A journey through inner yourself | From Tourist to traveller traversing Asia

While travelling through SouthEast Asia for about 9 months, we have shifted our way of exploring, ditching the “normal” tourist routes to a more deep cultural introspection of local customs, traditions and way of life.

After all, our sabbatical time away from Europe should have served the purpose of travelling more in a sustainable way and understanding the meaning of the journey. It Was at that time that the unexpected shift happened. We switched from tourists to travellers.

This post will help you understand what are the key differences between tourists vs travellers, how to be more sustainable and live your trip in a responsible way. You know that by travelling extensively, you put your mark and leave indelible footprints on your route. With a few tips, we will help you go through the same stages.

Let’s get over the words and be as curious as possible but in a responsible way.

What you will read in this guide! Tourist vs Traveller

Do you want to be a tourist or a traveller?

In a world of wanderlust, the dichotomy between being a tourist and a traveller extends far beyond semantics. We have to be honest we knew little or nothing about the difference and mostly thought that it was just a self-defence tactic by seasoned travellers or digital nomads.

However, we shifted between the two, almost without noticing, if not after the change in our day to day routine. Tourists vs Travellers, it’s a distinction that shapes the very essence of our journeys.

As we reflect on our own globetrotting escapades, we’ve come to realise that the path we choose—whether that of a tourist or a traveller—serves as a compass to our perception of the world. We felt the necessity to write an inspiring piece that might take you to change your path, leave less mark on the environment and enrich your way of exploring the earth.

Let’s embark on this expedition of understanding as we delve into the intricacies of tourist vs traveller perspectives.

Tourist vs. Traveller: Understanding the Mindset

Being a tourist often involves checking off popular attractions from a checklist, while a traveller seeks to connect with the essence of a place. The transition from a tourist to a traveller involves a shift in mindset, from passive observation to active engagement. Down you will find a little bit more explanation of what is general knowledge about being a tourist vs a traveller.

Tourist: A word that conjures images of meticulously planned itineraries, selfie sticks, and bustling crowds. Yet, being a tourist is not necessarily a bad thing. Tourists are curious souls, too, seeking to experience iconic landmarks, savour new cuisines, and capture fleeting moments.

They embrace the comfort of familiarity and the security of guided tours. Often a tourist is somebody that plans curated itineraries for short periods, which are interested in visiting multiple places in the short, booking activities in advance and leaving little to last minute experiences. Don’t worry; we were there too.

Traveller: Ah, the enchanting aura of a traveller—a free spirit navigating uncharted territories. Travellers seek authenticity in every encounter, driven by an insatiable curiosity to unravel the essence of a place. Their journeys are a tapestry of spontaneity, a blend of planned discoveries and serendipitous escapades.

A traveller doesn’t mind about the destination but is mostly interested in the experience. Traversing the world in search of the most unknown spot, or misleading stories that might not be accurate, looking to find the truth or ascertain the facts.

How to be a traveller in 2023 | Embracing the Unknown

If you are ready for the shift, this is the paragraph that might inspire you to become a traveller. One of the core elements of transformative travel is embracing uncertainty. Travellers thrive on the thrill of the unknown, allowing curiosity to guide them through uncharted territories.

There’s an undeniable thrill in stepping into the unknown, and it’s a trait shared by both tourists and travellers. While tourists might approach a new destination armed with guidebooks and itineraries, there’s an element of uncertainty that sparks curiosity.

Travellers, on the other hand, embrace the unknown with open arms, letting their journey unfold naturally. It’s in the mystery of the unexplored that we find the most captivating stories.

Our experience exploring Asia: A Tapestry of cultures and landscapes

Asia, a continent that beckons both tourists and travellers with its unparalleled diversity. From the vibrant markets of Bangkok to the tranquil rice terraces of Bali, every corner tells a tale. Tourists revel in iconic attractions like the Great Wall of China, while travellers seek the hidden monasteries nestled in the Himalayan foothills.

The allure of Asia lies in its ability to cater to both wanderlusts—the adventurer and the culture enthusiast. We were so pumped by the possibility of an open plan when we booked the one-way ticket to Bangkok.

From the Mekong River Cruise for two days from the unknown Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, to the dusty roads of Laos lush greenery around Vang Vieng.

Diverse flavours of Asia: Food and Cuisine

Tourist or Traveller? The dining table transcends labels, offering an immersive experience in itself. Tourists feast on local delicacies, documenting every dish for their social channels. Well, we do that, too, and you might find something interesting on our Instagram channel.

