Are You A Tourist Or A Traveller?

You may have heard that tourism is out, travelling is in. More than a fashion, it’s a distinction often made by travellers looking to set themselves apart from tourists. But are things really so black and white? And how realistic is being a traveller for most of us anyway?

The difference between tourists and travellers

If you just look at the stereotypes for tourists and travellers, you will only focus on the differences. Among them are where they stay, what they eat, see and do, and how far they’re willing to go in search of adventure. The stereotypical tourist, for example, stays in nice hotels, takes package deals and eats often in the hotel or TripAdvisor-approved restaurants. By contrast, the traveller seeks more authentic and immersive local experiences, takes the road less travelled, eats where the locals do and prioritises adventure over comfort. You may be one, or you may be both.

It’s a question of purpose

Hiding among many self-proclaimed travellers, however, is a tourist. Tourists aren’t always on the tourist buses and often camp, wander and stargaze too. These aren’t exclusive experiences that one can have and not the other. True, their purpose is primarily to holiday, but how active and in what style all depends on the person.

Travelling is a profession, tourism is an industry

Travelling in its strictest sense is hard work! It’s getting up at the crack of dawn to catch an overflowing bus or train to the next town. It’s bugs in your room, taking risks, getting lost, pleasant and unpleasant encounters… It’s feeling the fear and doing it anyway!

Many non-professional or unseasoned travellers, not yet familiar with the highs and lows of travel, may be expecting too much from their experiences. Travelling is increasingly romanticised, with the reality sometimes proving very different.

If it’s a holiday you’re after, you’re probably, mostly, a tourist

Tourist vs. Traveller is a way to identify, but often says more about the age or life stage and budget (both money and time) of the person than their real preference. For many people looking at how to spend the annual vacation allowance, a pampering spa-resort with the occasional fine dining experience, is usually more suited for a break from our daily lives. Air-conditioned private tours arranged by the hotel, where you don’t need to plan or do anything other than show up, will certainly leave you more relaxed than many alternatives. Both tourists and travellers want to turn memories into photos, to have been, to have seen. But most tourists don’t want to feel the fear!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.