Types of Travelers; Which One Are You?

Who hasn’t killed time with those online tests where after entering your preferences, they’re analyzed to reveal your personality type? How many times have you read your horoscope although you don’t fully believe it? We all love that, right? Well, today this is going to be about travelers, because they are the most singular people on this planet, and we can always identify with one of their different styles.

1. The Shopping Traveler

An acquaintance of mine, who is not short on money, owns a private jet to take him shopping in Milan. Perhaps this is taking it to extremes, but there are always those who travel for the simple joy of shopping, be it to London’s Oxford Street or to the Champs-Élysées in Paris. It makes perfect sense if you’re looking for the world’s most expensive boutiques or a custom made item, but most travelers end up visiting the same stores they shop at in their own town. And to what point? To come back home with twice the amount of luggage; they seem to love that!

2. The National Geographic Photographer Wannabe

The world harbors amazing places: heart-shaped paradisiacal islands, magical natural parks of the likes of Yellowstone, rainforests brimming with mysterious animals… And letting us know about it is the personal responsibility of this photographer. He never wanted a stable life, or money, or a 9 to 5 job. He brags that he does what we all wish we were doing, and gives lectures expounding on his amazing adventures. He is also wild about reading, culture, and most of all, Panama Jack boots.

3. The Planner

Sometimes there’s just not enough time to plan a trip, we lack the motivation to do so, etc. But relax! You can always rely on that friend who plans, books, and micro-manages every last detail of the trip a few months in advance. And you can think what you like, but I thoroughly enjoy this type of people, as all that’s left for me to do is follow, agree, and smile. An adventure about to unfold without even lifting a finger!

4. The Improviser

This one is the planner’s counterpart. She who agrees to every plan because otherwise she’d have nothing to do, or she who, upon arrival at the apartment probes the owner about cool places to visit that same day. It’s a more relaxed way of traveling, and though she might miss out on a few sites, she makes the most of each unexpected place she ends up at. And somehow, she always finds an interesting plan. That’s me by the way!

5. The Obsessive Local

Savoring the traditional Pastéis de Belém, trying some of that mandatory fish & chips, ordering the typical bocadillo de calamares… While some are completely closed off to the idea of trying any foreign custom, others are mad about it, to the point that they would have a coronary if, upon getting on the flight back, they realized they forgot to get their mother in law one of those traditional ensaimadas mallorquinas. Because obviously, Madrid’s calamari are the best in Spain even if there’s no beach in Madrid!

6. The Wi-Fi Addict

Some people are just not capable of staying away from social media while on vacay. They desperately seek open Wi-Fi networks at every Starbucks, McDonald’s… anywhere! I have to chat with my baby; I haven’t spoken to him/her in three hours! An internet connection is the first thing they ask apartment or restaurant owners for, and even the museum they are visiting. A minute away from the virtual world could be fatal, afterall.

7. The One Who Stays at the Airport

There’s a type of traveler none of us want to resemble. After carefully packing their suitcase, making sure they’ve included all and any medication they may ever need, removing their nail scissors from their toiletries bag, buying specially-sized shampoo, printing an additional copy of their ticket, and so on… they get to airport security and… realize they’ve left their passport in the chest of drawers by the door! Great. This one could learn a thing or two from Number 3.

8. The Instagrammer

1 like, 2 likes, 3 likes, let’s gooo! This little Parisian café is the perfect spot for a vintage Instagram picture. #paris #travel #travelgram #travelphotography #travelpics #lovetravel #coffee #coffeetime #coffeelover #coffeeaddict #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeemug #coffeebreak #coffeegram #style #design #vintage #vintagestyle #vintagelife #instagood #instacoffee #instacool #instalove #instastyle #picoftheday #followme #noonecares. Oops, that last one was just a slip.

9. The Beer-Drinking Foreigner

Some travelers want to have a good time, so don’t be telling me no nonsense, and just bring me a good cold beer. He generally gets back home without having moved from his bar table, where he can be found diligently sitting from the early hours of the morning; enjoying the sunlight he so lacks in the Northern country he calls home. His favorite destination: Munich’s Oktoberfest, no doubt.

10. The Surfer

Long wavy hairstyle, Californian highlights, flowery hippie attire, semi-torn pants. Sound familiar? If not camping in his Volkswagen van, he’ll be found couchsurfsing, though money is really not an issue. He loves taking cool GoPro pictures with his thousands of international friends, flaunting jaw-breaking smiles, or jumping up in the air to prove how young, free, and rebellious they are. There is one destination for surfers: Australia, waves, parties and good vibes paradise. Though down deep, he doesn’t really need to travel because he permanently lives in a different world…