Traveller or a Tourist? Let's find out!
The Mindset Game
Picture this: you have just landed in Paris. Are you…
- A) Racing to the Eiffel Tower with a pre-planned selfie pose?
- B) Wandering aimlessly through cobblestone streets, stopping to sip coffee at a random café while practicing your French?
If you picked A, congrats—you might be a Tourist. You know what you want, and you’re here to tick it off your bucket list. Nothing wrong with that!
If you picked B, you’re leaning towards the Traveller side. You’re more about the journey than the destination, soaking up the vibe and letting the city guide you.
What’s on Your Plate?
Let’s talk food (because isn’t that half the reason we travel?). When hunger strikes, do you:
- A) Look for the nearest pizza chain because it’s safe and reliable?
- B) Ask a local where they eat, even if it means trying something you can’t pronounce?
Tourists love sticking to familiar tastes, while Travellers thrive on culinary adventure. Sure, you might accidentally order something that still has eyes — but hey, it’s a story for later! 21 Fun Facts about Iceland! Foodie Travel Challenge: 10 Must Try Foods in Italy
The Packing Debate
Before you leave, your suitcase looks like:
- A) Packed to perfection with every outfit pre-planned, plus a backup charger, guidebook, and maybe a neck pillow.
- B) A chaotic mix of essentials, a journal, and a sense of spontaneity.
Tourists are often prepared for everything. Travellers, on the other hand, embrace the unexpected (and might have to buy socks halfway through the trip because they forgot theirs).
The Photo Album
What does your travel album look like?
- A) Landmark after landmark, with you front and center in every shot.
- B) A mix of candid street scenes, locals laughing, and maybe that stray cat who followed you around for a day.
Tourists love capturing the highlights, while Travellers focus on capturing the soul of a place. Both approaches are valid, but one is definitely more Instagram-ready!
The Schedule Situation
How’s your daily itinerary looking?
- A) Colour-coded, planned to the hour, and booked in advance.
- B) What itinerary? I’ll figure it out when I get there.
Tourists often stick to the plan, while Travellers embrace the freedom to wander, get lost, and stumble upon hidden gems.
Why Not Be Both?
Here’s the thing: the line between Traveller and Tourist isn’t as strict as it seems. You can enjoy the best of both worlds! Want to see the Colosseum and get lost in Rome’s side streets? Go for it. Dreaming of a guided wine tour in Tuscany but also excited to chat with the vineyard owner about their process? That’s the sweet spot.
At the end of the day, whether you’re a Traveller, a Tourist, or a mix of both, the important thing is to embrace the adventure in your own way.
So, what do you think? Are you a Traveller, a Tourist, or a Hybrid? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your travel style! 10 Compelling Reasons to Travel: Benefits and Experiences
