Are You a Tourist or a Traveller?

Embracing the Tourist and the Traveller Within

Collage illustration featuring a black-and-white photo of the Eiffel Tower overlaid with transparent layers of blue, white, and red representing the French flag. The Eiffel Tower is superimposed behind the photo. Other elements include semiotic symbols, a fleur de lis, and a simple line illustration of a tourist with a suitcase. Each colour panel includes the name of a French theorist: blue for Claude Lévi-Strauss, white for Jean Baudrillard, and red for Roland Barthes.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The realm of travel has seen the emergence of two archetypes: the tourist and the traveller. Although widely used, these terms represent more than just modes of exploration—they embody a spectrum of experiences that shape our journeys. While discussions on the topic often lean towards privileging the traveller over the tourist, the reality is more nuanced.

Both tourist and traveller modes have their place in our travel narratives, offering unique perspectives and insights into the world around us. However, the practice of mindful travel encourages us to enter these modes with open eyes and intention.

Imagine yourself at the Eiffel Tower as the sun sets and the sky turns orange and pink. People are all around you, taking pictures for social media. In this scenario, being a tourist is as valid as being a traveller seeking deeper, more authentic experiences. Each approach offers its own joys and insights, highlighting the diversity of travel experiences and the richness of a world waiting to be explored.

In this article, I will delve into the nuances of travel, celebrating the diversity of approaches and the transformative power of exploration. By drawing on insights from three prominent French theorists—Claude Lévi-Strauss, Jean Baudrillard, and Roland Barthes—I seek to examine the distinction between tourist and traveller more closely. Join me in exploring how both modes of exploration contribute to our understanding of the world and how travel shapes our identities and perceptions.

Defining the Tourist and the Traveller

Claude Lévi-Strauss

The distinction between a tourist and a traveller often centers on their respective approaches to exploration. This tourist/traveller distinction may be influenced by societal perceptions. Moreover, it may be shaped by dichotomous thinking, or what Claude Lévi-Strauss called “binary oppositions.”

Dichotomous thinking is often referred to as black–and–white thinking. It is a cognitive bias by which people categorize things into two opposing categories. We see in terms of one thing or its opposite, with no middle ground or shades of grey.

This thinking can lead to oversimplified views of complex issues and limit understanding by ignoring nuance and complexity. In the context of travel, dichotomous thinking might lead to viewing tourists and travellers as two distinct and opposing groups. In truth, most people engage in a mix of both modes of travel.

French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss proposed the theory of binary oppositions to understand how human cultures categorize and make sense of the world. According to Lévi-Strauss, many societies tend to organize their understanding of the world around pairs of opposing concepts. Examples include things such as nature/culture, raw/cooked, or male/female.

These pairs of opposites tend to be hierarchical rather than equal. One term in each pair is often privileged over the other. This type of privileging can lead to the creation of social norms, values, and hierarchies within a society.

The Tourist/Traveller Dichotomy

A tourist, as one term in a dichotomy, is someone who visits a place for leisure. A tourist frequently follows a well-trodden path of popular attractions. The tourist’s focus is often on checking off must-see sights, collecting souvenirs, and capturing moments for social media.

A traveller, by contrast, seeks more authentic and engaging experiences, often prioritizing immersion in local culture and meaningful interactions. Travellers may choose to explore lesser-known neighbourhoods. Travellers seek out local markets and cafés. They may even engage in conversations with locals to gain a deeper understanding of the destination.

Two Dall-E AI-generated images juxtaposed to illustrate the distinction between a tourist and a traveller. One image shows a bald tourist in a mouse ear hat looking at Cinderella's Castle at Disneyland, while the other shows a bald backpacker in a sun hat gazing at Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. The juxtaposition highlights the blurred line between tourist and traveller, echoing Baudrillard's concept of hyperreality.

The Distinction Between Tourist and Traveller

Jean Baudrillard

We can enrich a discussion of the distinction between tourists and travellers by applying Jean Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality in relation to tourism. According to the French philosopher, hyperreality refers to a condition in which the blend of what is real and what is fiction is so seamless that there is no clear distinction between the two. In hyperreality, simulations or representations of reality become more real than reality itself. This can lead to a loss of the distinction between the simulated and the real.

