while. All of the “esential” places to see are essential for a reason. They are creations, landscapes, historical sites and museums that have gained notoriety for being such awesome things. So you have to see it. You would be missing out if you didn’t set aside some time to be that person who takes one hundred pictures of The Duomo. Then after all of the sites have been seen, go out into the less traveled neighborhoods, small vilages where travelers do not often go, and hang out with the people there. Most likely, they are just as curious about you as you are of them. This is where the title of tourist evolves into traveler. It’s when you experience the life of the people who make up your average citizen of a particular country. It is living the phrase, “off the beaten path”, which is the rewarding thing to do abroad. So indulge in the most popular sites, but don’t forget to introduce yourself the heart of a country.

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