The word of the day app on my phone delivered “xenophile” today. Definition: A person who is attracted to foreign peoples, cultures or customs. What word could better describe those of us who have an inherent passion for travel and cultural exchange?

I suppose xenophile could be used to describe someone who always dates people with a foreign accent just because they like the sound, but I think it goes much deeper than simple attraction. The consummate traveler thrives on the culture aspect. He/she embodies xenophilia (ok, I might have made up this form of the word) by always engaging the local people in conversation to learn more about their way of life and what makes them tick. Meaningful relationships are built, whether they last an afternoon or a lifetime.

Xenophiles immerse themselves in the local culture by tasting native foods, taking part in community celebrations and experiencing everyday life during their travels. Xenophiles appreciate the aesthetics of a destination by seeing the art and architecture of a foreign land. They gain insight to the cultural mores by learning something about the history and predominant religious culture of a place.

The xenophile traveler comes to understand and respect the customs of the land they are visiting. They embrace bargaining for goods where that is expected and know when and how much is appropriate to tip for services. They adjust to the rhythm of local life whether that means 10pm dinners or daytime siestas. Knowing the accepted social customs like gift giving and body language lowers barriers and lets people from different backgrounds share their personal experiences with one another.

I would like to propose that true xenophiles are not only “attracted” to foreign people, cultures or customs, but also value and respect the differences from their own lives. It is the undercurrent that runs in the veins of the traveler’s passion and what drives us to always yearn for the next experience.  How on earth xenophile could have escaped my vocabulary until now is beyond me, but I can assure you it is firmly lodged in my wordsmith tool bag now. I love this word and its traveler connotations, so I am officially claiming the moniker. Are you a xenophile too?