Tourists Vs. Travelers

There is a big difference between visiting a new place and experiencing it. Just because you go to see a new area does not mean you truly got to understand all that a new country, or even nearby town, has to offer. In short, tourists visit and travelers experience.

A tourist might go see a monument, then sit in their hotel room waiting for the next tour. A traveler will see a monument then explore their surroundings and try to immerse themselves.

Tourists feel separated from the locals, with a strong "us vs. them" mentality. Travelers go out of their way to do what the locals do, knowing it is the best way to really get a taste of the land.

Tourists only do and try what they know. Travelers step out of their comfort zone and try new things -- even eating the somewhat dubious looking meat on a stick.

Tourists wear Hawaiian gear and fanny packs when they are not in Hawaii, or are 80 years old. Travelers wear a sturdy pair of shoes and their sense of adventure on their sleeve.

The moral of the story is to move away from being a tourist and strive to be a traveler. Whether or not you are well traveled is besides the point. As long as you ware willing to put forth effort, you will gain so much more out of your trip if you push yourself a little more.

Now get out there and go explore!