Travel Hot Take from DontBeThatTourist
If you’re offended by being called a tourist… this post is for you.
Tourist vs Traveler: If you travel for any kind of pleasure, congratulations — you’re a TOURIST.
Yes. Even if you backpack.
Or “immerse yourself in the culture.”
Your suitcase is made of recycled ocean plastic? OMG same.
“I don’t use guidebooks, I just vibe” — still went to all the same places.
You have a friend who lives here? Cool. Still tourist.
People say “traveler” like it’s a personality trait —
like changing the label automatically upgrades the behavior.
It doesn’t.
By definition, if you travel for pleasure, you’re a tourist. Calling yourself something else doesn’t make you better. If anything, it often makes you louder, more dismissive, and more convinced you’re above the very people doing the same thing you are.
That’s not elevated travel.
That’s just elitism with a passport.
Let’s Get the Definition Out of the Way
Oxford: A tourist is a person who is traveling or visiting a place for pleasure.
So if you’re traveling because it brings you joy, curiosity, rest, connection, learning, excitement, or a much-needed break from the job that is slowly stealing your soul…
You’re a tourist. And that’s not an insult.
Here’s the part that keeps starting internet wars:
All tourists are travelers — but not all travelers are tourists.
Like bourbon and whiskey — same spirit, different proof.
Traveler
A traveler is anyone who moves from one place to another.
Business trip? Traveler.
Relocating? Traveler.
Migration? Traveler.
Tourist
But that girls’ trip you planned for six months?
That city break you’ve been dreaming about?
That “I deserve this” vacation?
Tourist. Proudly.
Why Are We So Weird About the Word “Tourist”?
Somewhere along the way, “tourist” started being used like a slur.
Like it’s a membership card that opts you out of bad behavior.
And honestly? I get it.
That’s exactly why DontBeThatTourist exists.
Not to shame people for traveling — but to help people travel better.
And “better” doesn’t mean backpacking.
It doesn’t mean avoiding tourist spots.
It doesn’t mean pretending you’re above the experience.
Better just means being a little more aware, a little more respectful, and a lot less likely to stick out for the wrong reasons.
You can embrace being a tourist and still show up well.
You can do the iconic things, take the photos, enjoy the trip —
without letting the content come before the culture.
That’s the part labels don’t explain.
It’s not what you call yourself.
It’s how you show up once you arrive.
So What Actually Makes Someone that Tourist?
It’s not the selfie stick.
It’s not the tour group.
It’s not the matching hats.
It’s not what you pack, where you go, how you get there, or where you stay — it’s how you show up once you arrive.
Don’t Be That Tourist Quick Check
Do you respect local customs — or roll your eyes at them?
Do you notice what people are wearing and adjust — or decide the dress code doesn’t apply to you?
Do you try the local language first — even badly — or default straight to louder English or your native language?
Do you pay attention to sidewalks, temples, trains, and public spaces — or block them for a photo?
Here’s the part no one loves to admit:
A lot of the behavior people blame on “tourists”?
It’s often coming from people who proudly call themselves travelers.
The ones who say they’re “just vibing” — while ignoring signs, rules, and social cues.
The ones who insist they’re being “authentic” — while standing where they absolutely shouldn’t be.
The ones who swear they’re different — but never bothered to look up how things actually work there.
If This Post Is Making You Uncomfortable…
You’re probably the one rolling your eyes when people say they’re “going on vacation.”
You’re probably the one saying “I’m not a tourist, I’m a traveler” while actively arguing with Oxford.
You’re probably the one who thinks staying in a resort means you “did it wrong.”
That’s the point.
What matters is what you do when you get there.
Here’s the Part No One Talks About
Plenty of people haven’t even left their hometown.
And billions can’t, because of passports, privilege, and visa rules.
Not everyone has the financial freedom or documentation to cross borders for fun.
The fact that you get to travel for pleasure is not just a lifestyle choice — it’s a privilege.
Real Talk
So instead of arguing over whether you’re a traveler or a tourist, maybe pause long enough to appreciate that you even get to go.
If you’ve ever been judged for how you travel — this one’s for you.
The Real Travel Flex
The real flex isn’t your label.
It’s your behavior.
It’s learning the basics of the local culture.
It’s respecting the people who live there.
It’s supporting small businesses.
It’s understanding the history of the place you’re standing in.
It’s traveling with awareness instead of entitlement.
That’s how you avoid being that tourist.
Final Thought
Call yourself whatever you want.
Just don’t be that person who sucks the fun out of it for everyone else.
Don’t be THAT Tourist.
The world is big enough for everyone’s version of getting away.
Travel smarter. Laugh harder. Explore deeper.
Check out the
Travel Resources
page for tips!
— Chelsea
DontBeThatTourist
This isn’t an internet debate.
This is about how we move through the world.