This concept is often used to critique contemporary culture, where media, consumer culture, and technology create simulations of reality that are experienced as more real than actual lived experiences. In light of Baudrillard’s theory, it is possible to sketch out some of the prevalent societal perceptions and stereotypes associated with the distinction between tourists and travellers:

Superficial versus Authentic

Tourists travel in a more superficial manner, only scratching the surface of a destination. They focus on taking pictures and visiting popular attractions without immersing themselves in the local culture or community.

We can make sense of this perception through Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality. The simulated environments of tourist attractions create an artificial reality that is often more appealing and easily consumable than the actual destination.

Tourists may be more drawn to these hyperreal experiences because they offer a sanitized and predictable version of a place. They cater to the tourist’s desire for familiar and comfortable experiences.

Travellers, in contrast, attempt to travel more authentically, seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences. They take greater interest in learning about local traditions, engaging with locals, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Baudrillard might argue that travellers are seeking to escape the hyperreal and experience the authentic. However, this distinction is not always clear-cut. Hyperreal environments may also influence travellers. The difference is that travellers approach these environments with a critical mindset. Travellers seek to understand the underlying cultural and social dynamics.

Passive versus Active

Tourists are often passive consumers of experiences, following pre-packaged itineraries and relying on tour guides to navigate their travels. Such passivity is a response to the hyperreal. A curated version of a destination leaves little room for spontaneous exploration or genuine interaction.

Travellers, on the other hand, are usually active participants in their journeys. They seek out unique experiences and actively engage with their surroundings. They are more likely to question the authenticity of their experiences and seek out opportunities for genuine connection and understanding.

Comfort versus Challenge

Tourists prioritize comfort and convenience in their travels, opting for familiar accommodations and amenities. This preference may be a reaction to the hyperreal. Tourists tend to favour to the familiar and predictable nature of tourist environments.

Travellers, by contrast, seek challenge and adventure, embracing discomfort as a means of personal growth and discovery. They are more willing to step outside their comfort zones and engage with the unfamiliar. Travellers seek experiences that challenge their perceptions and expand their horizons.

It’s important to note, however, that the categories of tourists and travellers are not static. They are fluid and dynamic modes of experiencing the world. A tourist may predominantly seek out popular attractions and follow a more structured itinerary. There are moments, though, when even the most ardent tourist may choose to engage in spontaneous traveller-like adventures. Likewise, travellers may tend to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and immerse themselves in local culture. Nevertheless, they may still find themselves drawn to iconic landmarks or tourist attractions.

The distinction between a tourist and a traveller is not about conforming to a specific set of behaviours. It is about the intent behind one’s travels and the mindset one brings to one’s experiences. By recognizing the fluidity of these roles, we can appreciate the diversity of travel styles and approaches, embracing the full spectrum of travel experiences.

Incorporating Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality into the discussion enriches the exploration of the tourist/traveller distinction. The concept highlights how the constructed nature of tourist attractions can influence perceptions and experiences. It adds a layer of complexity to the analysis. It acknowledges that the distinction between tourists and travellers is not always clear-cut. The hyperreal environments that tourist attractions create are just one of many factors that can affect such a distinction.

“Travel was once a means of being elsewhere, or of being nowhere. Today, it is the only way we have of feeling that we are somewhere.”
Jean Baudrillard, The Transparency of Evil: Essays in Extreme Phenomena.

Moving in Traveller Mode

If one prefers to move in traveller mode, it becomes increasingly important to approach one’s adventures with mindfulness. This involves a keen awareness of the hyperreal environments often encountered in tourist attractions.

While appearing authentic, these attractions are frequently constructed or simulated, blurring the lines between reality and simulation. By understanding this hyperreality, we can more consciously navigate between tourist and traveller modes.

Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality suggests that many tourist attractions are not authentic representations of the culture or history they claim to embody. Instead, they are carefully crafted spectacles designed to cater to tourists’ expectations and desires.

Consider, once again, the example of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and a must-see attraction for many visitors. The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly a remarkable feat of engineering. Yet its status as a cultural icon has been commodified and mythologized, creating a hyperreal experience for tourists.

Mindful travellers should seek authentic experiences while being aware of the constructed nature of many tourist sites. This may involve venturing beyond the surface-level attractions to discover a destination’s true essence.

Rather than simply ticking off items on a bucket list, travellers can engage with local communities. They can immerse themselves in the culture, and seek genuine interactions. They can cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the places they visit, transcending the superficiality often associated with tourism.

