The inquiry may appear somewhat vague; however, the response is considerably more straightforward than one might presume.
Defining What Constitutes a Traveller
ANSWER.
It is not solely the number of destinations you have visited or the duration of your travels that defines you as a traveller. What truly distinguishes you as a traveller is your passion and eagerness for exploration. It involves an insatiable desire to discover beyond your current knowledge. It requires rejecting complacency and acknowledging your potential to experience ‘more.’ This includes a yearning to learn, to engage in new activities, and to embrace diverse experiences.
The Essence of Travelling
Contrary to common belief, merely visiting numerous countries and amassing numerous sights does not inherently make you a traveller. Despite our collective fascination with expanding our travel statistics, the increase in visited locations is often influenced by opportunities, and potentially financial resources, rather than indicating one’s status as a ‘true’ traveller. The count of countries visited may play a role, yet it primarily denotes the position of an observer — one who was present at various sites.
The essence of a genuine traveller lies in actively engaging and immersing oneself in the unique culture of each location. True travellers indulge in local cuisines, exhibit a continuous curiosity for attractions, interact with local populations, and invariably return home with an increased appetite for further exploration. It is this intrinsic thirst for knowledge and experiences that truly characterizes you as a traveller, rather than the mere accumulation of destinations visited.
