8 Types of Travelers I Find (which one are you?)
There are lots of different ways to wander this globe. And how you travel it reflects your personality, lifestyle and goals. So this is my list of the most common types of travelers you’ll find abroad.
Each traveler type will have their own interests, itinerary and vibe.
So if you’re curious, then keep on reading to learn what makes each traveler type unique and which one most resonates with you.
Alright, let’s get to it!
1. The Budget Traveler
To kick things off, we’ve got the budget traveler.
This is the savvy explorer who knows how to travel without breaking the bank. Because while jet setting across the globe can get pricey, it doesn’t need to be.
The budget traveler will opt for cheaper accommodations, less touristy attractions and more affordable destinations.
They’ll also avoid peak season travel and seek out more free activities while traveling.
But budget travel doesn’t mean sacrificing on experience. It’s about finances – yes – but it’s also about mindset and planning.
Because travel isn’t just for the wealthy. There are tons of affordable destinations and ways to explore this world.
Recommended: How to Travel More Often
2. The Adventure Traveler
Life is one big adventure and this world is our playground. So adventure travel is an awesome way to explore things.
The adventure traveler is someone who loves to explore nature and prefers adrenaline-pumping activities.
From snowboarding trips through Nagano to four-wheeling through jungles, adventurers love to get a little mud on their face.
There’s also a spectrum of adventure to consider here too. Because you don’t need to be skydiving your way to a freedive to find an underwater cave to be an adventure traveler.
Casual hiking in nature, some modest sandboarding and guided safaris are all adventurous ways to explore this globe.
It’s more about finding whatever makes your adrenaline pump. That’s adventure travel.
3. The Artist
This is my favorite way to travel – artistically.
The artist is the traveler who does creative things while adventuring in new places.
From travel filmmakers, videographers and photography to traveling musicians, fashion lovers and influencers, art is an awesome lens to see the world through.
Actually, I see travel and creativity as being naturally connected to each other. For example, travel naturally broadens your perspectives and can make you more creative.
So adding a little more creative intention to your trips is something I think everyone can do.
I always have a creative travel project (music making, blogging, etc.).
The artist however, will make this their priority.
Recommended: The Creative Travel Guide (8 tips)
4. The Digital Nomad
Being a digital nomad is an awesome lifestyle. It lets you stay long-term in destinations while working remotely.
It’s actually part of what I do.
The digital nomad is the traveler who lives and works in different countries while traveling. This is the part-time local – the intrepid lifestyle traveler who works out of their suitcase.
While it’s not for everyone and takes some time to create this type of lifestyle, it is an awesome way to see the world.
There are tons of opportunities to make money online. So if you’re looking to start a new career adventure (one that lets you travel more), consider becoming a digital nomad.
Some popular ways to make money online include:
Social media strategy and management
Writing
Programming and coding
AI expertise
Digital marketing
Starting a blog or becoming an influencer
*These take the longest but are super rewarding
5. The Anthropologist
At university, I studied anthropology. So this type of travel is also a go-to style for me.
The anthropologist is an immersive traveler who loves to deep dive into the cultural aspects of travel.
From museums and historical sites to language and social mores, travel is full of ancient artifacts, lost stories and anthropological intrigue.
The anthropologist includes travelers who prefer:
Learning the history of the country they’re visiting
Studying the language
Exploring old ruins and heritage sites
Understanding the culture in a deeper, more meaningful way
I think we can all benefit from putting on the anthropologist’s hat from time to time. Travel is, after all, the best form of education.
6. The Foodie
I think most of us are at least one part foodie while traveling. I mean, isn’t delicious food one of the core perks of traveling to new places?
I think so.
Still, some travelers make this their main priority. This is the foodie traveler.
The foodie will prioritize local eats and map out their travel schedule with food in mind. They will plan things around restaurants they want to try and food festivals to explore.
The foodie indulges in the local cuisine and makes this a core part of their experiences while traveling.
Food travel is an awesome way to explore new places and understand new cultures.
7. The Shopper
I love picking up some new drip or random souvenirs while traveling. But if this is your main goal, then you may be a shopper.
The shopper type of traveler is someone who prioritizes buying local products and unique goods while traveling.
They explore the stores and leave extra room in their suitcases (knowing they’ll fill it with epic local gems).
There are many subsets of shopping travel. For example, some of my friends in Japan will travel to Korea to buy beauty products.
But for me, I love to shop for new clothes at the awesome thrift stores in Tokyo.
Either way, the shopper is someone who loves to find unique goods and usually comes home carrying more than they left with.
8. The Tourist
If you prefer group tours and perfectly mapped out itineraries, you may be a tourist type of traveler.
The tourist likes travel packages and tends to explore only the most popular spots and attractions.
From bus tours to full-service resort stays with concierge services, tourist travel is one of the more comfortable ways to explore new locations.
But it’s also one of the most expensive ways to travel.
Since much of your time will be spent doing more touristy things and exploring popular areas (while staying at full-service hotels), you’ll be paying a premium.
Still, tourist traveling is often easier and a low-friction way to explore new places. So it’s perfect for beginners or families (or anyone that values comfort and stress-free exploring).
Want More? Okay. Here’s More.