The Evolution of Tourist and Traveller Through the Lens of Roland Barthes

Roland Barthes

Roland Barthes, another prominent French theorist, is renowned for his contributions to semiotics and mythology. In his seminal work, Mythologies, Barthes explores how everyday objects, gestures, and practices are imbued with symbolic meanings that shape our understanding of the world.

According to Barthes, myths are not simply false beliefs; they are cultural constructs. In the context of travel, myths can shape our expectations and perceptions of destinations. Myths influence how we experience and engage with new environments. Applying Barthes’ ideas to the realm of travel allows us to unravel the complex web of meanings and symbols that underpin our experiences of tourism and exploration.

Travel, in modern society, has been mythologized and commodified to a significant degree. Through the lens of Barthes’ semiotic analysis, we can see how certain destinations or travel experiences are transformed into symbols of aspiration, adventure, or cultural enlightenment.

These symbols are not merely descriptive. They are actively constructed through narratives, images, and marketing campaigns that depict travel as a transformative and enriching experience.

Stereotypes, media portrayals, and popular narratives frequently influence people’s preconceived notions when they arrive at a destination. These myths can create unrealistic expectations and hinder us from experiencing a destination authentically. For example, the myth of the “exotic” often leads people to seek out experiences that conform to their preconceived ideas of a place. As a result, they may overlook the everyday realities of local life.

The Myth of Paris

The Eiffel Tower serves as a compelling example of this mythologization. It was originally built as a temporary exhibit for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. The Eiffel Tower has since become an enduring symbol of the city and a must-see attraction for tourists. Its iconic silhouette is instantly recognizable and evokes a sense of romance, sophistication, and cultural richness.

For many tourists, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is not just about seeing a famous landmark. It is about experiencing a moment of connection with the myth of Paris—the city of love, art, and history.

However, this mythologization also has a commodifying effect. The Eiffel Tower has been transformed into a tourist attraction that generates significant revenue for the city. The experience of visiting the Eiffel Tower is carefully curated and packaged. There are entry fees, guided tours, and souvenir shops offering a range of products that reinforce its symbolic value.

Tourist versus Traveller Revisited

It is not that this is always a bad thing. There are times when the predictability of carefully curated experiences is precisely what we seek. There is nothing inherently wrong with seeking comfort and convenience in our travels from time to time. The point is that when we choose comfort over discomfort or convenience over challenge, it is better to do so with awareness and intention.

Likewise, we should be aware that commodification can sometimes detract from the authentic experience of travel. When acting in tourist mode, the desire to check off famous sights might be our guide. If we wish instead to operate in traveller mode, we ought to engage more deeply with a place’s culture and history.

To engage with destinations on a more personal and meaningful level, we can deconstruct these myths and narratives. This involves critically examining the stories we tell ourselves about a place and questioning the assumptions that underlie these narratives. By doing so, we can open ourselves up to new and unexpected experiences. This may allow us to connect with destinations more genuinely and authentically.

Barthes’ insights remind us that travel is not just about visiting famous landmarks or collecting experiences. It is also about understanding the symbolic meanings that shape our perceptions and motivations. By critically examining the mythologies and commodifications of travel, we can cultivate a more mindful and meaningful approach to exploration. We can learn not just to consume but to connect, learn, and grow.

“Myth is a type of speech defined by its intention: it is not a matter of asserting or denying something about the world; its intention is to talk about the world.”
Roland Barthes from Mythologies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distinction between the tourist and the traveller is not a rigid dichotomy. It is a spectrum of experiences that can enrich our understanding of the world. Through the lens of French theorists Claude Lévi-Strauss, Jean Baudrillard, and Roland Barthes, we have explored the complexities of travel. We examined the constructed nature of tourist attractions and the mythologies and narratives that shape our perceptions.

As we navigate the realms of tourism and travel, let us embrace the diversity of approaches and the transformative power of exploration. Whether we find ourselves standing in awe of the Eiffel Tower or exploring a hidden gem off the beaten path, let us be mindful of the stories we tell ourselves about the places we visit. Let us open ourselves up to the authentic and meaningful experiences that travel offers.

Reflect on your most memorable travel experience. Did it align more with the tourist or traveller mode? How did this experience shape your perception of travel? Do you believe that the tourist/traveller distinction accurately reflects the diversity of travel experiences? Share your thoughts with me and others by commenting on this blog post.

Are You a Tourist or a Traveller?

Embracing the Tourist and the Traveller Within

Introduction