The biggest difference between a traveller and a tourist is the obvious one: All travellers are tourists, but not all tourists are travellers.
When asked about his perspective on this highly debated topic, Alex Garland, author of the bestseller ‘The Beach’ observed,
‘I had ambiguous feelings about the difference between tourists and travellers – the problem being that the more I travelled, the smaller the differences became. But the one difference I could still latch on to was that tourists went on holidays while travellers did something else. They travelled.’
Travellers, it appears are more impulsive and have a strong sense of readiness for everything; they are driven by a need to experience the place like a local, blending in with their surroundings. Tourists are happier going on package tours and are, often, dictated by the time at their disposal to plan the entire trip.
So, are you a traveller or a tourist?
Take the following quiz and find out (select the option that is closest to your answer):
You ensure that your trip is planned to the T to avoid any unseen issues…
а) Yes
b) No – I like the unexpected
c) Not always
You will go on a trip only when it is…
а) Put together by a travel agency
b) As and when you are inclined to
c) Not sure, as everything depends on your situation at that time
A perfect summer vacation is one that is spent…
а) In a luxury hotel, with spa facilities, massages, fine dining and evening parties
b) On the road: driving along a nature-laden road, camping out in the open and sleeping under the stars
c) In a comfortable hotel/inn with shopping and sight-seeing opportunities
When you are in a popular tourist destination, you would…
а) Get a bystander or another tourist to take a picture of you against the backdrop of the world-famous landmark or take a selfie for your social media accounts
b) Soak your senses before whisking out your camera to capture the image
c) Take pictures only if it is important on a global level
You prefer to have your meals in…
a) Chain restaurants that you are familiar with in your country of residence
b) Food streets or restaurants dishing out local, traditional cuisines
c) Not sure – depends on the destination
Following your return from your vacation, it is mandatory for you to…
а) Compile the photographs taken during the vacation to put it up as an album on Facebook, or post on Instagram
b) Get the map out to check another destination for your next trip
c) Get back to work mode
Your Score:
- You are an obvious tourist, if you have selected ‘a’ more than 4 times.
- You are a diehard traveller, if you have selected ‘b’ more than 4 times.
- You are uncertain about holidays and travelling, in general, if you selected ‘c’ more than 4 times.
(Disclaimer: This is a fun quiz, intended to create an interest for travel in readers; not to demonstrate any disdain for tourists.)