This came up for me on a recent trip, and I keep thinking about it.
I was talking to a few people in a hostel/common area, and someone joked that they “hate tourists.” Then five minutes later we were all comparing places we had visited, where we ate, what streets were worth walking, what museums were overrated, etc.
Basically tourist stuff.
It made me realize how many people try to separate themselves from the word “tourist,” even when they are literally visiting for a few days and doing the same things everyone else does.
I understand not wanting to be the annoying kind of tourist. Nobody wants to be the person blocking the sidewalk, treating locals like background characters, or acting like a city exists only for Instagram.
But I’m starting to think the word itself gets blamed for the behavior.
To me, “tourist” just means you’re a guest somewhere. The important part is whether you’re respectful, curious, and aware that people actually live there.
Maybe the problem is not tourists.
Maybe it’s entitled visitors.
Has anyone else noticed this attitude while traveling?