To Be a Traveler
To Be a Traveler
by Tom Friesen | London, Ontario, Canada
In numerous tourist destinations around the world, over-tourism has triggered backlash and protests by residents. Such anger is understandable because while tourism brings income to these areas, it has also caused problems for local populations. Local populations in these areas have complained of decreasing opportunities for long-term housing, or rising rents, and costs of services, food and transportation. The massive influx of tourists has also engendered increased noise, congestion, and the erosion of authentic local cultures.
My Camino experience began soon after my retirement, and I have sought to be a traveler and not a tourist. For me, there are significant differences. Tourists, due to time, money, or other constraints, package their experiences. They often travel with other tourists in transport that sets them apart from the local community. They stay in accommodations that resemble those found elsewhere in the world. They may only be looking for a tan plus some photos and stories to upload on their social media accounts.
Travelers, for me, stay with local people, riding regular buses and trains, and often are found walking and interacting with the people of the region. I hope that they are interested in and respect the culture, sacred spaces and ways of life of the residents. They are more likely to avoid hotels, staying instead in auberges, hostals, pensiones, posadas, monasteries, etc.
To be a traveler, plan as much of your trip yourself as possible rather than letting other people decide for you. I like to joke that I enjoy a trip three times: first when I plan it, next when I travel, and finally when I bore my family and friends with my stories and pictures. I’d advise you to talk to other travelers, watch YouTube videos, read accounts and guides. I read literature about my destination, and what I’ve learned has added depth and power to the experience.
If you don’t speak their language, try to learn a few common phrases. If you can, try to chat with the local people in their language.
Read up about local ways of life, such as dining times, religious, and social practices, even which side of the trail people commonly pass each other on.
Don’t take photographs of people without first asking permission or assume being a visitor gives you special rights. If you enter a church during religious services, observe silence and stay until the end of the ceremony. Dress respectfully in these locations, including headwear.
Being a traveler can enrich life for both the traveler and those with whom the traveler interacts along the way.
