Thrill seeker or culture vulture? Discover your travel personality among seven types

ZamaNdosi Cele|Published

From the spontaneous serendipity seeker to the adrenaline-fueled thrill seeker, discover how your travel style shapes your experiences and connections.

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In a world that continuously beckons us to explore, travel is as diverse as the myriad of personalities that embark on journeys.

Each traveller possesses unique motivations and styles that shape their experiences around the globe.

“Travel is deeply personal; it’s about how you connect with the experience and what part of yourself you discover along the way," says Shaun Lamont, managing director of First Group Hotels and Resorts.

Here, we explore the seven distinct types of travellers, delving into their characteristics, habits, and the essence of their adventures.

The serendipity seeker

For the serendipity seeker, spontaneity is the name of the game.

These travellers thrive on the unexpected, often finding magic in moments that come from wrong turns and chance encounters.

They embrace the journey without rigid itineraries, collecting memories that create the tapestry of their adventures.

Travel tip: Build in buffer time; your spontaneity works best when you are not racing to catch trains.

The intentional explorer

In contrast, the intentional explorer approaches travel with a calculated mindset.

This type of traveller invests time in research, focusing on maximising experiences and logistics.

They prioritise comfort and efficiency, ensuring that every moment spent away is meaningful.

Travel tip: Schedule one completely unplanned morning; you might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy the freedom.

The social voyager

The social voyager finds immense value in connection.

Recognising that experiences are often enriched by human interaction, they prioritise the people they encounter over mere sights.

Their adventures are filled with laughter and shared stories, resulting in a camera roll that reflects bonds forged over beautiful landscapes rather than the landscapes themselves.

Travel tip: Say yes to group activities or tours at least once; they are invaluable networking opportunities.

The intuitive wanderer

With a more instinctive approach, the Intuitive Wanderer travels based on feeling.

They ebb and flow between exploration and relaxation, favouring moments of solitude and reflection.

Rather than adhering to a checklist of experiences, these travellers happily trust their instincts to guide them.

Travel tip: Occasionally share your inner monologue with travel buddies; they are curious about where your mind (and feet) wander.

The culture vulture

The culture vulture immerses themselves in the nuances of local traditions and history.

Rather than focusing solely on the tourist highlights, they plan their adventures around cultural experiences - be it festivals, food, or the daily lives of locals.

This type of traveller seeks to understand and assimilate into the cultural fabric of their destination.

The pilgrims

For pilgrims, travel embodies spiritual significance.

These individuals embark on journeys following ancient routes to places of worship or personal reflection.

While some routes attract a diverse audience, the essence of pilgrims remains rooted in a quest for spiritual enlightenment.

The thrill seekers

Last but not least, the thrill seekers are the adrenaline junkies in the travel world.

Planning itineraries around extreme sports and heart-pounding adventures, this type of traveller craves excitement.

Be it bungee jumping or mountain biking, they often seek camaraderie among fellow adventure lovers who share their fervour for challenges.