What are the Different Types of Tourism?
October 26th, 2011Did you know that there are many types of tourism? Leisure, cultural, medical, educational… the list goes on and on. Let’s discuss further.
When you think of tourism, what comes to mind? Sandy beaches with palm trees in the background, coconut smells all around you, and reggae music in the background? Or do you ponder off into thoughts of visiting all of the United States Capitals, trying to locate a table cloth, towel, or odd item that has the emblem on it? You could even think of making it to all of the continents and toasting to the sun while taking a picture, but yet taking in the experience of how the earth is lined with the moon that evening. All of these are different types of tourism, but each one has a story, a purpose, and no two people will ever see these in the same view; that’s the beauty of this journey.
I was raised in the Midwestern region of the United States in Oklahoma. An interesting fact: Oklahoma has more shoreline than the entire East Coast. The reason to mention this fact is due to the fact that we are not lacking in water to play in, ride boats, or watch amazing sunsets. However, they often contain rocky edges, and you can see to the other side. My vision, when I think of a sandy beach is the pleasure of not seeing anything upon the horizon other than sky: the endless water that makes you daydream of what could be lying on the other side. In addition to this, the experience is exotic in many ways. I enjoy the smell of suntan lotion, the crashing sound of the waves, the taste of sweet fruity cocktails, and the feel of sand sinking further and further in between my toes. I love hearing the chatter when I’m walking down the beach, then the silence of those taking in all that the beach has to offer. You look over to the left and there is a volleyball net set up, the men showing off to the ladies watching on the sidelines. On down a ways, there is a father and son flying a kite. This is a popular tourist attraction, especially for those individuals that are ‘land-locked’ and appreciate the value of these attributes.
While growing up, I did not travel often by airplane. But I will say I spent a large amount of my childhood in the back of a station wagon, counting the mile poles along the highway, playing the ‘Sign’ ABC game, and unfortunately having the station wagon pulled over a few times for fighting with my brother. However, I am grateful for the amount of states that we experienced. My mother always collected a magnet to place on the refrigerator which was eventually covered by them. If I had it my way, I would choose something a little odder. How about a bobble-head, an embroidered pillow case with the state bird, or possibly a belt buckle with the State and my name tattooed on. Now, I have not made it to all fifty states, but I hope to make that goal by the end of my days.
Is ‘traveling all over the world’ included in the many types of tourism?
I just recently spoke with a colleague of mine that I haven’t spoken to in years. He just met his lifetime goal of traveling to every continent. Can you imagine how amazing that must feel? How many people truly get to accomplish this? As for myself, I have only been to North America. I hope to change this soon when I am able to spend more free time enjoying myself rather than working so much. I believe that is the excuse of the majority of individuals. Why don’t more people dream, and reach their goal of visiting all points of the earth? I think it seems to be too expensive, too time consuming, and a goal that could possibly not be reached, leaving many feeling failed by themselves. However, how wonderful would it be to sip on a glass of wine that is originated in that part of the earth while watching the sunset, then on to watching the moon rise? The symbolism of the wine is the taste of what the earth in that region provides. When you take that sip of wine, hold it on your tongue briefly while carefully breathing in along the top of your tongue to take in the smells of the grass, the tastes of the grapes, the tannins and their significance. This is something to appreciate.
Image via Wikipedia
One of the many types of tourism that is trending right now: Visiting the WWW
While traveling can be a form of tourism, I believe there is also a cheaper and more accessible form of tourism: The Internet. When I am feeling a depression coming on, I need a form of inspiration, or I am simply bored, I often get online and start searching for places I would like to travel to. This is actually more informative because I can locate uncommon known facts about each place I visit. It offers me an opportunity to educate myself on that particular region. I believe all humans who have the capacity of visual senses are extremely gratified by the privilege of taking in experiences visually. I like to look at exotic beaches, massively confusing yet colossal icebergs, and extreme buildings or structures that I know I may never get the opportunity to see in person. This allows my mind to appreciate the efforts the individuals that created these works for what they were designed. I particularly enjoy looking at the structures and land built in the area of Dubai. They are so incredible in creativity, beauty, and just awe of how these buildings even exist. I hope one day I can get the opportunity to experience this beauty in person.
Whether you are heading to tropical Hawaii, driving all the back country highways to visit those States that you’ve missed so far, jumping on a plane to visit that next continent to check off your list, or simply enjoying your glass of wine while sitting at the computer dreaming, there are several types of tourism. These are just a few ways that I can describe how I view that term. I think it is not the action, but the significance for each individual that defines tourism.
What about you? What are the types of tourism you would want to experience?
