Every traveler is different and through the years I have been known to run into a few of these select groups. Each one adds their own pizzazz whether individually or in a group setting. Which one do you identify as?
The Thrifty Traveler
“Every dime counts”. The Thrifty Traveler likes to save and count every penny that is shelled out. There are minimal stops that require money to be spent when traveling with a “thrifter”. Museums, parks, and all attractions labeled free will be visited and may be the only activities enjoyed other than cheap eating. Thrifters love money saving apps, discounts, coupons and freebies associated with traveling.
Ideal Vacation: Florida, Alabama, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Argentina, Romania, Prague, Mexico, Dominican Republic
The Big Spender
“Put it on my tab”. To a Big Spender money is not an obstacle and they are not afraid to go all out for their vacation. Only the best hotels, eateries and VIP status will do for a Big Spender. Adventures are not limited either, Big Spenders want to see it all and do it all. The sky is the limit and that is where they aspire to be. For example they may like the Skylodge Adventure Suites in Cuzco, Peru or maybe even the Empathy Penthouse Suite at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas with a whopping $100,000 a night price tag.
Ideal Vacation: Iceland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Brazil, Chile, Moscow, Kenya, Morocco, Paris, Rome, Fiji, London, Dubai
The Planner
“This was not on the itinerary”. The Planner has been planning this trip for months and knows everything that is going to happen right down to the last detail. Anything unplanned may cause this person high anxiety, so steer clear of veering off course. A planner has researched all of the coolest landmarks, top eateries, hotels, flights, around town travel arrangements, weather patterns and even what immunizations (shots) you need to receive before leaving. The planner doesn’t intend on relaxing because every moment will be booked to perfection.
Ideal Vacation: Grenada, Croatia, Portland, Egypt, Montenegro, Canada, London, Spain, New York, Lima
The Foodie
Do not be surprised if you see the foodie snapping away at every plate that is placed in front of them. The foodie not only likes to partake in the food but they have to take a picture and post about it. A foodie does not limit themselves to just restaurants but they will expand their horizons with street vendors, food trucks, mom and pop establishments and off the beaten path restaurants. Foodies are great to travel with because of their vast knowledge of good eats and their willingness to try new things. They are a walking review and can tell you whether the eatery is going to be pricey and/or good.
Ideal Vacation: Ecuador, Argentina, New Orleans, Portland, Chicago, Tuscany, Japan, Turkey, Mongolia, Italy, France, Ethiopia, China
Tipsy Traveler
“If there isn’t a bar we aren’t going”. The Tipsy Traveler likes to plan all events around whether there is some type of alcoholic outlet. If there is no liquor license in the vicinity you can hang that spot up. The Tipsy Traveler knows how to hold their liquor and is always obliged by a drink. A party atmosphere and scenic views are a must.
Vacation Destinations: France, Russia, Wisconsin, Tennessee, California, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, New York, Mexico, Sweden, Finland, Miami, Georgia (USA)
Last Minute Tripper
“You may delay, but time will not.“The Last Minute Tripper is the best procrastinator. Their trips are almost always epic because they live on the fly and welcome spontaneity. “Last minuters” are used to traveling on a whim and know all the apps to get them there quickly. Traveling last minute is a nerve-racking way to save a boatload of money on flights and hotels. The last minute tripper rarely unpacks right away from their previous excursion so there is always a getaway bag close by.
Ideal Vacation: Jamaica, Bahamas, Georgia, California, Louisiana, Greece, Thailand, Hawaii, Africa
Adventurer
Life begins at the end of your safety net. The Adventurer is all for going off the beaten path. “No Trespassing” and “Keep Out” signs do not phase a person of this stature. Adventurers always have stories to tell (whether true or not you will never know). They don’t put a cap on what they will and will not do as long as it boosts their vitality. Staying still for too long gives them anxiety while on vacation so a planner may pair well with this one.
Ideal Vacation: California, Australia, Cuba, Botswana, Rwanda, Brazil, Philippines, Norway, Rome, North Dakota, Colorado, Nepal, Hawaii
Adrenaline Junkie
“Do one thing that scares you everyday” – Eleanor Roosevelt. The Adrenaline Junkie strives for that exhilarating rush and excitement in their vacations. Sightseeing and Museums are definitely a snooze fest for this individual. Packing usually starts with an extra pair of underwear and a helmet of some sort. Bungee jumping, parachuting, zip lining, race car driving, skiing and mountain biking are a few activities that get these travelers moving. You can almost guarantee that there will never be a dull moment when traveling with an adrenaline junkie.
Adrenaline Junkie Vacation Destinations: New Zealand, Australia, Utah, Las Vegas, China, Malaysia, Wisconsin, most Caribbean Islands, Costa Rica
Nature Hunter
“I love the smell of nature in the morning”. The Nature Hunter is always looking for beautiful rain forests, gorgeous mountain ranges, delightful lakes, and vast countrysides for their ideal vacation. The nature hunter is one with the moon, the stars, the sun and the animals. They take the saying “drop everything to smell the roses” quite literally. Hiking, rock climbing, biking, white water rafting, canoeing, bird watching, or just plain sitting and listening to the sounds of the waves as they leave gentle kisses on the shore is definitely their forte.
Nature Hunter Ideal Vacation: Greenland, Iceland, Brazil, Columbia, Bolivia, Cameroon, Congo, New Guinea, Switzerland, Canada
I’m So Over This Trip
The person you should have left at home. The “I’m Over It” individual is not into much of anything at all. Even if they are enjoying themselves they will never give you the satisfaction of knowing they had a great time. Picking the perfect restaurant, hotel or even something as small as a simple spot on the beach is a battle. Big crowds and small talk are not on the menu for these introverts.
Ideal Vacation: Alaska, Utah, Finland, Connecticut, Florida, Wisconsin
The Gift Shopper
“I bought you something from the gift shop”. The Gift Shopper has to stop at all the infamous gift shops, antique malls, book stores, and side of the road pop up shops while vacationing. The “gifter” doesn’t really need anything and has seen the same thing in multiple stores but that doesn’t stop them from going in. Rest assured they are buying gifts for themselves, family members, church members, co-workers, the mail-person, and their pets to show everyone that they have left their state of residency.
Ideal Vacation: New York, Florida, India, Paris, London, China, Japan, Brazil, Netherlands, Turkey
The Grocery Store is Plenty Far For Me
“Don’t forget the bread”. Not every person is a traveler. For some, a short trip to the grocery store can be everything they could have ever dreamed of. The “Grocer” has all of the best snacks, recipes and chocolate covered treats one’s heart could ever indulge in. If you are going out of town and know this type of person stop by their house first and grab some good eats before hitting the road. Trust me you won’t regret it!
Ideal Vacation: Kroger, Fred Meyers, Walmart, Costco, Publix, Dollar General
Tell us what type of traveler you identify as in the comments.
This article was written by:
Leave a Reply