3 travel clichés that need to stop
The travel industry has no shortage of clichés, but here are three common travel phrases that need to stop:
1. “Be a traveler, not a tourist”
Labeling people as travelers vs tourists is a form of discrimination. It pins “us” vs “them.” It says we’re cool, you’re not. Travelers should always encourage each other to always travel more and deeper — whatever the situation — not make it sound like only certain people are allowed into the party.
2. “Like a local”
As a foreigner, you are isolated (for the most part) from the political and economic situation, societal pressures, and restrictions that are placed on locals. Your presence is temporary if you want it to be. You seek something different by the nature of your journey. Saying you live like a local because you stayed in a non-touristy neighborhood or cooked food that you bought from a local market is an exaggerated and entitled perspective that dismisses the struggle of so many people around the world. It’s admiral to slow down and be a more active participant of the local culture, but don’t overstate your situation.
3. “Do (or did) a country”
Using the verb “do” or “did” when referring to visiting a destination implies that places and people are boxes to check. You can spend years in a city and barely scratch the surface on all of its unique new corners and cultural nuances. You can visit a city, experience an activity, and see an attraction — but it’s impossible to experience everything a place has to offer and that should never be the goal.
