What kind of traveler are you?

Over the years Andrea and I have talked with a lot of different types of travelers from the vacation goers to the forever wondering wanderers. I started to bucket those travelers into certain categories. Please understand, I am not making fun of any certain type. Each traveler or traveler type was put in a category for us to relate to, in our own special way.

Group Vacationers

(We struggle to relate with this group)

This group of travelers travel in larger groups. They will travel in a caravan of cars, often with a truck or two with trailers in tow. They have the trailers packed with all the supplies of food, bedding, entertainment or pool toys, and all the comforts of home. There is an itinerary. There are kids, parents, and grandparents or scheduled activities with rotating babysitting assignments. A few planned group meals, and there will be something cooked on a grill. They will all stay in the same location, and will all leave at a pre-arranged time.

Event Vacations or Trip

(Have not personally done, but have some friends that do this all the time)

There is an event, a moment in time dedicated to the celebration of something. This group ranges from car rallies, sporting events, church functions, band functions, cruise ships, destination weddings, concerts and so on. The excitement level for the event seems to have a correlation with either food or open bar availability. When the event is all inclusive these travelers also seem to have matching tee shirts or logo wear involved. One could also fit into the group vacationers above because it is a package deal that a family takes, or was a planned “exotic [insert a location] package”. These trips could last over a long weekend, overnight, or a week or two.

Holiday Traveler

(Most common with a connection to young children or older people who don’t travel)

Travels almost exclusively during the holidays. This does not necessarily mean they visit family. Some travel to avoid family during the holidays. The common theme… It is a trip over any holiday. This traveler looks worn out and is happy when the holiday is over. There is a car trunk full of things either wrapped, or labeled and the person hopes that someone else will be happy with the items they carry. They travel the interstate or the quickest route, and are in a hurry. Give them extra room on the roads.

Forever Wondering Wanderers

(Best Stories found here)

This is the person, or couple that feels like wherever they are is only to get them to the place that they want to go to next. In this group are weekend warriors forever searching for the perfect campsite, overlanders (have 4 x 4 and will travel), foodies that want to try every restaurant, #VanLifers, nature seekers, backpackers, college students on spring break, and so on. Never in a hurry. Does not know what the word “lost” means. Always knows where the nearest independent, likely vegan, coffee house is located. Likely to be eaten by a wild animal, but are okay with it. Has never met a stranger.

Professional Traveler

(Was for a while)

Either travels for work or has to travel for a living. Packs light. Has a computer somewhere. Usually the one that is helping the non-travelers figure out how to get on a plane. Knows where all the charging stations and bars are during layovers. Has clothing hanging from a bar or hook in the back seat of a car. Has a phone or GPS going with alternate routes and is tracking construction and police activity. Has a nest of supplies in the passenger seat, and looks lost if someone is sitting in a passenger seat because they are unable to find the items that normally sat there. Knows the quickest way everywhere. Gas station stops are timed like professional pit stops.

Road Warrior

(Very closely related to professional traveler on a deadline)

Will travel long distances for no apparent reason. Hates traffic because it only slows them down. Passengers look like they are in distress and look at rest area signs with hands on the window with a pleading look on their faces. Might have a dash light on. Only looks straight ahead. Give this person plenty of space on the road. Has fast food bags from more than one location in the car.

Family Vacations

(We have all been there)

Could be related to Group Vacationers. Will travel for a shared family experience. Luggage will be packed with children’s stuff on top or in close access. Knows how to blow bubbles with the car dash vents. Will be late. Makes frequent stops. Someone will be asleep in the car. Someone will be loud. Passenger in the front seat will be rubbing their neck from splitting time in the front seat and looking at the back seats. There will be souvenirs and pictures by state line signs.

We Have Escaped!

(Where we fit)

Family Vacationers where their children have grown up. No longer travel in a family car. Bought a two seater convertible. Has suntan lotion. Grins from ear-to-ear as no one kicks the back of their seat. Has a list of places to go, and doesn’t care how they get there as long as the road is fun. Avoids interstates. Closely related to the Forever Wondering Wanderers, but is not afraid to open up the engine and have a little fun in a car. May say “zoom!” regularly when passing others.

RV Vacations

(Home sweet rolling home)

Likes to camp with plumbing and their own furniture. No need to pack, the house is on wheels. Not in a hurry because a bed is in the back. Rest areas are optional, because the toilet is in the RV. Picks gas stations with great care and avoids backing up at all costs. Anywhere is good as long as there is a place to park and potential water hook ups. Restaurants optional, because the fridge is stocked. Escape car stocked to the brim following close via car carrier with one tail light out.