What type of traveler are you?

What type of traveler are you?

For some traveling is about relaxing while for others it is about exploring. There are many different reasons to travel and just as many traveling personalities to match. Not everyone is as organized or calm or prepared as they would like to be. So it is important to understand what type of traveler you are before you start planning a trip to ensure that you are getting the most out of your vacation.

Check out these four categories to see what kind of traveler you are. Learn about how you function and how you can make traveling easier and less stressful. Also check out destinations and airlines that would fit your personality as well as must have items that will make your traveling experience more enjoyable.

Organized/systematic
You plan your trip months in advance, purchasing airline tickets, booking hotel rooms and creating daily itineraries. By the time that you walk through the metal detector, with your 3oz. bottles in their appropriate Ziploc bag, you know exactly what you will be doing for every minute of your whole trip. If you are this type of traveler, traveling alone is preferred unless you have another organized person to travel with, as traveling with anyone else may cause a lot of tension.
AIRLINE: American or United. You should stick with what you know and love best. Don’t try something new. Both of theses airlines are good for the organized type because you can book well in advance and you can choose the seat you want.

DESTINATION: Large cities are great destinations for you because there is a lot to do and see, this means a lot of planning is involved, and what organized person doesn’t love that? Also cities have the most cultural diversity and as someone who is organized you enjoy learning and experienceing new things.

MUST HAVE ITEM: Having a multi-functional travel wallet that can fit plane tickets, a passport, as well as your itineraries is a must. No matter how organized you are if you don’t have the proper item to keep everything in you will not feel organized.

Laid-back
It may take you a little longer to get things together, like finally booking your flight, but that is just your style. You are never rushed and know that everything will come together in the end. Showing up to the airport just in time and floating through security just as your plane is boarding always seems to work for you. You can be a good person to travel with as your calming attitude can mesh with other personality types.

AIRLINE: Virgin Atlantic is a good airline for you because they appreciate putting fun into traveling. Your easy-going personality would fit well with the mission of this airline.

DESTINATION: You would be most at home in warm climates, beach towns and other places where they take relaxing seriously. No matter where you choose to go though you will have a great time because of your optimistic mood and the ability to make the best in any situation.

MUST HAVE ITEM: A beach tote, or some large bag is a must. In the morning you will be able to throw everything in that you might need for the day, this way you are not limited to what you can do. You may happen across some excursion you didn’t know about, so good thing you had that extra gear in you bag.


Un-Prepared
For you getting everything organized and ready by your day of travel is the hard part. But to your benefit you can often get great deals by booking things last-minute. As long as you can enjoy the excitement of last-minute travel it can actually be quite fun. You will most likely want to travel with a fellow un-prepared travel type to maximize the enjoyment of your trip.

AIRLINE: Southwest is a good airline for you because you can check in on-line 24 hours in advance and print out your boarding pass. This will cut down a lot of time for your actual travel day, especially if you only have a carry-on as you can go right to the security check in.

DESTINATION: You would do well to spend your vacation at an all-inclusive type place, whether it’s a resort, cruise, or even some set-up guided tour. These types of trips cut down on the amount of planning that you need to do so you can relax.

MUST HAVE ITEM:
Having a good carry-on rolling suitcase is a great item for an un-prepared traveler. You can fit a fair amount in these bags, they are easy to maneuver and they cut out the step of checking a bag.


Spontaneous
You are the type who wakes up one morning and decides that you need to get out of town, be it for the weekend or even longer. Although it may be last-minute you are a pro at getting everything together because that is just how you travel. You are a seasoned spontaneous travel and love adventure and trying new things.
AIRLINE: For this type of travel the best thing to do is go to sights such as Orbitz or Expedia. You can check out last-minute deals as well as be able to compare prices for multiple carriers.

DESTINATION: Take advantage of your travel personality and try something new and exotic. You can really travel anywhere just keep in mind that you want to travel to places that have lots of activities and things to do. You can’t stand being stuck in a hotel room or on a beach all day.

MUST HAVE ITEM: A large back-pack is a great item for you to have. It leaves you hands free and you can cram a lot of things in there. Also works for you type of destinations as you won’t have to worry about rolling your suitcase on gravel, or up mountains.


Sidebar:
Must Have Items

Laid-Back
Because you never know what the day will bring you need to have the bag that can carry it all. Having one large tote that you can throw everything into that is durable and waterproof is a must for the laid-back traveler.

Organized
This item is great for carrying around everything you could possibly need. With specific compartments for airline tickets, passports, money, pens and itineraries. A dream for organizers.

Spontaneous
Large back-pack is great for you. Leaves you hands-free and works with the type of adventure travel you do.

Unprepared
Having a carry-on that can do it all is a must. This way you can pack last minute and minimally but can fit a surprisingly large amount in this rolling carry-on.