Who are you? Tourist or traveler?
In the last few years, it has become fashionable to “conquer the planet.” People do not sit still and at the first opportunity rush for tickets. Parents take their children to winter in Thailand, office workers do not miss their two-week vacations and buy tickets for almost a year All hoard airport tags on suitcases, hang backpacks with badges from different countries and are proud of stamped passports. But the real traveler is not distinguished by the external entourage.
1. No plans.
The main difference between a traveler and a tourist is the absence of any plans. Tourists always plan their trips in advance, choose the best weeks for vacation, adjust to the climate of the country chosen for recreation and pave the route. For travelers, there are no convenient occasions, planned trips and selected destinations. Travel is a way of life, you can go anywhere and when. Sometimes you don’t even know the end point. There is only the process of travel. No intermediate results.
2. Get out of your comfort zone.
If you like “all inclusive”, transfer to the hotel and your own beach – you are one hundred percent tourist. Travellers are not the type to go on vacation. The idea of traveling is to get acquainted with the city, country, area. Therefore, often, going on a trip, a person does not know where he will spend the night or lunch, and a night in a tent by the curb is not a discomfort. It's a travel romance.
3. Who and why?
Painted by the minutes of the week of vacation, a shabby guide, carefully thought out routes are the hallmarks of a stunningly organized tourist. Maximum knowledge of the chosen place, entertainment and, of course, rest is the main goal. Tourists, as a rule, try to fit all possible attractions into their vacation schedule, take more photos and drive along all popular routes.
The traveler is primarily interested in what is not on the surface, what is hidden from view. It is important not so much to see the place as to feel one with it. Walk through the streets, discover new corners, in short, plunge into the place where you are. The true motivation of the traveler is freedom. Freedom of thought, action and movement. Yes, your trip may be full of difficulties, surprises or discomfort, but it is up to you.
The difference between traveler and tourist is only in perception. The perception of time, action and opportunity. It’s not who you want to call yourself. The main thing is what memories and impressions your trip will leave you.
Author of the text: Ekaterina Davydova