Are you more of a traveller or a tourist?

Are you more of a traveller or a tourist? Here are some of our thoughts on what makes you either a tourist or a traveller. Do you agree with us?

What differentiates a traveller from a tourist? Nobody has yet answered this question to everyone's satisfaction; every person has his or her own ideas and opinions on the subject; here are some of ours.

PLANNING

Tourists and travellers may plan their itinerary differently. For a weekend in Brussels, the tourist plans his two days well in advance, while the traveller leaves and arrives with a wanderlust and spirit of adventure.

The tourist may take three or four guide books and useful apps while the traveller gets some background information but learns the rest as he goes along.

SCHEDULING

The traveller's journey does not follow a road map, maybe there is some sort of vague guideline but he does not over plan his trip. Meanwhile, the tourist has timings and arrangements made down to the nth degree, sometimes even planning the timing of his lunch break.

Tourists and travellers have different ideas about the journey; while the tourist is already stressing even before making the journey, the traveller arrives with an open mind and a heart which is ready to learn and discover the sights and sounds of this new destination.

CLOTHES

This is an interesting point. It is easy to spot a tourist, he has a camera draped around his neck, a guide book in one hand and map of the city in the other. He probably has a bum bag or fanny pack too. However the traveller with his backpack, comfortable shoes and sensible clothing is able to blend in with any environment.

See also: 10 Golden Rules For A Backpacker

Tourists are often a conservative lot, instead of integrating into society by eating authentic local food, he will seek out the nearest fast food joint or street side pizza truck. Food is part of any country's culture, the true traveller will immerse himself in local tradition and is happy to try anything once; even a plate of montaditos in Madrid.

BEING LOST

A traveller does not get upset if he finds himself lost in an unfamiliar district but the tourist may start to panic. The traveller will be happy to take the path less trodden and may even make some pleasant discoveries along the way.

Tourists are more concerned about following the crowds but if they do get lost, they consult the guide book )which tells them to ask for directions to the nearest hotel or main street where somebody will speak their language).

ACCOMODATION

A tourist is fussy about where he sleeps; it has to be a hotel, probably three stars and upwards, whereas the traveller is happier in hostels, partly because it is nice to have some company before bed time.

So which side are you? Tourist or traveller?