The traveling bigot?

Is there such a thing as a traveling bigot? One of my favorite authors, Mark Twain, doesn't think so.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, narrow-mindedness, all foes of real understanding. Likewise tolerance, or broad wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. -Mark Twain

I would offer, though, that there are a few exceptions:


BIG BUCKS BUSINESS MAN
This traveler arrives in style and immediately travels that way to his 5-star hotel. He can tell you the best hotels of every country along with the intricate customs of their boardrooms. His idea of experiencing a culture is to see what's on TV and order a local prostitute. His trip is all about business, money, and luxury. He gets in, achieves his goal, and gets out. He's been to many places throughout the world, but the only thing that's changed about him is his portfolio. Like a man who eats only cotton candy, he feels full and well-fed from his travels, but has missed all his nutrients. "I," he will tell you, "know how to travel".

Exception: The business person who loves travel and sees business trips as a way to experience new places. While the main purpose of the trip is business, this person takes every opportunity they get to truly explore their destination. Lets call this person the "vagabonder with a briefcase".


BRING THE PAIN SOLDIER
This traveler takes all his prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness into battle, and on the road, with him. The horrors of war feed these negative aspects of his personality and they grow worse. He believes his country to be the only one with any redeeming value. Everyone else is just a camel jockey, gook, infidel, etc. He returns home damaged and more bigoted than before he left. He traveled not to discover the world, but to confront and defeat it.

Exception: All the wonderful men and women who serve their countries out of patriotism and loyalty. Their motivation is to protect freedom and their fellow citizens. They serve because it's necessary and honorable, but they still consider themselves world citizens.


THE CLOSED-MINDED CRUSADER
This traveler seeks to save (or destroy) all the wretched, vile, non-believers of the world. He looks down on everyone, everywhere he goes. He believes the locals have so much to learn from him, while he has nothing to learn from them. He is there to espouse doctrine and for no other reason. He's willing to rough it and get hands-on with the locals, but he in no way respects them as equals. No amount of contact will ever change this. He's traveling like the best, but learning nothing in the process.

Exception: All the wonderful missionaries sharing their Truth in peace and love. They learn and teach in a healthy cultural exchange. Lets call them "spiritual vagabonders".


THE INTERNATIONAL FRAT BOY
This traveler thinks the world is a giant frat party. The main purpose of the trip is drinking, drugs, and sex. Everything else is just periphery. Often times a student, or of student age, they can blend in well with other travelers. The difference? They aren't learning or growing. They might have left with that intention, but they're overcome by the urge to join the party and never stop. They can tell some great stories and relay a little cultural information, but they come home the same person who left.

Exception: Serious students studying abroad or traveling for the right reasons. Lets call them "university vagabonders". Also, those vagabonders who keep their drinking and sex in moderation and enjoy it responsibly on the periphery.


BUBBLE BOY
This person travels, but never gets out of their comfort zone. They might walk the streets, but it's as though they're in a bubble. They don't touch the culture and the culture doesn't touch them. They eat at McDonald's and all the places of home. They listen incessantly to their Ipod which plays all their music from home and spend most of their time online talking to friends from back home.

Exception: Every traveler who boldly steps outside of their bubble and leaves it behind.


So while Mark Twain's quote is a great one, remember that there are exceptions. Look for them while your on the road and see if you can spot them. Most importantly, make sure that you don't become one yourself.