1. British term used to refer collectively to two separate traditionally-nomadic groups found in the UK: Irish
Travellers (also known as
Pavee, tinkers and pikeys) and
Romani (also known as Roma, Romany, Romanichals, Romnichals and Kale). The term is used to replace the traditional term "gypsy", which is now considered offensive by some. The term refers to members of these two groups regardless of whether they actually live a nomadic or
sedentary lifestyle.
2. A term used by people who are travelling away from home, but have distaste for the terms "tourist" and "holidaymaker". Travellers are often said to be distinct from tourists/holidaymakers due to the fact that they travel for longer periods of time, seeing a variety of places in one trip, and make an effort to experience the real spirit of the places they visit, rather than just tourist resorts. Those who self-describe as
travellers are also often travelling on a tighter budget than traditional tourists, staying in hostels rather than hotels. A roughly synonymous term is "
backpacker".
1. Although the
Romani and the Irish
Travellers have very different histories and cultures, the majority of the British population are unaware of existence of two distinct groups, and consider both to be "gypsies" or "
travellers".
2. The great thing about staying in hostels is the opportunity to meet and hang out with other travellers, from all over the world.
