Traveler versus Tourist?

Approximate Read Time: 4 1/2 minutes 

This conversation *fascinates* me. 

How do you define the term 'traveler'? 

How do you define the term 'tourist'? 

Are they different? 

If so, what makes them different? 

Do you see these as positive, negative, or neutral terms? 

Why does this conversation matter?

Catavina Boulder Field, Baja California, Mexico. July 2017

When I was studying abroad in Baja California, Mexico the first discussion we had as a group was about 'tourists versus travelers'. Even though I am an avid traveler, this was not a question I had ever thought to ponder. However, when asked, I had very definite opinions. 

I wanted to be seen as a 'traveler', because I felt that 'tourist' had a negative connotation to it. I do not know where I got this impression from, but it was firmly in my mind. However, here I was, a day and a half into my first study abroad experience, and I very much felt like a tourist. I had been witnessing the trip around me; enjoying it, but not really experiencing the place I was in. I was being shuttled in a comfortable air conditioned bus in a different country with other (mostly American) students. It was as if I were in a bubble, watching the world around me. It wasn't until a day later, when I stayed with a local family, that I felt like a traveler. 

I Felt Connected.

During my visit, I explored their land on foot, drew the native plants in my journal, ate meals with the family, and learned about the area's history.  I was touched that this family opened their home to us and shared their story: the challenges they face and the dreams they have in the hopes that we would realize we do not need to become somebody, because we already are somebody. To realize that a connection to the land we live on is vital. That we are caretakers of this earth and the people around us. It was an experience and a story that strikes a chord deep in my soul and I will treasure it forever.

This is not an experience I could have had in a classroom. This is probably not an experience I could have had at home. I had to be out of my element, in an alien ecosystem, in a different country, with a different lifestyle, and I had to have a host who was willing to be vulnerable and share his story. That was the moment Baja and its people became special to me. This experience helped me realized how transformative travel could be. 

Now, I know that seemed off topic, but I believe it lends my view support. As a tourist, I do not think I could have made that connection, but as a traveler, I was able to. 

My class cohort debated 'traveler versus tourist' and here are a few bullet points from that discussion:

• A tourist has a negative connotation. The 'tourists' are the ones you hear about in the news who have behaved poorly. 
• Some people thought a 'traveler' has a negative connotation as well. Someone who does not contribute financially to the area they are visiting.
• Some thought that travelers were more environmentally aware and willing to be uncomfortable
• Whether you're a tourist or a traveler, tourism itself can be a tool of conservation or a tool of destruction.
• There is a difference between the two......isn't there?

I think that there is a difference.

I think that a tourist is someone with a fixed mindset. Someone who expects the comforts of home and goes on a trip with expectations and a check list. It is not necessarily a bad thing to be a tourist, but tourists see only what they want to.
A traveler is someone who journeys with a growth mindset. They are open to experiencing new things, learning something new, and meeting different people and accepting those people for who they are and how they live. Travelers respect that they are visitors in each place and they love to learn. 

There is no right answer (trust me, I have read a lot about the debate), but if you reflect on these questions you might learn something about how you view traveling and fellow travelers. I believe we are all travelers and we are all tourists. Sometimes we lean more towards one side of the scale than the other, but they are both inside of us.


Reflective Practice: I encourage you to reflect on the questions at the beginning of the post. How do you define these terms? Which one do you see yourself as? Which one do you want to be? 

Feel free to share your answers in the comment section. I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.



References:
Franklin, A., & Crang, M. (2001). The trouble with tourism and travel theory?.

Hunt, J. D., & Layne, D. (1991). Evolution of travel and tourism terminology and definitions. Journal of travel research, 29(4), 7-11.

Neild, B. (2014) Russian tourist fined $24,000 for Colosseum graffiti. CNN Travel. Retrieved from: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/italy-colosseum-graffiti/index.html