Tourists with a Traveler Spirit AKA I don't want to cook on my vacation

This week I ran across an article from a travel blogger, "Why Travelers Should Aspire to be More Like Tourists" that renewed a little peeve I blogged about last year.  Why are 'travelers' so self- righteous?  Why is 'tourist'  such a dirty word?

There seems to be a rift in what most people think of as authentic travel and tourist travel.  I don't see why you can't do both.  Travelers seem to think of themselves as hip, socially conscious folks who wouldn't dare set foot in one of the evil corporate resorts.  They think of tourists as the those who just want to transplant a little piece of America into a new spot for a week without really experiencing any of the local flavor of their destination.  To me that's an artificial separation. I don't see why you can't have an authentic experience, learn about local culture and still have luxury suites on the same trip. 

Even other travel professionals get into this at industry events.  It's quite funny!  There are plenty who are so proud that they've never been on a cruise and just don't get all-inclusive resorts, ugh! (Insert disdainful face here)
Well I'm the first to speak up that I LOVE them both.  Cruises are some people's first introduction to foreign travel and a springboard for further exploration.  Sure, you'll have some of the typical ugly American tourist behavior but you'll also meet people from all over the world and sample several different places in one week without fighting airport security.  Hoarding food at the buffet is not mandatory!  
All-inclusive resorts have totally saved my vacation life when it comes to getting some beach time once the kids arrive.  Staying at the resort is not mandatory!  It's a choice.  Some people may feel more comfortable exploring the next time they go to a certain place.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.  My son has met little friends from several different countries and across the U.S. at the kids club.  We have still done some very cool tours that have made lasting impressions and got the whole family in touch with local culture when we stayed at all inclusive resorts.  Even if you never go beyond the gates, your whole family is still learning something.  Not all resorts are foreign owned corporate monsters that bleed the local economy.  There are several high end resorts that are Mexican owned and operated.  You don't have to stay in a cabana to contribute  to the local economy.  

For 'just the two of us' escapes, I've found all-inclusive resorts a big stress reliever. Sure you can rent a condo or villa, but the 'where do you want to eat?' game will get tiresome real quick!  (Fellas, I know you hate when we say it doesn't matter!)  At least if everything is already accessible and paid for on property you have the freedom to just enjoy each other.  There are great tours in every port or destination that will make great shared memories and acquaint you a slice of local life.  
So here are my suggestions to combine that relaxing getaway with some 'traveler' spirit.

How to travel like a tourist and have memories like a traveler:

1. Schedule tours that involve volunteering or visiting indigenous communities.

2. Buy locally made souvenirs.

3. Consider splitting your time between adventure activities and luxury resorts.  (Say 3 days hiking and camping in the jungle and 4 at the beach?)

4.Take excursions unique to the destination.  Certain things like zip-lining are everywhere, so ask what is here that I won't get anywhere else?  

Of course these are all things your trusty travel professional can help you arrange.  =)

www.greatscottgetaways.com

Travel vs. Vacation

I came across some interesting comments on this article. "Common Excuses Why People Don't Travel". One of the comments noted how 'travelers' sound so preachy about how fulfilled their lives are with the extended travel and budget hosteling adventures. That along with some pretty condescending sounding comments about having lived in umpteen countries on $5 a month with 7 kids (exaggerating a little ) inspired a light bulb moment. Why does there have to be such a distinction and disdain for people who really don't want to go completely against the grain on leisure travel?

When I leave my home behind I want to vacation, to escape and relax. I'm pretty satisfied with my life and have no desire to sell everything and move to Thailand for the cultural experience. It's on my list of things to do, but it will definitely be a vacation getaway not a semi-perm arrangement.

That does not mean taking a 'vacation' is any less valuable. Some seem to think that going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort means hiding behind the walls and never experiencing the real culture of the destination. That couldn't be further from the truth! (However if you want to do that it's perfectly fine too!) There are endless choices of excursions from the ship, plenty of day trips to take from your resort and you still have your luxurious suite to retire to at the end of the day.
I hear from plenty of moms that are not too thrilled with simply picking up our chores and moving them to another locale, no matter how cool it sounds to the adventurer in the household. Beach bed gets a bigger gasp than kitchen from most. Just because you do dream of lounging at the water's edge sipping cocktails does not mean you're doomed to a life of cultural ignorance. Newsflash 'travelers' and holier than thou backpackers. We still actually talk to the people around us on our getaways. I haven't seen many Americans working on cruise ships. Even all-inclusives attract guests from all over the world, in addition to the staff. They aren't just mannequins. On ships so many of the crew are glad to talk about home and their cultures since they may have been away for months.
Even if you decide to be a vacationer your kids will still interact with lots of people from different cultures. Maybe teaching them that people from different economic strata are just as worthy of respect is equally as important as feeling cooler than those stuck at home not living like nomads. (I can't stand people who talk down to crew/staff while boring everyone in earshot about their travel. Ick, apparently civility isn't a requisite skill for extended travel)

Want to feel a little less guilty about your indulgent vacation?
Ask for resorts that are environmentally responsible. (El Dorado Spa Resorts Greenhouse)
Hacienda Tres Rios & other Green Globe certified resorts

Patronize companies that do give back to their communities. (Sandals Foundation)

Maybe someday I'll feel more bohemian and wax poetic about the superiority of shopping for groceries in another country rather than gourmet meals in restaurants , for right now I want someone else to do the cooking, mixing (drinks, no I'm not into baking), cleaning and everything else I hate to do at home when I'm on vacation!
We're proud to be vacationing Americans WITH passports that still love to come back home. Long live the getaway!