I'll be very honest with you, reader.
Every time I travel, I don't want to look like a tourist. What does it mean to be either one anyway? Tourist or traveler? There always seems to be a negative or at least a less favorable attitude toward tourists. Allow me to elaborate...
With pops and mom at the Fredriksten Fortress in Halden, Norway
Tourists only travel for the sake of photos. Travelers do so for the experience. Tourists only go for high-end hotels/hostels, best local restaurants, typical tourist destinations, etc. Travelers actually immerse themselves in the local culture, try to learn the language, don't care if they shack up with strangers or even sleep in onorthodox places, eat the weirdest food, trek along the off beaten track, and go on crazy adventures.
One of my favorite travel photos.
But really though, is it so wrong to be such a tourist? And if you are deemed a traveler who "nomads" like a local, are you placed on a more superior level to that of the former?
My answer is no. Travel is a very fulfilling and life-changing experience no matter where you go, regardless of whether you are a tourist or a traveler.
Fun with people wearing costumes at the Norwegian National Day, May 2013
Yes, I've traveled to typical tourist destinations such as the Taj Mahal in India, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Wat Pho temple in Thailand, Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Fontana di Trevi and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and a bunch of other destinations.
But I have LOVED my experience in every single country, tourist spot and city I've visited. Each one left me with a stronger feeling of wander lust than I had before each travel experience.
Needless to say, I was the typical tourist lugging around a small bag, camera ready in hand, water bottle, maps and a few phrases of the local language.
Eating ice cream on my first day in Norway, at the Oslo train station
Although tourists are not necessarily less interesting than travelers, they should learn a thing or two from adventure junkie nomads.
- Try to interact with the locals in their native language(s). As a Filipino, I find that estrangeiros who try to learn or speak Tagalog/Bisaya/other Pinoy dialect are absolutely endearing. No matter how funny you sound, locals will still appreciate your effort.
- Walk along the off the beaten track. This makes for a more fulfilling experience. Travel for the experience, cultural immersion and the thrill of getting lost!
- In the name of euros and pounds, take local transportation system. Personally, I prefer to take trams/buses/trains/etc than take a cab. This holds true for my experience in Brazil.
- There are places other than the typical tourist spots flocked by shutter-happy travelers. Yes, it's a great idea to go to the wonders of the world that most people have dreamed of visiting. But dare to explore the nook and crannies and hidden places that introduce you to the identity of the locals and of the country.
- Not everyone speaks English. Oh, don't even get me started on this one.
- Souvenirs. My policy on buying souvenirs for friends and family is if I can find this particular item in the Philippines, I won't buy it. Or if it would be hard to find in the Philippines. Also, please apply this principle: The best things in life are free. So maybe get a bottle of sand, a rock, I don't know.
- Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, burn nothing but calories, kill nothing but time. Yeah sure. This one too. Damn, I miss those nature field trips we used to have back in high school. I think those trips were called Environmental Outdoor Program. I don't remember... But that program is where I got #7.
Tour de Eiffel. Ahhh, parfait.
Yes, I do think I am a traveler. Adventure is my passion. But yes, I also think I have tourist tendencies.
I don't mind sleeping in unconvenient locations but a nice hotel room is also great. I'm quite a picky eater but I'm willing to try the best that local cuisine in any country has to offer as long as I can endure the taste. I dream (and have gone) to various tourist destinations but discovering quaint and nice little spots that usually only locals would frequent have added much rich experience to an otherwise tourist itinerary.
Christ standing proud and contentedly smiling at the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro
So what's my point exactly? I think it doesn't matter whether you're more of a tourist or more of a traveler. As long as you're open minded, adventurous and enthusiastic, travel will prove to make for a worthwhile life investment. Go where you like and make friends along the way. Befriend the locals because only they know how to make the most of your time in their turf.
I've met people who travel but don't like to walk around and take in all the wonderful sceneries and culture. Some who also are not keen on learning a foreign language and stubbornly stick to English. Some who take photos of their travels but then only selfies and ones that do not capture a scene to marvel and reminisce at in the long run. And some who only insist on experiencing comfortable, first class and convenient travel and accommodations. Get off that high horse and live a little!
Trevi Fountain in Rome, May 2012
My whole family likes to travel. I envy my grandfather who has, I think, 5 or 6 passports labeled with the countries he's been to. Believe me, I went with him when he was applying for a Schengen visa.
I've also had solo travels that were more than just soul-searching adventures--they were experiences that truly shaped me as a person. Cheesy and ball busting as that may sound, it's the truth. But I've had absolutely terrible experiences and ones that made me so euphoric I could have spontaneously combusted. In another post!
Till here, kinetics and potentials!
