Ah, the ultimate debate between frequent travelers – the difference between travel vs vacation! In this post, we’ll dive into the differences and similarities so you can identify which one is more your style.
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Most people dream and wait all year to take their perfect vacation and relax on a beach, while others choose to backpack on a budget. What is the difference between these two and why does it feel like one is better than the other?
There is no right answer here. The correct answer is to do whatever feels right for you and ignore everyone else’s opinions and remarks. The important thing is to get out there and travel – no matter how you do it
Travel vs Vacation
I feel like in the travel world on social media, there is this constant argument defending one or the other. People are either glorifying travel and vilifying vacations or vice versa.
I can understand where the argument comes from when people don’t understand the difference and use the terms interchangeably. Because they are different, it can be easy to offend someone who feels like their achievements/lifestyles are being misunderstood.
It’s important to note that they are different! In short, traveling is about exploring new cultures while vacationing is more about relaxing and staying in one place.
Traveling
Overall, traveling is about the journey. It’s an intentional way to broaden one’s horizons, expand your mind and worldview, and change the way you think and view life back home. Sometimes this means putting yourself in uncomfortable situations knowing you’ll come out a different person in the end.
I also think traveling is usually done on your own or with other people but without the aid of tours or hotels designed for tourism. You’re out there usually figuring it out for yourself.
Exploring New Cultures & Adventuring
One of the main purposes of travel is to experience the local culture and immerse yourself in new adventures. This can happen in multiple ways! By meeting locals, eating the local cuisine, exploring nature, going to museums, etc.
It can be anything you want it to be but the point is to go and explore the country or town you are in. The options are endless and the choice is purely yours!
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Being in a new place without the basic comforts of home will require you to step out of your comfort zone. You have to figure out many new things on a day-to-day basis. How will you communicate in this new place with a completely different language?
This is also where culture shock comes in – sometimes it’s drastic but most of the time it’ll be small situations that you don’t normally find yourself in. This is the beauty and excitement of traveling! But of course, it’s not always.
It’s Challenging!
Travel, especially vs vacation, is challenging! You have to navigate your way in unknown territory and oftentimes rely on the kindness of strangers. Sometimes it means roughing it out and sometimes it means getting scammed but it certainly will teach valuable daily lessons.
Traveling usually means taking public transportation, buses, or trains to get around. It can be difficult and tiresome to travel this way with your luggage. It’s not always fun and relaxing.
Getting Lost (figuratively & literally)
Sometimes traveling means being clueless, making mistakes, and getting lost. This is all part of the journey and the reason people travel. It’s not often you get lost in your hometown so this is a new way to discover and navigate new areas.
Travel is also about getting lost figuratively. It’s about wandering aimlessly, in awe, and mesmerized by everything around you. Some of the best hidden gems can be found when you don’t have a particular destination and are just walking around to explore.
Lean into this feeling!
Meeting New People
One of the best parts about traveling is the incredible, life-changing people you will meet. Travel has taught me that everyone has a story and something to share and to learn from if you just take the time to listen.
It has also taught me not to judge a book by its cover. Whether it’s friendly locals you meet and share time with or other travelers on a similar journey as you, both are great! I’ve met some lifelong friends that I still keep in contact with through traveling the world.
I don’t know about you, but as an American, it can be hard to relate to people at home as a traveler. I think it’s because most Americans don’t travel – they tend to vacation. So the Americans I do meet out in the world are easier to connect with and tend to be more similar-minded to me. This is also special!
Often Traveling to Many New Destinations
Another key difference between vacation vs travel is that most travelers are going to more than one destination. Of course, this is not always the case, but generally, travelers are out there to see the world.
They will usually bounce from country to country or even town to town within a country. Whereas, vacationers usually stay put in one spot and more specifically one hotel/resort.
Usually Much Longer Than a Standard Vacation
Because travelers are hitting multiple destinations they tend to travel for longer periods as well. It’s usually much slower and more mindful. Intentionally moving from place to place when the time feels right. Backpacking, for example, is usually an odyssey that lasts months.
Some travelers even choose to live this way! I have met many people who have been out in the world traveling for years and don’t have a desire or intention to stop. For some people, this is an authentic chosen path and way to live.
I think this is why it can be offensive when travel gets interchangeably used with vacation. They are simply not the same. These people are having new life-changing experiences on a day-to-day basis that form who they are, compared to people relaxing on a beach on vacation.
I’m not shaming or saying one is better than the other! It’s just important to note they are different.
Often Backpacking (on a Budget)
While there are certainly different styles of travel, I would go out on a limb and say that a large majority of them are backpackers. These are travelers who carry their belongings on their backs but it’s also a mentality.
The mentality of seeing the world, expanding their mindset, and learning/being inspired by how other people live. Often backpackers are on a budget. I think there are two main reasons for this.
One is that backpackers tend to be young, as backpacking takes resiliency, stamina, and a level of fitness.
Two is because they are trying to make their journey last as long as possible so budgeting is crucial.
