Today’s travel scene embraces an ample array of fervent globetrotters. From bustling backpackers and avid adventurists to adamant culture vultures to that one dude with a GoPro carefully strapped to his forehead, there are copious categories you can irrefutably identify within at least one way or another. A d the best part is there is no right or wrong way to do it.

The love for travel musters and mobilises the mundane and untamed into one. It integrates individuals of different backgrounds, who each has an entirely other reason for setting foot abroad in the first place. There are random, fleeting moments when you are in awe of the experiences and knowledge travel has brought you.

When you find yourself exploring Jurassic-esque mountains like the Grampians, hiking the frontiers of active volcanoes like Mount Batur, or sky-diving out of a plane in New Zealand, it is more than apparent why we do it. Precious moments like these genuinely give meaning to our lives and leave us with memories that last a lifetime.

But then, let’s not forget those moments when tourists somehow seem to hover over hot spots like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia simultaneously, and we find ourselves pondering why others prefer the type of shared experiences where everyone is taking photos of themselves standing in front of the same monument…

You ask yourself, how are these people even savouring this very moment… Each to their own.

What appeals to you doesn’t necessarily have to appeal to others. Maybe there is some unknown, secret joy in sharing the sweat of other’s perspiring bodies as you each try to capture your best angles to post and boast to your friends wallowing back in your hometown… But I guess I’ll never know why.

Here’s what we cover in this guide:

Why do we Travel?
11 Types of Travellers
FAQs

First off, let’s start by asking a simple question.

Why Do We Travel?

What’s the primary purpose or reason behind embarking on an adventure?

Is it to expand our minds, our ever-growing photo collection, or is it simply to tick it off our bucket list?
Is it to better understand foreign cultures, traditions, people, and languages? Or is it to piece together the history of a country?
Is it to ponder the depths restrained to a single renowned work of art? Or is it to get a taste of the multitude of masterpieces in the world’s most excellent museums?
Is it to immerse ourselves in the depths of remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations? Is it to steer clear of the locations frequented by hoards of tourists?
Is it to pump ourselves up with adrenaline and wild, untamed adventures? Is it to push ourselves out of our comfort zone?
Is it to lounge around, allowing the time to pass solely to nourish and rejuvenate our bodies and minds?
Is it to tick things off your bucket list, merely for the sake of being able to say, ‘been there, done that’?

Let’s break it down to find out your travel style and where you fit into today’s travel scene…

The Typical Tourist

The typical tourist falls deep into the archetypal stereotype. You’d expect to encounter this type of traveller amid the major working holidays.

The average tourist tends not to be too tied up in the destination, providing that it fits into their norm. Predictably, travel is a way of seeing a new destination whilst escaping the dreary to-do’s of their mundane routine back home.

The typical tourist has a hefty disposable income to splurge, therefore modifying their travel style.

Their big bucks entice them into hotel/resort-style stays and glamping, rather than Airbnb’s and hostels.

This type of traveller is more inclined to tick things off their bucket list rather than fully immersing themselves in the zest of local life. They leave with only a glimpse of reality, some alcohol-infused memories, and a few photos to showcase when they return home.

This type of traveller generally travels for shorter periods, so they can afford to splash a bit more cash around. This means that the typical tourist can fritter in tasty treats and lavish restaurants, making their stay much more enjoyable. Once the trip is done, the typical tourist basks in the fresh air as they retreat to their bed and the commodities of their day-to-day life.

The Business Rover

The Business Rover is unerring, as you would imagine. Characteristically, they travel for no more than work and work only. Travel is a big part of their job, and if they strike their luck, they might find themselves with a bit of leeway to get out and about.

The business traveller is not overly preoccupied with the destination itself, as their focus is loyally woven into the web of their work agenda.

They typically hit the hay in upmarket hotel stays, exhausting many hours and tackling their mounting meetings, emails, and tasks.

The business rover enjoys delectable goodies and top-notch meals, all, of course, courtesy of their business card.

The Backpacker

The bustling backpacker lives up to their reputation. They travel as light as a bird, preponderantly with everything they own in a human-sized backpack. They are the type of traveller who grabs life by the balls, literally speaking.

They fall into the category of the traveller who does not hesitate to indulge in every opportunity that pops up along the way. If you dare them to go skinny-dipping in the lake at 3 am, you bet your ass they’ll do it.

The backpacker is a free spirit with an open heart. They are ardent to learn about a new destination, the culture, tradition, language, way of life, and the party scene.

The backpacker is enthusiastic, lively, and loves to get rowdy. An unofficial guarantee: you’ll find them habitually and eagerly seated at the bar for Happy Hour.

The Adventure Junkie

The Adventure Junkie is a daredevil devotee. They crave and chase adrenaline in new destinations. This type of traveller is brave, courageous, and sometimes downright ludicrous. They fanatically and meticulously source out the most exciting endeavours a destination offers.

The adventure junkie is instinctively inclined to tackle a 12km hike up an active volcano and pretty much anything else that falls into that classification. Some may call this class of traveller outrageous, and others may applaud them as venerable. The adventure junkie is less prone to spend cash on a fancy hotel and would prefer to blow it all, tying their ankles to a rubber band and catapulting themselves off a foreign, bamboo-built bridge.

