When you visit a new destination, are you a tourist or a traveller?
Tourist
By definition, a tourist is a person who is travelling or visiting a place for pleasure or relaxation. The travel is to a place other than their usual environment for leisure.
The trips are for a short time, usually a temporary visit and they may do activities such as sightseeing, visiting historical places or landmarks.
They can only explore a little because of limited time.
Traveller
A traveller is a person who is travelling more often, going from place to place, for leisure, exploration or other reasons.
Trips are usually for a longer time. They seek deeper travel experiences.
Travellers immerse themselves in a culture, get closer to understanding a place and what makes it unique. Travellers may return to the same place again to do more exploring.
Can you be both?
Can you be both a tourist and a traveller? Yes, of course, but if you travel often and longer, people would probably consider you a traveller.
We can also say all tourists are travellers as they “travel”.
However, not all travellers are tourists as they travel with different agendas and methods, which may not be common among tourists.
Some common myths about tourists and travellers:
- Tourists only visit the tourist attractions
- Tourists only go on guided tours
- Travellers travel alone
- Travellers dress and act like the locals.
Travellers also visit tourist attractions and go on guided tours. Tourists can travel alone and dress and act like the locals. Myths busted!
As you can see, the line between being a tourist and a traveller is sometimes blurred depending on who you ask.
Mindful travel
Whichever travel category you’re in, travelling more mindfully is something that will enhance your holiday experience.
Want to know more about mindful travel? Check out this post – 5 things to do for more mindful travel
Want a cheap flight? Click here to book with Trip.com
Suggested post: 5 reasons you should be a travel planner
So what do you think? Are you a tourist or a traveller? Leave a comment below.
Linda is an Amazon author, writer and travel blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips via her blog, books, videos and more.
