As I read, I asked myself whether I'm a tourist or a traveler. Turns out I'm not really either. But if I had to choose, my heart goes with the traveler mode. Staying away from crowded tourist locations is more appealing than being there in the milling mob.
I see these crowd scenes on telly at times and think how glad I am NOT to be there.
YES, Gary! Me too. ;) I noticed as I passed my 30's that I just didn't like going to crowded places anymore. I pick up thoughts and feelings a lot and it just got overwhelming when there were a lot of peeps around. ;)
I think I am a traveler rather than a tourist because I live in a tourist destination and I have always wondered how anyone could enjoy a snapshot of the front that we put up for the people who rush through the area. Our local beach was recommended nationally and it is now so crowded that I can't see how that can be fun. If a traveler comes through, they can learn where the similar beaches are a mile or two up the road where there are only a few people lounging on the sand or swimming.
Show me a crowded beach and I'll run in the opposite direction. When I used to go every week, I'd always reach early, spend hours in the water, watch folks start streaming in while I enjoyed fried fish, bammy, festival and Red Stripe beer. Then it was time to leave.
But again, that may be an aging thing. Tanning bodies strewn all over the beach and heads bobbing in and out of the water as far as the eyes could see never bothered me in my 20's. ;)
I would prefer traveling if I did much of it. I've been a tourist and that wears me out. The crowds are not my idea of fun and I prefer to read up about an area ahead of time to see where I'd really like to go instead of going where you're expected to go. Love the photo of you with the llama!
I'm more on the traveler side. There are countries I'll visit for a week or two I suppose. For example there are still a few Caribbean islands I haven't been to that I can see myself staying for a week or so, preferably away from main tourist spots.
I'll stay longer, 2- 8 weeks each, in several Latin American and African countries. Strangely, Peru isn't on my 'must live' list but I do want to spend 2-3 month periods at a time there.
My travel must do list is mostly filled with countries I'd like to live in though. Australia for at least 2-3 years, with several 1-2 month stays in New Zealand. At least a year in Ireland and Scotland. Same for Belize, England, France.
In between those longer stays, I'll spend time between the US, Canada and Jamaica. Most of my family and my very best friends live Stateside and in Canada.
BUT I will always return to 'the Rock'... I'll always have a home base in Jamaica to enjoy 3-4 months at a time. It's my 'get back to Me' spot. ;)
As I read, I asked myself whether I'm a tourist or a traveler. Turns out I'm not really either. But if I had to choose, my heart goes with the traveler mode. Staying away from crowded tourist locations is more appealing than being there in the milling mob.
I see these crowd scenes on telly at times and think how glad I am NOT to be there.
Gallivanting - great word!
Gary
Yeah, I'm a traveler too - although as a tour director, I led a bunch of tourists around.
YES, Gary! Me too. ;) I noticed as I passed my 30's that I just didn't like going to crowded places anymore. I pick up thoughts and feelings a lot and it just got overwhelming when there were a lot of peeps around. ;)
I think I am a traveler rather than a tourist because I live in a tourist destination and I have always wondered how anyone could enjoy a snapshot of the front that we put up for the people who rush through the area. Our local beach was recommended nationally and it is now so crowded that I can't see how that can be fun. If a traveler comes through, they can learn where the similar beaches are a mile or two up the road where there are only a few people lounging on the sand or swimming.
I think some people like being in a crowded tourist spot. It might validate that they've chosen correctly.
Show me a crowded beach and I'll run in the opposite direction. When I used to go every week, I'd always reach early, spend hours in the water, watch folks start streaming in while I enjoyed fried fish, bammy, festival and Red Stripe beer. Then it was time to leave.
But again, that may be an aging thing. Tanning bodies strewn all over the beach and heads bobbing in and out of the water as far as the eyes could see never bothered me in my 20's. ;)
Resteemed and upvoted before rushing off to eat breakfast at 4:18pm, EST, Kate! ;) Will come back in later and comment properly.
Thanks, @angelacs. Where are you located?
My pleasure, Kate. I'm in Jamaica.
I would prefer traveling if I did much of it. I've been a tourist and that wears me out. The crowds are not my idea of fun and I prefer to read up about an area ahead of time to see where I'd really like to go instead of going where you're expected to go. Love the photo of you with the llama!
Ok, got back in as promised, Kate.
I'm more on the traveler side. There are countries I'll visit for a week or two I suppose. For example there are still a few Caribbean islands I haven't been to that I can see myself staying for a week or so, preferably away from main tourist spots.
I'll stay longer, 2- 8 weeks each, in several Latin American and African countries. Strangely, Peru isn't on my 'must live' list but I do want to spend 2-3 month periods at a time there.
My travel must do list is mostly filled with countries I'd like to live in though. Australia for at least 2-3 years, with several 1-2 month stays in New Zealand. At least a year in Ireland and Scotland. Same for Belize, England, France.
In between those longer stays, I'll spend time between the US, Canada and Jamaica. Most of my family and my very best friends live Stateside and in Canada.
BUT I will always return to 'the Rock'... I'll always have a home base in Jamaica to enjoy 3-4 months at a time. It's my 'get back to Me' spot. ;)
Thanks, Kate!