Tourist hotspots, despite their drawbacks such as kitschy souvenirs, long lines, and crowds, still offer a worthwhile experience. Be it the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Times Square in New York City, the Pyramids at Giza, the Great Wall of China, or the Merlion in Singapore, these popular destinations attract hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people each year who capture nearly identical pictures to share on social media.
However, there has been a recent trend of exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, which is commendable. It sheds light on underrated spots that deserve attention and contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors. Yet, this emphasis on hidden gems has also led to a snobbish attitude towards touristy spots. I, for one, am proud to call myself a tourist, as opposed to a traveler.
By definition, a tourist simply travels to different places for personal interest or pleasure. Unfortunately, the term “tourist” often carries negative stereotypes, with people imagining loud and disrespectful individuals donning floral print shirts, beige hats, and huge cameras. While this may be true in some instances, it does not accurately represent every tourist. According to the dictionary, a tourist is someone who simply goes somewhere else for fun, without any mention of floppy hats or rudeness towards waitstaff.
Another modern interpretation of a tourist is someone who visits popular high-traffic areas, commonly referred to as tourist traps. On the other hand, travelers actively avoid these locations and instead choose to immerse themselves in local culture, seeking the most “authentic” experience possible. Unfortunately, some travelers look down upon tourists, viewing them as naive or inferior. However, neither being a “tourist” nor a “traveler” is inherently negative. It is merely the evolving perceptions and stereotypes associated with these terms that have changed our outlook.
In popular culture, a tourist is seen as someone who superficially scratches the surface of a place by taking pictures, while a traveler is seen as someone who seeks a deeper, more honest representation of their destination. But who are we to judge what is authentic to someone? The main criticism of touristy spots is that they are often seen as inauthentic representations of a place. Some are built solely for monetary gain, while others have become so popular that they overwhelm the local community. Locals have the right to complain about the difficulties posed by tourists, but they also understand that these visitors are simply there to spend their hard-earned money. While tourist spots may indeed be cash grabs, they hold significant meaning to those who have saved up for a lifetime to experience them in person.
Authenticity is subjective and can be found in unexpected places. Sometimes, authenticity isn’t even a primary consideration for people who are simply traveling for fun. However, even in places with a shiny surface veneer, the true essence of the location can be discovered through interactions with locals. Being a tourist goes beyond the crowds, lines, and prices; it is about sharing moments of awe and wonder with thousands of others, savoring the unique experiences these destinations have to offer.
We often forget that travel is not a right but a privilege. It is something we save up for and work hard to achieve. If someone finds joy in taking a double-decker evening tour of Seoul, let them indulge in it. Authenticity can be found in every experience, even in seemingly shallow moments like silly photos by the Merlion statue in Singapore. Rather than dismissing tourist spots at face value, we can uncover their true essence by engaging with the locals, going beyond surface-level attractions, and fully immersing ourselves in the rich culture of a place. So, if you still despise tourist spots, that’s fine, but please don’t rain on the parade of a tourist like me, clad in a floral shirt, floppy hat, and giant camera.
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