The Escapist

The Escapist absconds the arduous to-dos of their day-to-day lives. They intend to leave all the stress and hassle back home and plunge into the depths of a new destination. They feel riveted and engrossed by fresh faces, distinctive accents, and fascinating culture.

This type of traveller aims to stay put in a new location for as long as possible.

Fancy accommodations or activities do not overly consume the Escapist. As long as they are fugitives to the familiar, they will meander their way through any foreign land.

The Escapist is intrigued by the diminutive details – hidden gems, winding alleyways, unique eateries, and sublime scenes that look like they’ve been ripped straight out of an adventure book.

They often set out on an endeavour to free themselves of heartbreak, failure, conflict, and anything else that was once holding them back. The Escapist finds untainted beauty in getting lost in a destination. For them, travel is a remedy.

The Whimsical Weekender

The Whimsical Weekender jets off at every chance they get. This type of traveller finds fulfilment in the experiences that only travel can bring.

Every public holiday or long weekend, they’ll indisputably snatch the opportunity to embark on a new adventure. They are generally financially stable, thus allowing them to travel in style.

They prioritise comfort and often set their base in a hotel or resort. Their budget allows them to pamper themselves with possibilities, with myriad activities and experiences on their agenda. The Whimsical Weekender wholeheartedly weaves its way through the intricacies of a new destination, putting in the effort to gain a perspective on the authentic way of life.

The Groupie

Just like a wolf, the Groupie travels in packs. This type of traveller stereotypically prefers the company of their comrades when exploring a new location. The Groupie is open to a diversity of experiences suggested by their peers and will take advantage of almost any opportunity that comes their way.

They are quick to conform and travel with a group mentality. The Groupie will sleep and eat wherever their companions deem fit. Commonly, they travel to popular tourist destinations and check off all the ‘must-see’ monuments.

This sort of holidaymaker finds satisfaction in the social acceptance gained from travelling in groups. The Groupie quickly shares and showcases the knowledge gained from their clique-orientated travels abroad.

The Culture Vulture

The Culture Vulture pursues a destination's social, intellectual, and artistic ensemble of experiences.

Not exactly a spontaneous sightseer; moreover, this is somebody with an extensive list of museums, exhibitions, activities, monuments, and to-do’s pioneering their trip abroad.

They rummage around for anything that could provide them with more insight into local life.

The Culture Vulture is adamant, to say the very least. Their schedule is often inflexible and unyielding, prioritising their predetermined agenda over spurts of spontaneity.

This type of traveller will base their accommodation in areas that allow them quick and easy access to venture out early in the mornings.

They often bask in the extravagance of eclectic restaurants and cafes, leaving their destination feeling fulfilled and content with their endeavours.

The Expat

The Expat travels abroad to settle in a location for an open time frame. They endeavour out into uncharted territory to better understand the country’s culture, language, traditions, and way of life.

The expat generally converses with locals rather than other travellers, and most of their friends will also reside in the expat community. This type of traveller is consumed with authentic travel experiences and deters from the mainstream. They love to get out and about and take advantage of any opportunity.

The Curious Curator

The Curious Curator carefully collates their adventure abroad. They try to keep their eyes, ears, and minds open. They are consistently and constantly observing the details in an attempt to classify and decode daily life overseas. They cherish the beauty that’s only found in the small things.

This type of traveller does not pass judgement; instead, they ponder to gain a higher perspective of the destination.

They ask around for local advice on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat.

The Curious Curator is open to the whole kit and caboodle.

They take their time and side-step the tourist traps others easily fall into. Just like a sponge, this category of traveller absorbs the location in its entirety and becomes a part of them.

The Scavenger

The Scavenger travels with one aim and one purpose only – to compile a unique collection of bits and bobs that can only be sourced abroad.

This type of traveller is more of a modern-day, sophisticated hunter-gatherer.

They find immense joy in hoarding exotic and exclusive objects they can bring home to show off.

The newfound, meticulously mustered possessions help the Scavenger to unearth distant memories and emotions from their travels.

This type of traveller is not overly fussed by fancy accommodation and is willing to eat and go anywhere off the beaten path. They relish in early starts and late nights, and their stamina prevails over the average tourist by miles.

FAQS

What is a travel style?

Every type of traveller has their own style, and therefore, have their own way of travelling. A travel style is a way of exploring a foreign country by a means that suits the individual.

What are the 4 types of travel?

There are many travel categories; the main four include business, adventure, luxury and budget.

What is a travel personality?

Your travel personality is the way that you identify yourself as a traveller. It determines your vacation preferences and travel destination. Some of the most popular include adventure, luxury and backpacking.

What is the most popular type of travel?

Among Americans, Brits and Australians, the most popular type of travel is a beach holiday that combines laid-back living with some sightseeing. Some of the top destinations include Spain, Italy, France and Greece.

So, there you have it - 11 categories of travellers, each to their own.

What’s your travel style?

Despite the differences, travel prevails to break down the barriers and unite people. No matter your travel style, there’s always knowledge to be magnified, paths to be wandered, conversations to have parleyed, and love and light to be subsumed.