CHAPTER 2: TRAVELLERS
I – TYPES OF TRAVELLERS
By age/socio-economic group
Backpackers Empty DINKS SINKS Early/Active Boomers Youth
Nesters Retirees
Backpackers: 18-24 years, no children. Attracted to adventurous activity. Consider themselves travellers not
tourists. Generally well-educated. Cost conscious.
DINKS: Double Income No Kids.
SINKS: Single Income No Kids.
Both Dinks and Sinks: younger people, between 25 and 35 years of age, no children, affluent.
Empty Nesters: Parents whose children have flown the family nest. Between 45 and 55 of age, well
educated, high disposable income.
Boomers: members of the baby boom generation in the 1950s.
Youths: Between 18 and 25 of age, not well-educated, low disposable income, are used to travelling, (have
learned it during the upbringing) and know how to indulge 'the good life'.
By purposes/ activities
THE 28 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAVELLERS YOU MAY MEET
Travel means something different to every traveller. For some it’s a way to spend time with friends
and family, for others, it’s a way to get a taste of adventure, or to explore new cultures. There are
lots of different types of travellers, but most fall into some kind of category. Here, we’ve identified
28 types of travellers – which one(s) are you?
1. The Culture Vulture
The world is full of amazing cultures, and these travellers want to explore it all. Museums, art
galleries and historical sites are just the tip of the iceberg. They want to understand and absorb
the culture. They might do quite a bit of research beforehand, to make sure to hit up the spots that
are most relevant to their interests.
2. The Foodie
These types of travellers set out around the world in search of delicious food. They explore
different cultures through their cuisines, and regardless of the destination, are sure to never
disappoint with their choice of food or eateries.
3. The Nature Lover
These types of travellers are so fascinated by nature, they spend most of their vacations in jungles
and forests observing flora and fauna. A section of them even spend lots of time on safaris, in all
kinds of environments.
4. The Photographer
For them, travel is synonymous with pictures. You’ll find these types of travellers behind the lens of
a camera, capturing every moment of their trip. Panoramic scenes, animals, locals, food, and
themselves; nothing goes unphotographed.
5. The Social Butterfly
These people are connected to the Photographers, but whatever they do, they do it for social
media. Their pictures can often be seen on their Facebook or Instagram (along with tons of
hashtags). Some may even be bloggers or YouTubers.
6. The Party Animal
These are the travellers who travel just for fun and parties. Their plans revolve around the best
party places and nightlife; look for them at bars or clubs. They can be tons of fun to be around
(except maybe in the early hours of the morning).
7. The Planner
They are perhaps the most organised types of travellers. They like to plan out and schedule any
trip to the T. Planners often have a limited amount of time and want to cram as many things in as
possible to get the absolute most from the trip. They also tend to know more about a
place before they travel than most people who’ve been there.
8. The Nomad
The polar opposite of the Planner, this one’s trips are sudden and totally unplanned. Whether they
let other people guide them around, or just go somewhere on a whim, their vacations tend to be
vague but very entertaining.
9. The Thrill Seeker
With unmatched energy, these adrenaline junkies and daredevils travel far and wide in search of
their next adventure. From mountain-climbing and cliff-jumping to bungee jumping, they crave
excitement and love to try new things. One thing’s for sure, you won’t find them relaxing at the
beach or exploring the nearest museum in depth.
10. The Functional Traveller
To these travellers, travel is just a means to an end. Mostly consisting of business travellers, or
those visiting an event, (whether it’s a wedding or a football match), they’re often too consumed
with their task to get the most out of the destinations they’re at.
11. The Pilgrim
They follow pilgrimage trails or visit the shrines of those they worship – religious or otherwise.
While you can find many at the sacred sits of gods and goddesses, you can also find them at
sporting stadiums, or at places associated with favourite films and books.
12. The Shopper
They travel to different parts of the world for one thing, and one thing only – shopping. Shoppers
may be either men or women, but for them, no trip is complete if their luggage isn’t much heavier
on the way home. If they’re generous some of this might even be for friends and family.
13. The Backpacker
These types of travellers quite literally travel light. Independently exploring different places on a
low budget. You may think it’s obvious that they carry their signature backpack, some may even
use a duffel bag (gasp!). They’re often found at hostels and are up for any kind of adventure.
14. The Gap Years
While this group is often associated with backpacking, they are generally well-off young people
(usually just having graduated school or college) who want to experience something entirely new,
with the added bonus of being away from home for a long period. They may also be found
volunteering or working abroad.
15. The Complainer
This one has a problem with just about everything during your vacation. While some may be legit –
like a shower not working, or dirty bed sheets – most may not. A demanding type of traveller, they
tend to want everything just so (and tend to favour places that closely resemble home).
16. The Gang
Typically found travelling in groups, these travellers like to travel with friends and family and are
rarely found alone. Whether its sightseeing or partying, its all done together either quietly or (more
often) loudly.
17. The Weekender
These travellers go away on vacation at every single available opportunity, especially on
weekends. They may visit places close to home, or even go on short trips further away. Often
financially stable, they can afford such luxuries and enjoy seeing as much of the world as possible.
18. The Chatter Box
This one seems to befriend anyone and everyone they meet on their trip, from taxi drivers to
waiters. They can’t resist chatting with all kinds of people, which often means that they also often
have the best stories to tell.
19. The Luxury Traveller
Nothing less than a 5-star hotel is enough for this traveller. No matter where they go, luxury is a
top priority. From personal cabs to classy restaurants, they like to do things in style (and of course,
comfort).
20. The Escapee
A fugitive of all that is mundane and familiar, these travellers are often quite lost. Whether they’re
running away from boredom or heartbreak, guilt, failure, conflict, or themselves, they’re sure to be
looking for some sort of escape at a far away destination.
21. The Solo Artist
A growing section, the solo traveller chooses to venture into the world alone, and on their own
terms. Their trips may be planned to the last detail, or delightfully vague, but it doesn’t matter
because they answer to no one but themselves.
22. The Soul Searcher
This one is quite different to the Escapee. They use travel as a means to find themselves or find
some spiritual meaning to life. Often travelling alone, they want holidays that teach them
something, whether that is meditation or cookery.
23. The Budget Tripper
While they may want to travel everywhere, these travellers are constrained by tighter budgets. With
the aim of saving money on their trips, they may prefer walking to cabs and hostels to hotels.
24. The Collector
They never leave a new place without a memento. Whether these are physical objects like a
souvenir, seashells, or even sand, or uncommon experiences, like meteor showers or balloon rides,
these items are often proudly displayed later.
25. The Pioneer
They’re seekers of mostly unexplored or offbeat destinations, whether it’s living with native tribes
or exploring an unusual museum, they want non-mainstream experiences that are truly unique.
26. The Rejuvenator
Looking to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life, these types of travellers want to relax.
Whether they go to a luxury spa or a yoga retreat, they holiday to get away and unwind from their
troubles and to have a much-needed pampering experience.
27. The Clueless One
In life, there are leaders and there are followers. This group is most definitely the latter. They rely
on others to plan their vacation and to then get around the destination, wanting to be (almost
literally) swept away by the experience of travel.
28. The Tourist
Most people you meet are simply tourists – travellers who prefer sticking to well-known
destinations and touristy activities, often during established holiday seasons. They may partake in
organised tours and events or be entirely guided by travel guides and books.
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