A traveler is really not someone who crosses ground so much as someone who is always hungry for the next challenge and adventure.
– Pico Iyer
We are all looking for inspiration and fresh ideas for travel. But before you set out to a new destination that energizes you, have you looked within to figure what Traveler Type are you?
Are you a cultural buff, an out-and-out foodie and a city slicker?
An Adventure junkie, a beach bum or a mountain person, or more of a wildlife addict?
Perhaps you are an Explorer with a pioneering spirit?
Or a mix of some of these categories which are what most of us are. See these Traveler Types and let me know what describes you best in the comments section. It comes close to a ‘What type of a Travel Person are you’ quiz. There are destination ideas with each Traveler Type to inspire you for further travels.
8 Traveler Types
Adventure Junkie
The thrill of a small plane climbing to 15000 ft and beyond, and you jump out of it. Learning how to ski on a 6-day family tour in Gulmarg. Skiing down a snow slope with pristine mountains around you.
Canyoning with your heart in your mouth. Climbing a vertical rock and testing your physical limits.
Diving in the ocean and getting mesmerized by the colorful corals and marine life around you. Hiking at high altitudes and breathing in the fresh cold air.
No adventure is beyond you. You rather be outdoors with your adrenaline pumping than anywhere else.
Destination Ideas for the Adventure Junkie –
Argentina, Peru, Chile, Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, Nepal, New Zealand
For diving: the Caribbean, India (Andamans), Egypt, Philippines, Indonesia
Do read – The Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
Beach Bum
You want to get away from the hum-drum of routine life.
Blue waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, warm weather, and balmy winds beckon you.
Your idea of a good vacation is to enjoy fresh seafood, have a sundowner or a beer at a shack, look at the horizon as the sun goes down. Perhaps try some snorkeling or just go for a spa.
Destination Ideas for the Beach Bum –
Caribbean, Hawaii, Greek, Turkish and Croatian islands, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Philippines islands, Thailand, Australia, French Polynesia
Do read –
Hvar sightseeing: One of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world
Turkey beach holidays: Sea, sand and ancient ruins at this Mediterranean paradise
City Slicker
The city lights and night buzz attract you.
Taking in the top attractions in a city, going to a swanky restaurant or bar, some shopping and fun is your idea of a good vacation.
You rather have a firm road than the grass under you.
Destination Ideas for the City Slicker –
New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin, Istanbul, Dubai, Mumbai, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong
Do read –
4 days in San Francisco: You can’t have a better introduction to the US west coast
Amsterdam with kids: 2-day itinerary for a family city break
Cultural Buff
You walk through ancient ruins and feel transported back to a bygone era. You research on heritage sites to visit in an area.
You spend hours looking at paintings, sculptors, artifacts, and ruins in a museum. You do not mind the long queues to see the best works displayed.
Is soaking in the culture and history, getting to know local customs of people of a new region your dream travel?
Destination Ideas for the Cultural Buff –
Greece, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, India, China, Japan, Central Asia
Foodie
Does your mouth water at the thought of trying out a new local cuisine? Do you savor every mouthful – be it from a fine dining restaurant or a street hawker?
Do you look to understand local customs and habits through the food scene in a place?
Do you take out time for taking in a cooking class during your vacation?
Destination Ideas for the Foodie –
Every country and region has its local or preferred cuisine. Give in your taste buds and explore the food scene bursting across places, be it via food tours or at restaurants or through street food.
Do read –
Istanbul walking food tour across 2 continents for the best of Turkish street food.
Ljubljana Food Tour: One day in the cutest European city I have visited
On Top of the World
Like the beach bum, you also want to get away from it all. Except that, instead of the ocean, your heart becomes joyous when you view the high slopes of a mighty mountain.
Crisp cold air, pine or fir trees, a toddy to warm your heart and an evening fire to warm your toes. You want to scale heights and be on top of the world!
Destination Ideas for the Mountain Lover –
Peru, Chile, Colorado (USA), Switzerland, Austria, Italy, North India, Tibet
Do read –
Salkantay Trek in Peru: A once-in-a-lifetime experience hiking to Machu Pichhu
Weekend getaway options: Escape to the hill stations near Delhi
The Explorer
Your idea of travel is to seek the uncommon, to go to places where a few venture.
You wish to explore the ends of our planet before the crowds descend. You want to stretch your imagination, test your physical and mental limits and truly get away from it all.
Destination Ideas for the Explorer –
Antarctica, Greenland, Siberia, Sahara desert, Congo, Afghanistan
Wildlife Enthusiast
Is there anything more exciting than the growl of a big cat? The sight of the immense herds of wildlife gives you a high! You rather encounter the Big 5 than anything else on your vacation.
Or perhaps the early morning chatter of birds makes your heart sing with joy.
For a wildlife enthusiast, the early morning wake-up calls, the dusty grasslands and sitting patiently under the hot sun are all part of the adventure.
Destination Ideas for the Wildlife Enthusiast –
Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia
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So what Traveler Type are you?
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The mountains have always amazed me. The subtle calmness and silence, helps me clear out my thoughts and think straight. The city noise often chokes up your brain. I could almost hear cars honking in my early morning dreams. And that’s when I hit the ‘Shut Down’ and head for the hills. Alone and away from any faint possibility of social interactions. Just absolute pure unadultrated silence.
Well said. Youe love for mountains and the serenity it offers comes through. Which is your favourite mountain destination?