Backpacking, or traveling, on a budget is also more likely to give you a better insight into the culture and how the locals live. Most locals don’t take expensive taxis or eat out at fancy restaurants.
Often Staying in Shared Accommodations/Hostels
Budget traveling usually means staying in hostels with shared dorms instead of private hotels. This is a great way to save on accommodation while also meeting fellow travelers.
The downside is that there isn’t much privacy or alone time. This is why vacationing is different. Vacationers usually splurge on a nicer hotel experience to relax in and enjoy.
While no hostel is made the same, most have a shared kitchen you can use to cook your own meals. This is a great way to save money and avoid the costs of eating out.
Day-to-Day Living (Mundane Everyday Tasks)
Travelers who are gone for long periods inevitably must do everyday tasks like laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, perhaps going to doctors for checkups, etc. They are essentially living their normal day-to-day lives while exploring a different place.
This is another main difference between travel vs vacation. Most vacationers don’t have to worry about these tasks. I would even say they go on vacation to escape these everyday nuances.
Vacationing
If you ask most people, vacationing is what comes to mind when they think about traveling. I would say it’s the most common form of travel, at least in America.
Taking a vacation is usually about going to a warm and sunny destination with great beaches. In America, it is normally viewed as an escape from work. So a cozy hotel or resort is usually a must with delicious food and alcoholic beverages to indulge in.
Relaxing & Easy
Typically people look forward to a relaxing vacation because they don’t usually get a lot of time off work per year. So when they do, they want to enjoy their time away from home and not worry about the planning of a trip. Often this means going on tours or all-inclusive resorts because it’s easy and stress-free.
Often Means Inclusive Resorts
Inclusive resorts are some of the most popular vacation options because everything you need is right there! This is a seamless and worry-free way to travel. Resorts usually have plenty of restaurants to choose from as well as plenty of drinks.
There are usually a few pools to relax in as well as private beach access. The resort can even organize tours outside for you if you want something more adventurous. There is usually a list of activities to participate in as well such as water sports, dancing nights, family games, and sometimes even dances by the locals.
Usually Includes Warm Beachy Places
Most people’s perfect vacation includes a white sandy beach with palm trees! What better way to relax than soaking up the sun while lazily sipping on a frozen margarita? This sounds pretty good to me!
Of course, vacations are not exclusive to warm destinations. Some people prefer to have more adventurous holidays like going to ski resorts or even camping. A beachy town is just a generalization of the masses!
Usually More Luxury Travel
Compared to budget traveling, vacationing is generally considered more luxurious. As already mentioned, this means fancy, cozy hotels with pools and delicious restaurants. This also means hotel transportation or taxis instead of public transportation.
A lot of people also enjoy shopping while on vacation. Whether it’s souvenir shopping or luxury clothes shopping, chances are tourist destinations have malls catered toward this.
Overall, vacationing is likely going to be more expensive than traveling because it’s more about enjoying yourself and splurging. Hotels, food, transportation, flights during the busy season, etc. all add up to a costly escape.
Eating at Nice Restaurants
Vacation vs travel likely means eating out at every meal, whether it’s in your hotel/resort or out in the town. Vacation towns usually have all sorts of restaurants with a variety of food to choose from.
The downside is that the prices are more expensive, usually priced at what you are used to paying at home for the same meal. While not always, sometimes I would say vacationers don’t get the same culinary experience as travelers who eat more street food.
Usually Tours or Cruises
As previously mentioned, tours are a great way to experience a vacation with a mix of culture and tourism. No planning is required when you take a tour. Everything is organized for you so it’s still more relaxing than traveling without a tour would be.
Cruises are also another great vacation option! Plus this is a great way to see more than one place while vacationing in style. The ship has everything you could need and is a great way to spend your time relaxing while the ship moves from destination to destination.
People You Interact With Are in the Tourism Industry
With travel vs vacation, travelers are generally interacting with more locals on a day-to-day basis. Whereas vacationers are being catered to by people in the tourist industry. This means it’s usually easier to communicate with them as there is no language barrier because they normally speak English.
This also means they are more used to and comfortable interacting with tourists. Because of this, they can anticipate your every need and can be more helpful than a local who doesn’t have as much experience with guests.
Usually Vacations are Short (2 Weeks)
The average American only gets 10 days of paid vacation a year. Give or take, of course, depending on the type of job and seniority. So typically vacations are short. anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. A traveler is typically on a longer journey than the average vacationer.
The Experiences Are Usually Limited & Not the Same as a Travelers
As we’ve already mentioned, the experiences one has on vacation vs travel are going to be completely different! Vacationers have a more limited experience when it comes to experiencing the culture due to time constraints, the purpose of travel, and the overall style of travel.
However, in terms of a more relaxing, enjoyable, and splurge-worthy trip – this one goes to the vacationer. Because they have such a short time to vacation a year, they are more likely to make the most out of it regardless of the cost.
Those are the similarities and differences between travel vs vacation! I hope this basic overview has given you a better understanding and look into the two different styles of travel so you can know which one fits your style and budget better as well.
