As a rule, everyone starts with the purchase of tourist vouchers, but soon this is not enough for someone, and he wants to organize his own trips on his own. And, passing into the category of a traveler, he discovers a lot of opportunities and makes more and more discoveries for himself.
1. Attitude to the trip
A tourist goes on a trip, as a rule, "on vacation" or "to rest". He does not want to think about anything, decide, plan and is ready to pay money for a tour that includes a flight, a hotel, and a transfer.
The traveler travels with a completely different purpose: to live the life of another country and discover something new. It should be noted that an independent trip is not always cheaper than a voucher, but at the same time you can visit several places at once.
2. Selecting countries
The tourist prefers the well-trodden routes and countries where there are more compatriots, where his friends, acquaintances and relatives have already been. This creates a sense of security and predictability.
The traveler avoids the beaten track and even less all-inclusive options. It is much more interesting for him to communicate with locals or fellow travelers from other countries.
3. Foreign languages
Many tourists think that everyone is obliged to speak their language, well, in a pinch, English, since they paid the money. They choose excursions with a Russian-speaking guide and strive to communicate with the same tourists.
The traveler usually knows several languages. At least English. And at the same time he understands that not all countries speak it. Therefore, he tries to learn at least a few words and phrases in the language of the country he is going to.
4. Places of residence
The most comfortable place for a tourist is, of course, the hotel. Many do not even know about the possibility of living somewhere other than a hotel.
The traveler, on the other hand, is always looking for an opportunity to live a little with the local life, and therefore seeks to rent an apartment, room or apartment in a non-tourist area. Travel by public transport, shop in stores, chat with neighbors.
5. Responsibility
For this, a tourist buys a ready-made voucher so as not to have problems with organizational issues: how to get there, where to dine, what to see, what to do in unforeseen situations.
The traveler understands that the responsibility for the trip lies only with himself. He is ready for unusual situations and is not afraid of deviations from the planned.
Of course, a trip on a voucher is much more comfortable and frees you from the need to decide something, although here, too, there may be problems with check-in, flight delays, and worst of all, with the ruin of a travel company. But all-inclusive trips are similar to each other and it doesn't matter what country you are in. And independent planning allows you to gain invaluable experience, travel to the exact countries you want, and make your dreams come true.
