8 Tour-isms You’ve Never Heard Of

You’ve probably heard of Medical Tourism, in which tourists visit foreign shores for sun, sand, and discount medical treatments. Faith Tourism has the pious masses piling into Biblical sites, visiting relics, and saints. There’s the far less savoury Sex Tourism, you can get high on Narco Tourism, and who wouldn’t pass up a free ticket for a dribble in Sport Tourism. On the other hand, Voluntourism really does make the world a better place. Here are a couple more you might not have heard of:

Escapist Tourism
A long established yet under-marketed segment of tourism are those who travel to escape. Criminal charges is an obvious choice, but so are disastrous romantic relationships, employment redundancies, or owing Big Al from last week’s trip to the races. Decision-making, never a walk in the park, can be easily cured by a retreat on the beach, in the mountains, or with a package tour (which comes with a handy guide!) Escape Tourists know the fastest way to change their reality is to run away from it.

Experiential Tourism
There are many options available to Experiential Tourists. Some may choose to explore a city by only walking backwards. Others prefer asking strangers for directions on what to do, placing gnomes or dolls in various destinations, or travelling dressed as their favourite superhero carrying a creatively assembled plastic weapon. Rolling dice to make decisions, travelling only at night, pitching tents in hotel rooms - when it comes to experience the options are truly endless.

War Tourism
For those craving more excitement than adrenaline sports, you can always pack a bag, a bullet proof vest, maybe an article of prayer, and head to the war zones. Somalia, Afghanistan and the Sudan are beautiful countries being ripped apart by rabid warlords, but War Tourists crave dysfunction and human turmoil, gathering their unique tales and scars as proud souvenirs from their journey. Not to be confused with War Journalists, who are also insane, but at least with purpose.

Couch Tourism
Running in the shadows of the social networks are couch surfers, finding new friends, cheap accommodation, and spectacular couches around the world. You can tell a lot about a country by its couches. Some are hard (Russia), some are soft (Belgium), some have bugs (the Amazon), some have sticky red stains (Sicily), and some have stains you’d rather just not think about (Amsterdam). Between the cultural experience of meeting new foreign friends, exploring their home, mooching their snacks, and sleeping in their living rooms, Couch Tourists do not feel the need to do much else, teetering dangerously close to another segment known widely as Couch Invaders.

The Economy Sucks Tourism
A relatively new and somewhat downtrodden player in a crowded field, this form of tourism has resulted in a massive increase in camping, hitchhiking, and occasional illegal squatting. Exciting and fabulously exotic destinations are usually discussed over marshmallows, homemade wine and instant noodles. While once popular only with students, E.S.T has found new converts in banking and automobile executives.

Circus Tourism
Travel and the Circus have always gone hand-in-hand, but the acrobatic rise of Circus Tourism is a recent phenomenon. From the old-school charm of traditional circuses in Eastern Europe to the alarming "someone better call the World Wildlife Federation, like now!" circuses in many developing countries, the tradition, colour and vibrant nature of the circus is well worth smelling perpetually like popcorn. Whether you’re picketing, planning to rescue the animals or just enjoying the culture of entertainment, there’s no shame in joining the travelling circus.

Airport Tourism
Not to be confused with the simple and far better known "Business Trip," this exciting form of tourism has you discovering new countries and culture strictly through their airports. Marvel in the diversity of brands at the Duty Free, available in every single Duty Free store worldwide. Speak to the locals, usually poorly paid immigrants working long hours and dealing with irate passengers. Stare out the windows at extensive paved fields, or overpay for goods and services that would be half the price if you could only get beyond the customs gate.

Modern Gonzo Tourism
As the inventor of this particular form of Travel (much like most of the above), I can reveal its simple rules: No guidebooks, say yes to everything, trust your gut, and always accept food if it is offered by kind locals. Modern Gonzo tourists are always positive, smile in the face of frustration, push their limits, and boycott multinational food franchises. Most importantly, to be a Modern Gonzo tourist, you must realize that you are not on an adventure. Rather, you are the adventure.