Menu
As travel has evolved, so has the concept of the people who are traveling. Today, there are two main types of people who travel: travelers and tourists. Is there really a difference? I believe so. In short, tourists typically stay within their comfort zones and prefer to stick to only seeing the main popular sites.
They don’t often make an effort to go out and meet people except those whom they’re traveling with. On the other hand, true travelers partake and immerse themselves in whatever part of the world they’re in. They eat the local foods, are usually always eager to see the sites, meet people, and return home thirsty for more.
The luxury leisure adventure traveler thrives in countries where culture or history is a focal point to the destination, such as: Dubai, Thailand, Japan, Italy, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Greece, Morocco.
Tourists, and travelers in this case, are similar to dogs in that there are an array of different breeds – pure and mixed – just as there are a variety of travelers. For some tourists, a destination can be a place of self-discovery or relaxation, while for others traveling to that same destination it may be a place to broaden their cultural horizons or culinary quests. There is a sector of travel for every tourist: from luxury to adventure to budget to wellness to backpacker, and so many more. Within each of those sectors of travel, there are tourists and travelers.
A luxury leisure adventure traveler is a traveler of mixed breeds. As the name suggests, this traveler prefers a more luxury travel experience, selecting luxurious accommodations and experiential journeys with some adventurous activities mixed into the itinerary. Open to interacting with locals and trying local cuisines, this traveler also wants time to relax.
Luxury travel is just as much about the experiences as it is about the accommodations. Luxury experiences refer to experiential journeys that allow for self-discovery. Luxury accommodations aren’t only about star-ratings, but more so about high quality and service.
I consider myself to be a luxury leisure adventure traveler, accustomed to enjoying a more comfortable flight, booking Comfort+ or better seats, and staying in hotels or resorts that meet a high level of standards, often staying 4 stars or better.
My husband prefers this form of traveling as he is a leisure tourist, and so our family travels are luxury travels, but as a woman traveling solo, I feel safer traveling this way.
The traveler aspect is naturally built into me as a person, but the luxury leisure adventure has to be built into the itinerary. When planning a trip, after deciding on the destination and accommodation, I research the main attractions and hidden gems while looking for adventurous
activities to reach sites or allow me to better understand the destination with small group or private options.
If I’m staying at a hotel, I find it easy to go off exploring the surrounding area and seeking the local hotspots to try the local cuisines and communicate with the locals. Resorts are sometimes harder to find time or access to wander off the property, but I try to find activities or ways to venture off to immerse myself within the local culture and communicate with locals. It’s also important that I blend, wearing fashionable clothing that doesn’t stand out and scream tourists.
Definitely a great way to travel as a family, luxury leisure adventure travel is just one example of the many sectors of travel within the continued evolution of travel and the birthing of new sectors of travel. So, are you a traveler or a tourist?
What travel sector, or sectors, do you find yourself traveling within? On your next trip, design an itinerary that speaks to the traveler or tourist you are.
Adventure travel often leads to luxury experiential journeys and allows travelers to use their desires to be active to also immerse more in the destination. Some of these adventurous activities include zip-lining, horseback riding, taking a cooking lesson, embarking on a self-guided tour, taking an ATV adventure, or many more.
Interested in traveling the world while getting paid? Here at Diversifying Globetrotters LLC, we are partnered with Melanin On The Map and Travel Coach Network to help people across the world find financial, personal, and time freedom. Join the hundreds of others making the change to better themselves while exploring the world and adding money to their pockets.
