I can relate to many of things that Pico Iyer is able to put
into words regarding travel. I think many could learn a thing of two, not only
about travel, but also to the openness of life from Iyer. The fluidity of his
writing really draws the reader in. It also calls time for self-reflection of
one’s self and his or her travels. I believe it is safe to say that Iyer views
himself as a traveler.
However, what is wrong with being a tourist? The definition
is, "a person who is traveling
or visiting a place for pleasure." Although, there is a negative
condemnation of the word and it’s meaning, I believe that we are all, at some
point, a tourist of the world.
No matter where we travel to the locals of any destination
will be viewing any outsider as a tourist. That doesn’t necessarily mean
anything horrible, but it is up to us to break that stereotype. In my eyes, a
tourist is someone who doesn’t stray far from the beaten path. This person is
someone who only visits the popular, top travel lists of the world. There is
nothing wrong with that. It becomes an issue when someone is unable to look
elsewhere for knowledge and excitement other than what’s outside their own
windows.
A traveler in my opinion is someone who is able to just
submerse him or herself in a culture. These individuals don’t need a five star
resort or accommodations to get the most out of an experience. I think it is
important to note that these individuals are traveling for an experience, not
just a feeling of a vacation. I also believe these individuals tend to do a lot
of self-reflection along the journey.
Although, tourist and traveler may seem like there are vast
differences, there are similarities that link the two together. I believe both
come with the want or need for escape from everyday life. Both of these types
of people have a yearning for something new and exciting. Even if the
experiences differ greatly, the root of needing escape is clearly relevant.
I believe the most important difference to note is, a
traveler views the journey as a developmental agent in life. Thus, shaping the
views and actions of said person for future experiences. Rather than just
escaping to vacation to prop one’s feet up and drink a piña colada to forget
about the responsibilities of life. These individuals take nothing back to help better their
lives, other than the knowledge and need to escape the stress again.
Brody, I 100% agree with your perspective: a tourist only visits tourist sites… “It becomes an issue when someone is unable to look elsewhere for knowledge and excitement other than what’s outside their own windows.” When I go to Florida to visit my grandparents on their annual “snowbird” retreat, I make it a point to stray away from popular attractions. I feel that they don’t provide the sincere and genuine personality of that town, city, or wherever you may be. I think that in order to experience your surroundings, make your own path: a path that has yet to be created and explored.
ReplyDeleteSmart analysis, Brody. Your persistent valuation of self-reflection marks an important border in this discussion, methinks...
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting to note that while people label themselves travelers and go "off the beaten path", to the locals, outsiders will (typically) always be tourists. While there is an unfair connotation associated with tourism, I think your distinction between the two was well put; travels take something back to their lives, other than selfies and key chains, and use their experiences as developmental tools. I think that speaks a lot to the authors we've read such as Steeves who saw a higher purpose to travel and Iyer's ideals of "real" travelers.
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