Be A Traveler, Not A Tourist | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Be A Traveler, Not A Tourist

Because traveling is about so much more than that cute Instagram.

23
Be A Traveler, Not A Tourist
danadecals.com

It's easy to call yourself a world traveler if you visit places like Paris, Rome, New York City, and London. Each of those cities is wonderful in its own way, and each one is definitely worth a visit, but not if you're going to take a selfie with each one's most famous structure and then leave.

The point of traveling is not to get a cool picture for Instagram. The point of traveling is not to say that you've been to all of these cool places just to make people jealous of the life you live. The point of travel is not to go somewhere and live just as comfortably as you do at home. Those are all characteristics of tourists.

Traveling is about so much more than that cool selfie or photograph. If you simply stand at the Eiffel Tower and only see it through the lens of your camera, have you truly seen it for all it is worth? If you stand outside of the Coliseum posing for the cutest picture and don't bother learning about it, did you really take in the fact that the building you were posing with was constructed starting in 70 AD? And the fact that it is still standing through natural disasters and war is truly unbelievable?

I am not saying to not take pictures of any of these things. It would be silly not to see Big Ben and not take a picture of it. What I am saying is that you should want to see these things with your own eyes, admire them, stand in awe at their beauty, and then take the photo. The moment you turn a street corner and see something you've only seen in pictures your entire life is one of the most breathtaking moments you will ever experience, and you should not experience it through the screen on your phone.

So many times it seems that people post pictures while they're traveling as if to say, "Hey everyone! Look at me! My life is so much cooler than yours!" and while the pictures may be incredible, I guarantee you that their trip was not all sunshine and rainbows. You don't see the picture of their faces the moment they got pick-pocketed. You don't see the picture of the horrible weather they had one day. They only want you to see the beautiful things and be jealous of their adventures, and that's not the goal of the traveler--that's what tourists do.

If you travel to a new city and stay in a five-star hotel, eat food extremely similar to that which you eat on a daily basis at home, and only take taxi cabs and übers everywhere you go, you're not being a traveler. You are, in fact, the epitome of a tourist. Travelers immerse themselves in the culture of each place they visit. They take the public transportation and seek adventure, even if it means getting lost. They eat authentic foods, regardless of whether or not they think they'll like it or think it may be too weird in comparison to the food they're used to. Travelers do not get upset when the natives do not speak their language fluently.

Traveling is about learning. Traveling is about trying new things. Traveling is about being uncomfortable and learning to love it. Traveling is about taking in each sight with your own two eyes before snapping a picture to show all of your friends where you are.

Traveling is one of the most life-changing and rewarding things you can ever do, and my hope is that if you truly travel you have the desire and the open-mindedness to accept other cultures. Please, don't invalidate the worth and value of other places, sites, and buildings for the sake of Snapchat or Instagram.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19785
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8352
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6060
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5248
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments