Touraveller - let’s ditch the tourist versus traveller
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In the 15 months that I”ve been researching and writing for my travel blog I’ve become increasingly bemused by the tourist versus traveller debate and the ensuing guidance of how to avoid the horror of being classified as a tourist. Or even, in hilarious perversity, From Traveler to Tourist in 5 Easy Steps.
Of course the worst traits of the stereotypical tourist dashing around the must-see list in five countries in one week appear to make travelling pretty pointless. However the rather pompous, self important, self professed traveller can be just as irritating.
Did You Get It? by timchambers
So how about being a touraveller? I think the term describes many of us. I do go on some package holidays to touristy destinations but will often hire a car so I can explore the surrounding area. I stay at budget chain hotels on some trips. for example Travelodge, on their £19 non refundable Saver rate. Yet I also stay in small family run hotels or Bed and Breakfasts in less well known destinations, for example I”ll go to Lake Iseo rather than Lake Como of Garda in northern Italy. I advocate seeing more of the real Europe by venturing, even slightly, off the beaten track so you can get a more authentic travel experience during your visit to Europe on my website, Europe a la Carte.
The island of Monteisola from the banks of Lake Iseo
I am all too aware that it is more of a scratching of the surface of authenticity during a one or two week holiday but I still advocate that it’s more enjoyable than spending all your time in a resort with other tourists, or doing a whirlwind bus tour of Europe.
So in the time honoured tradition a couple of hints on how to become a touraveller and avoid the ignominy of being mistaken for either a tacky tourist or a pretentious traveller.
1 Get, even a little, of the beaten track. It’ll be less crowded and cheaper too.
2 Have a draft itinerary, which allows time for spontaneity. Ditch the guidebook, you can discover a lot wandering around . Take time to soak up local atmosphere.
3 Remember that it’s you holiday/leisure trip, so relax and enjoy and don’t feel that you have to do anything because you feel under pressure to conform to any labels. You can pick and mix. For example Edinburgh is pretty touristy but it’s a beautiful city with lots to do and see apart from the Castle and the Festival.
Almond Falls, Cramond, Edinburgh
January 30th, 2008 at 11:02 am
[...] tourist traits and don the mantle of the more acceptable traveller. My solution is to become a touraveller. I wholeheartedly agree with tip 2: not being in a continual rush and taking time to soak up the [...]
January 30th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
LOL
Sweet! I hope the title catches on. =) It’s rather musical.
January 31st, 2008 at 12:08 am
Do you think it would make a catchy song title, “Touravelling all over the worlld”?
January 31st, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Heh! I’m not sure if Status Quo is so big in the US. Why not: “Touravelling woman… stay away from me-e… touravelling woman… mama, let me be-e…”
If that sounds unfriendly: “I’m a touraveller… and I ride and I ride…” Iggy’ll be playing for decades. =)