Be a Traveler

My friend and I were walking down a quiet street in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of Lisbon. We hadn’t encountered any other non-locals during our stay. When we went to have lunch at the casual spot around the corner from our Airbnb, the whole family came to the table so we could decipher the menu and order in our shared knowledge of second languages. “We are travelers,” she said to me, as we walked to the train station to head into Lisbon, “not tourists.” And she was right.

This type of experience is not for everyone, I know. When you have limited time to go on vacation, to a destination you may never visit again, there are things you want to do, sights you feel you must see. You want to stay in a central location. Usually I would prefer to also. I don’t really remember how we ended up in the suburbs, but it definitely fit the mood for this trip. However, we also had the time to commute, no bucket list to check off, and we both were open to an adventure.

The beach in Plakias where my friend and I spent 90, 95% of our time on Crete. Having a regular place, whether beach chairs or a local café, is a great way to form a connection with a new place and the other people who frequent there

This is a judgement free zone. I want to share my thoughts to encourage others to try something new, to help people have the best experience possible. Being a tourist or being a traveler is not so much about what you do, but how you approach the business of traveling. It is a state of mind.

Instead of looking at a daily itinerary and deciding how to “conquer” everything, you see all the wonderful treasures that you can discover. You read a little about the tourist sights, but spend more time actually looking at them, taking in their beauty, and imagining all that they’ve seen in the hundreds or thousands of years they’ve been standing. You walk by a restaurant full of locals eating happily, and decide to stop in for a bite. You learn at least basic local phrases and use them. Even if you hesitate before speaking, or pronounce it wrong, everyone will be smiling and the people you are speaking to will appreciate your effort, and teach you the correct way. You may even strike up a conversation.

On my recent sojourn in Palermo, I walked by the sea almost everyday, which allowed me to meet the other regulars

It’s your vacation; I can understand just wanting to relax. But relax like the locals do. Try the local cocktail and watch the sunset from a beautiful viewpoint. Don’t want to sightsee? At least venture into town and take a leisurely walk. You’re sure to see something new.

When you travel, this is your time to do something different than what you do at home the rest of the year. Make the most of it. Meet new people. Learn something. Try new food. Embrace what’s different. In the end, you’ll learn that in all corners of the world, we are all seeking the best life we can for those we love.

Note: The header image comes from hike a took in Howth, Ireland. A popular nature day-trip from Dublin, it is favored by locals and discerning travelers alike.