Tourist Vs. Traveler: The Transformative Power Of Authentic Exploration

What is the difference between being a tourist and a traveler? To me, it is the willingness to be changed by the places you visit and the people you meet. Tourists often impose themselves on other countries, driven by a bucket-list mentality that crows, “Look at where I’ve been.” Travelers, on the other hand, seek transformation and connection because travelers want to come home changed by what they’ve learned and seen through the places and people they’ve encountered.

Why Hilton Grand Vacations Makes Every Stay Authentic

One of the great benefits of staying at a Hilton Grand Vacations property is that it lets you truly experience a destination by immersing yourself in its people, history, culture and cuisine. Every stay becomes a chance for meaningful transformation and deeper connection.

To do this, I enjoy taking advantage of some of Hilton Grand Vacations’ properties that could be considered a bit more off the beaten track, such as Cromer Country Club in Norfolk, East Anglia, England.

Discover Norfolk And East Anglia’s Historic Charms

During a recent trip to Norfolk, I picked up “The Shortest History of England” by historian James Hawes, which quickly guided me through centuries of East Anglia’s past.

I discovered how the Romans, Saxons, Danes and Vikings each shaped England’s language, culture, architecture, agriculture and even its DNA. Norfolk’s rich history is evident everywhere — from ancient castles and monasteries to medieval cities, Gothic cathedrals, haunted graveyards and Sandringham, the royal estate open to visitors from March through October.

A week in Norfolk on the beautiful North Sea offers plenty of time to explore all that East Anglia has to offer, while still leaving you ample opportunity to relax at Cromer, as well as enjoy the coast and countryside.

From Cromer To Lavenham: Small Towns With Big Stories

East Anglia is incredibly scenic. It’s a wonderful place to visit quaint small towns, ancient castles and deserted abbeys. One of my favorite small towns is Lavenham, renowned for its many half-timbered buildings and rich history as a prosperous mill town. Filled with quaint shops, lovely restaurants and small museums, it’s a great destination for a drive. Be sure not to miss nearby Kentwell Hall, a beautifully preserved manor surrounded by a moat and absolutely stunning gardens. 

Top Spots For Immersive Travel In England’s Countryside

England is full of gorgeous abandoned Catholic abbeys destroyed by Henry VIII. These once-thriving spiritual communities and elegant places of worship are achingly beautiful but poignant relics of a past long gone. My favorite abbey near Cromer Country Club is Castle Acre Priory. The best time to go is early in the morning or towards the end of the day, when you can get beautiful light for your photographs. 

English Heritage is an excellent resource for finding lesser-known sites to visit across England, as it manages historic landmarks and stately homes throughout the country. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff can offer valuable tips on what to see and where to eat, helping you craft a personalized itinerary for your travels.

For a longer drive, consider heading down to the Southern Coast to visit Castle Orford, an ancient castle keep with sweeping views to the North Sea. The small village of Orford has a lovely old graveyard and church, a few delightful pubs as well as a delicious small chocolate shop.

On your way, stop by churches in some of the small towns. Many are open for visitors, and wandering through their picturesque graveyards is a wonderful way to make history come alive. Also, be sure to check out the many farm stores en route to any destination along the English countryside. These charming country stores contain local goods and produce, as well as excellent gifts to take home.

Castles, Cathedrals And Ghost Walks: Norfolk’s Must-Sees

In addition to time in the country and along the coast, spending at least a full day in Norwich is absolutely essential. Norfolk is surging in popularity as the top city to visit in England in order to avoid hordes of tourists.

Visit the soaring Norfolk Gothic cathedral and be sure not to miss its family of peregrine falcons that live on its steeple. Wander through Norfolk’s ancient streets with their picturesque half-timbered buildings leaning sideways from age. Stroll along the river walk and visit the cell of the mystic Julian of Norwich, author of the first book written and published by an Englishwoman. Enjoy the excellent shopping district and wonderful local restaurants. And by all means, join one of the Norwich Ghost Walks at night to learn about the city’s haunted history during the Black Plague. 

Well over a hundred years ago, Mark Twain wrote, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

East Anglia is the cradle of English civilization, and Cromer Country Club in Norfolk provides a fantastic home base for exploring this beautiful and historic area as a traveler.

How Travel Transforms Perspective And Connection

Travelers engage in and support local businesses. Travelers listen, learn and fall in love with even the quirks of a place by being truly present and not constantly comparing everything to “home.” Travelers leave behind only footprints of love.

To me, the beauty of Hilton Grand Vacations is the opportunity it affords each of us to become true travelers — opening our minds and hearts to other cultures as we add our own experiences to the glorious history of thousands and thousands of years of global travel. 

Read “22 Years Of Priceless Memories: One Member Looks Back On Her Favorite Timeshare Vacations” to learn how one Member embraced vacation ownership and enjoyed years of unforgettable adventures.