Tired of "Traveler versus Tourist" Debate? Me too!

I've just finished reading yet another article about the purportedly  vast differences between a "Tourist" (bad!) and a true "Traveler" (good!). Most of these articles seem to be written by young(ish) people who are convinced that the way they travel is much better and more authentic than the way you travel. They are doing it right. You, on the other hand, are doing it ALL wrong.

The majority of these journalists/bloggers seem to be self-centered and arrogant. They have embarked on a mission to prove that they are better at this whole travel thing than you are. For example, backpacking and staying in hostels was the method of travel that this article was espousing as the only real way to travel. Choose any other way, and your wanderlust is "inauthentic".

I beg to differ. As a travel consultant, I speak to people of all ages and means. One of the first things I do is identify what type of experience the client is looking for. Some people want to be "away from it all" and others want to be "in the middle of it all". Some clients want to rent a car, stay at a locally owned inn, and spend their days exploring. Others want to stay in a central location and explore more locally. I also have clients who want to maximize how much they can see in a week, and they choose to take a guided tour. Travel is not "one size fits all", and I endeavor to provide each client with the experience they are seeking. Successful travel is the trip you come back from that delivered exactly what you wanted. One person's dream trip is not any better or more authentic than someone else's.

Every traveler should respect the culture and language of the place they are visiting. Kindness and compassion will reap more rewards than rudeness and demands, and we should all endeavor to leave a positive impression on the local people no matter where we go. Beyond that, if you come back from your trip feeling thrilled with your adventure, then it was right for you. One person may find fulfillment diving with sharks, another may wonder at the architecture in Barcelona. One person may want to participate in a music or food festival, another may desire to travel on a church mission. It's all good, and it's all authentic.

My advice for those who are so caught up with how they are a true "traveler" (and are looking down on all the other people with different desires and experiences as "tourists") is this: stop comparing yourself to others and worrying about coming out on top. Travel is not a competition, and you don't need to "win". Give it a rest, and simply enjoy your own adventure.

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com