What's the Difference Between a Tourist and a Traveler?
My travels begin one month from today. Let’s spend some time talking about the difference between a tourist and a TRAVELER!
Travel is one of life’s greatest teachers. It takes us beyond the confines of our daily routines, introducing us to the unfamiliar. But there’s a key distinction I’ve come to appreciate in my years of exploring—there’s a difference between being a tourist and being a traveler.
A tourist skims the surface of a destination, ticking off must-see landmarks, snapping selfies, and often rushing to cram as much as possible into their itinerary. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this; we’ve all been tourists at some point. But as I’ve discovered, being a traveler offers so much more.
A traveler seeks to connect with a place—not just its sights, but its soul. It’s not about simply seeing where history happened but understanding why it happened, how it shaped the people who live there, and how it continues to ripple through the present.
When I lead tours in Ottawa, Illinois, I don’t want to just show people the surface of our city. My goal is to peel back the layers, sharing the untold stories, the quirky anecdotes, and even the darker chapters of our past. From the scandalous operators of the Radium Dial Company to the underground tunnels that tell the story of a hidden Ottawa, I encourage my guests to ask questions, imagine life in another era, and connect with the lives of those who walked the same streets.
The Fives Raw Bar on Jackson Square New Orleans
Travelers aren’t afraid to stray from the guidebook. They talk to locals, taste unfamiliar foods, and linger in places that capture their curiosity. They immerse themselves, even if it means getting lost or stumbling through a cultural barrier.
As I prepare for my upcoming solo travel blog, Transforming the Tourist: Embracing the Traveler Within, I’m setting out to put these principles into practice. For 2.5 months this winter, I’ll trade the familiar landscapes of Ottawa for new horizons. My goal isn’t just to sightsee but to embrace the communities I encounter, live their rhythms, and reflect on the differences—and similarities—that make us human.
So, how can you make the leap from tourist to traveler?
Learn before you leave. Understand the history and culture of your destination to deepen your appreciation when you’re there.
Travel slowly. Take time to notice the small details that give a place its unique flavor.
Ask questions. The best way to connect with a place is through its people.
Be curious. Venture off the beaten path and see what treasures await beyond the obvious.
Travel is a mindset, not a checklist. Whether you’re exploring your hometown or venturing halfway across the world, you can choose to be a traveler. The rewards? A richer understanding of the world and your place within it.
Join me this winter as I share my journey, my insights, and the lessons I learn along the way. Together, let’s discover the beauty of being a traveler.
- Tom Aussem