Travellers, on the other hand, engage with the local community, swapping stories over street food stalls. We have done that so many times. Once, we were in Sri Lanka, exploring rice fields around Anuradhapura, and it was fantastic. After almost an hour of walking through the humid jungle, we reached the plain full of rice paddies.

A local family of four welcomed us, preparing a delicious local lunch and telling us farmers’ stories and village tails. That’s one of the many situations where food becomes a bridge connecting us to cultures beyond our borders. Every country in the world has stories about the food, from the mama passing down the recipes to the origins of spices and cooking methods.

Historical Marvels: Architectural Wonders

Traversing through history, tourists find solace in the grandeur of historical landmarks like the Taj Mahal or the Colosseum. Their lenses capture fleeting moments that encapsulate the essence of centuries past.

Our personal shift took us on an unpredictable journey. We run several blogs, mostly about travel, so it is our life, our free time, our business, and our way of spending time. But that particular journey that we embraced for a year or so changed the way we see images, videos and experiences.

We start to imagine the lives that once thrived within these walls of Chiang Mai; we felt the heartbeat of bygone eras exploring the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. Well, this is the true essence of what makes a tourist a new traveller.

How we disconnected from the world! Focusing on work, yourself and experiences

While the world around us becomes heavily connected, constantly linking dots, we try to minimise our impact, which does not just mean the environment but also our brain and the connection with people around us. We were seeking disconnection, a side of discomfort that lets you lose the chains with time and space and focus only on necessities.

Balancing digital engagement with genuine connections enhances the travel experience. In a world perpetually connected, both tourists and travellers face the dilemma of staying plugged in or disconnecting. Tourists share picturesque snapshots on social media, curating their digital presence.

Travellers, while embracing technology for navigation, cherish the moments when they tuck away devices to savour authentic human connections. We embraced the second and found ourselves doing that without noticing.

We were on the beach in Koh Lanta, one of the biggest islands in Thailand. Very few roads, low reception, infinite beach, cheap drinks and just infinite sunsets.

From spectator to participant: Immersive experiences

Travelling isn’t just about seeing; it’s about experiencing. Yes, it might seem like a popular saying about travel, but it is more than that. How to get to the point to truly experience the location you are visiting?

Engaging in local activities, participating in festivals, and interacting with residents offer a deeper connection to a place. As the sun sets over a bustling market, the distinction between tourists and travellers blurs. Tourists become captivated by impromptu street performances, and travellers join in, dancing with the rhythm of local life.

Yes, while on a very touristy activity in Dubai, on a desert safari, I was so impressed by local dance and music that I joined locals in a bedouin camp. Memories are still alive while writing this piece. Immersion transcends roles, and the line between observer and participant fades into the lively backdrop of the destination.

Soul-Searching: Reflection and personal growth

A common thread among both tourists and travellers is the journey of self-discovery. Amidst unfamiliar landscapes, introspection flourishes. Tourists find moments of clarity amidst the chaos, while travellers venture inward, seeking answers to questions stirred by the places they encounter.

It was the same for us in Bali, where we stayed for over two months in search of inspiration. While it was fun spending some time in Canggu and Seminyak, the two popular digital nomads hotspots, it was also interesting seeing a part of Bali tourists avoid.

North Bali was unique, and we stayed in the most sustainable resort, which offers in-house activities, like coffee plantation tours and gardening, coffee tasting, and seeing the plastic-reducing circle. Actually, they were sustaining the local economy and wastage policy by purchasing plastic bottles to create utensils and more to use within the hotel.

Meditation and mindfulness: Embracing the present

Beneath the towering pagodas of Southeast Asia or atop serene Himalayan peaks, tourists and travellers converge in the pursuit of mindfulness. Tourists find respite from their bustling lives, capturing serene landscapes. 

Travellers, however, delve deeper, embracing meditation practices to connect with the present moment and the world around them. That’s why Bali Ubud is one of the most valued places on the island.

Of course, the movie Eat, pray, love gave a huge boost to make it a popular hotspot, but still today, you can find travellers seeking discomfort outside the city skirts, surrounded by pace, temples and nature.

If you want to shift from tourist to traveller, we suggest booking a retreat in Bali to connect with your inner self and go through mindful introspection.

Local encounters: Learning from people

Lydia was our host in Bali. We decided to stay in a local guest house, away from the chaos, to save money and have a deep connection with locals. Our host was fantastic, and my deep connection came some days after our checking.

She was preparing flower baskets as a homage to the upcoming Nyepi, the Balinese New Year. I learned a lot from her, from traditions and changes between the north (more Muslim) and the coast side of the island. I was captivated by the significance of every flower, the pride in their traditions and why young and old alike fight to keep them alive.

