Be a Traveller, Not a Tourist

There are many things that differentiate a traveller from a tourist, as subtle as they may be.

We are all tourists when we travel to another destination for a holiday, but how we behave, dress, interact and even our purpose for travelling can set a traveller apart from a tourist.

Overtourism has occurred in so many places and yes, it feels like the whole world is travelling, particularly having been denied travel for two years in 2020 and 2021. And who can resist Italy? The beginning of my love affair with Italy in 2009 has resulted in tweaking itineraries; creating new itineraries in less travelled places and learning how to do some things differently as the volume of tourists has increased in places we still want to experience.

Generally speaking, I think a tourist sightsees the main popular attractions; ticks things off a bucket list; takes a multitude of selfies for social media; fits in as many places as possible in an itinerary and sticks out because they look like a tourist.

Travellers will research and study their destinations before leaving home. They want to learn about the culture; dive into unchartered waters; connect and interact with locals; wander aimlessly and be happy to get lost as this is when the unexpected can happen.

A happy traveller is open to spontaneity; curious; respectful; adventurous and passionate about local experiences. This is not confined to learning how to make pasta or visiting a local winery. This means staying in family owned boutique hotels and B&B’s that have often been in the family for several generations; walking hidden paths that few tourists have discovered; getting to know the artisans and the story behind their craft; catching the local bus; riding a bike through the countryside and engaging with locals because they are the best resource.

Food is culture, so we want to eat where the locals eat and embrace local cuisine. You may not be able to order your half strength latte with almond milk, but that’s okay. Your favourite drink at home may not be a ‘thing’ in Italy, so try something else.

Above all, travellers are respectful. Respectful of locals going about their daily business; the environment; local rules; etiquette and cultural differences. The way we dress is a sign of respect. Travellers want to blend in, not stand out. Of course comfort is important when travelling, but style and comfort can go hand in hand. Gym clothes or active wear are fine if we are walking the Cinque Terre, the Path of the Gods or trails in the Dolomites, but not on days when we are walking Rome, exploring beautiful villages or catching a boat to a tiny, secluded cove for lunch.

You won’t see Italians wearing shorts, unless at the beach. Short denim shorts, revealing clothes and tank tops scream tourist. Walking into churches including the Pantheon in Rome require shoulders and knees to be covered. Dining out in the evening is definitely smart casual and a little dressier than daytime wear. If you refer back to an earlier newsletter called ‘The Italian Way’, there is more about Communication Etiquette, Table Etiquette and Dress Code.

And travellers support local businesses. There is no better place than Italy as family businesses form the backbone of the Italian economy. According to certain data, it is around 80%, which may differ slightly depending on what research you read.

One of my joys of wandering is to walk into a small store where every square inch of space is piled high with goods to sell. From Rome to a tiny village it is possible to find a small hardware store which reveals itself to be a mini Bunnings because you will find everything you need there! I love hearing the sewing machines in the back of a boutique; seeing the artisan hunched over thousands of tiny mosaic pieces as he creates a masterpiece; watching nonna create her gorgeous hand crocheted earrings; admiring the street artist at work . . . I could go on and on.

In one of the most remote villages in Italy called Civita di Bagnoregio, the local population year round is twelve people and twenty cats. Accessible only by a concrete walkway, entry is through a stone arch over 2,000 years old. I love this village and I love the magical family owned business called Acqua di Civita which is where I buy my hand cream, body lotion and soap, all locally made. Imagine that! A tiny village of twelve people and the most beautiful handmade products.

There are stories like this throughout Italy. Travellers discover these stories and in turn support these amazing businesses.

Another way to be respectful and enhance your own experiences is to learn some basic language. A given is manners, knowing how to say please, thank you, good morning, good afternoon and goodbye. More on this in ‘The Italian Way’ newsletter.

Travel can be truly life changing. To travel with open mindedness, flexibility, adaptability and consideration will ensure you have the best experiences possible. Every day routines will not be the same as home and there will be moments of frustration and things that go wrong because that is part of travel. To expect everything to go smoothly is unrealistic . . . unless you are on a Ciao Italy tour! Kidding. Sometimes there are things that are completely out of my control or I make a mistake by getting on the wrong train!

Ci vediamo la prossima settimana.

Deb