Tourist Vs. Traveler

I have always loved traveling. The excitement, and frustration of packing. I love walking through the airport, knowing in a few hours, I will be in a new destination. Every year, I would have a list of places I wanted to visit, yet it was always out of reach. I never had the money, and even when I did, it seemed frivolous. There was always something more pressing, something seeming more worthy of my money. Traveling was something I was supposed to do when I had everything in order, and all the funds in check. I didn’t realize none of this was relevant, until I had a reason to travel. In December 2025, I went to London as a solo traveler. I love the art of Kerry James Marshall and I didn’t want to miss his show, The Histories. I did what I had to do. I worked overtime, and saved my money. I made the dream a reality for myself and it opened doors I didn’t realize was possible. Traveling didn’t have to be some lofty goal, I’d achieve once I was making the salary I wanted, or reached certain milestones in my career. I could put money aside, and make things happen for myself. Since then, I have travelled to three other countries this year. I went to Brazil in February to see Bad Bunny in concert. I went to Mexico City to explore the ceramic art scene, and to get myself a cow print bag for my birthday. I recently came back from St. Lucia, which was such an incredible time.

Years ago, I saw this post on Tumblr. It was of Anthony Bourdain, and above his head was a sign that read “Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist.” At the time I loved the message, but it hadn’t really sunk in, until I went to St. Lucia. Although I was on vacation, it was important to me to engage with St. Lucians. I wanted to learn about their culture, history, and to explore their beautiful island. Everywhere I went I was met people so kind, gracious, and helpful. I took the bus instead of taking cars everywhere because it could get pretty expensive from the region I lived. I tried to see as much of the island as possible. I didn’t take any day for granted as I recognized it was a privilege I was able to be there. I learned how important it was to be a traveler. I didn’t want to go to another country to extract from people. As an American citizen, Americans have a reputation. Sometimes people see travelers from America as entitled. It seems as if they go to other countries and demand other people make them comfortable, instead of seeking genuine connection. There is an inherent privilege in living in America and holding U.S. citizenship. I didn’t want this privilege to create distance where I wanted connection. I think the difference was seeing myself as a traveler, as someone who could learn so much from others, instead of tourist who was there to be pleased and entertained. It made a huge difference in my traveling experience, and it made me fall in love with traveling even more. I love an adventure. I always want to be outside, my hand on the pulse of the city. I want to know what the people are discussing, eating, reading, and witnessing. What music do they listen to ? What are they wearing, and what languages do they speak? Life is meant to be lived, and I want to live it to the fullest. Sometimes I feel like I want too much out of life. However, this way of being breeds many stories and experiences. I don’t want to feel as if I wasted my time on this earth. I have been making an active decision to live my life the way I want to. I don’t want to live in regret.

I went snorkeling for the first time. Sugar beach was one of my favorite spots in St. Lucia. The water was so calm and blue. I didn’t venture out too far, so I didn’t feel how powerful some of the currents could be. I was able to snorkel for half an hour, then spent the other half swimming and relaxing on the beach hammock. I realized I need to be a stronger swimmer, so I feel less anxious in the water. I get nervous every time, the water is up to my chest. One of my goals this year, will be to enroll in adult swimming lessons. I didn’t need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the mud baths and sulphur springs, though. The sulfur springs were really hot, but the clay felt really good on my skin, and it was noticeably softer after I washed it away in the mud bath.

I was intentional when planning my trip and here are a few things, which made the trip run smoothly. I was in St. Lucia for 17 days in total. I booked an AirBnb, instead of a hotel, and it worked to my advantage. The AirBnb host Maria was phenomenal and incredibly welcoming. She helped me navigate the bus system and told me which ones I need to take for the places I wanted to go. She would drive me to the top of the hill, so I can catch the bus into the city. My experience would not have been as great without her because she was able to impart so much knowledge onto me, and I’m genuinely grateful. I also spent less than I would have if, I decided to go to a resort.

I bought an E-sim while I was there. It was 35 Caribbean dollars for a seven day pass, which is about $13 U.S.D, much cheaper than a travel pass with any phone plan in the U.S.

I used cash as much as I could. I took out Eastern Caribbean Dollars. This was helpful because it allowed me to learn St. Lucia’s monetary system. It also helped me learn quickly the value of things. I knew if something was too expensive because I had something to compare it to. I knew the cost of the bus fares, and beach umbrellas, food, etc… I knew if a vendor was charging too much. I would pay it regardless as conversion rates, may not always work in the favor of the St. Lucians.

I took bug spray with me, but it honestly did nothing for me. I was chewed like a six course meal. Next time, I’m bringing anti-histamine or anti itch cream. I’m going to be bit regardless, however, I don’t have to suffer from scratching.

If I had to do it all over again, I would spend more time researching the different regions of St. Lucia and the activities I wanted to do. I lived in Castries, which was up north. The majority of the activities I wanted to do were in Soufriere, which was an hour bus ride from Castries. I would probably book an AirBnB closer to Soufriere, but I genuinely developed a love for Castries. The AirBnB I booked was also to die for. I got to see views of the most gorgeous sunsets made for poets and lovers. If you have read this far, thank you, and I hope you join me on the next adventure.