You must know that Bali is a drop of Hindu beliefs in one of the biggest Muslim religious countries in Asia. The heart of any journey rests in interactions with the locals. Tourists might exchange pleasantries with a shop owner, while travellers delve into conversations, learning the stories etched into the fabric of a place.

It’s in these exchanges that stereotypes are shattered and bridges of understanding are built.

Off the Beaten Path: Discovering hidden gems

Of course, tourists and travellers are united by the thrill of discovery—the allure of the unexplored. Tourists tread well-worn paths, seeking famous landmarks, while travellers venture off the beaten track, unearthing hidden waterfalls, quaint villages, and untouched landscapes.

Both approaches contribute to the mosaic of experiences a destination offers. Hostels are the best way to make friends and discover hidden places. We were quite lucky to stay in key hostels and meet like-minded people that pointed us to the best waterfalls, hikes and temples.

We didn’t want to know how hard it was to reach the place (even because sometimes these hidden gems are less sponsored with no guides at all, nor online).

Environmental consciousness: Impactful travelling

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, tourists and travellers have a role to play. Responsible travel involves minimising one’s environmental footprint. Travellers are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options that contribute positively to the places they visit.

While there is a huge number of tourists contributing by supporting eco-friendly accommodations and engaging in responsible tourism practices, it is still the least priority for tourists to reduce their footprint. Travellers, instead, deeply connect with the places. We were actively seeking ways to minimise their ecological footprint, leaving behind a positive impact.

However, there is another aspect that goes over and beyond the mere environmental at the surface state. While tourists book on premium apps and well-known websites, travellers tend to venture into the unknown of booking on the spot. While the first option gives you almost certain expectations, the traveller option instead is still just for curious adventurers.

Also, you must know that in the first case, part of your money goes to the booking platform, which in most cases is a high corporate institution, while the second goes totally to support locals and community initiatives to sustain business and people.

Even though booking on the spot might be hard sometimes and might also cost more, it is one of the best responsible choices for tourists and travellers alike.

Capturing Memories: The art of storytelling

Memories are what last after any trip, and there is no big difference in it between tourists and travellers, apart from the experiences. However, to fulfil this guide about tourists vs travellers, there are still some key differences you must know.

Tourists capture snapshots, encapsulating moments in time. This practice is merely for picturing themselves in exotic places, situations where they don’t find themselves often. Taking photos of the trips for tourists is just making fancy photos, sometimes meaningless for the sake of sharing.

Travellers take it a step further, weaving narratives that breathe life into their experiences—stories shared around campfires, scribbled in journals, and passed down to sons and daughters. Well, our mission when we started all this was to share with friends and family, but this is seen today as a cliche for travel bloggers.

Well, we were lucky to put a lot of effort into it and make it a dreamy job that now both creates memories for us and keeps us going on travel.

Local art and crafts: Preserving traditions

Both tourists and travellers celebrate the artistry of a destination. Tourists acquire souvenirs, tangible memories of their journey.

Travellers, however, engage with artisans, learning about traditional crafts and understanding the cultural significance of each piece. Through their interactions, traditions continue to thrive.

We barely purchase souvenirs, and what we get is mostly because we need them in our travelling journey, so we can tell a story, where we purchase it, why and sometimes even who.

Well, we try to be as minimal as possible, and this involves having backpacks instead of trolleys, which reduces the space which we fill with memories.

Culmination of experiences: Weaving the threads together

The journey from tourist to traveller is a tapestry woven with experiences, self-discovery, and cultural immersion. By embracing the essence of each destination, you can enrich not only the journey but also your life.

In the tapestry of exploration, the threads of tourist and traveller experiences are woven together. They enrich each other, painting a comprehensive portrait of a destination. A city’s iconic landmarks are as essential as its hidden corners, the bustling markets as pivotal as the quiet temples.

Bridging Worlds, Enriching Lives | Tourist vs Traveller

We know that embarking on a journey from being a tourist to a traveller is a transformative experience. Through curiosity, connection, and self-discovery, travellers create memories that go beyond photographs and souvenirs.

By immersing ourselves in the diverse landscapes of Asia, we can unearth hidden treasures within ourselves. In the topic of travel, the divide between tourist and traveller is not a chasm to be crossed but a bridge to be walked upon.

This journey, marked by moments of awe, discovery, and growth, is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding quest for exploration. By embracing the roles of both tourist and traveller, we transform our voyages into transformative odysseys, enriching not only our lives but the world we traverse—one step at a time.

FAQs | Difference between tourist and traveller