**Discover your traveler type!**

(and psst, don’t forget to pin this for later!)

I’ve been living abroad since 2017. And I’m always surprised by how many different types of travelers I find. Well…then again, it makes sense too. We all live life differently.

How you travel reflects your personality, lifestyle, values, interests and goals. And knowing what type of traveler you are isn’t just some fun exercise for when you’re bored——it’s actually practical.

Knowing your traveler type is seriously helpful for better travel planning.

Because think about it. If you’re a creative traveler (for example), wouldn’t you want to build your trip around creative things like local shows, museums and photography days?

Plus, it’s super helpful for group travel (too many personalities gets…stressful (especially overseas)).

So keep on reading to learn what makes each traveler type unique and discover which one resonates with you most.

(by the way, I’m part artist and part nomad——let me know what type of traveler you are in the comments!)

Alright, let’s do this dang thing.

1. The Budget Traveler

To kick things off, we’ve got the budget traveler.

The budget traveler knows how to travel without breaking the bank. Because seeing the world isn’t just for the rich.

The budget traveler doesn’t mind sharing a room, shopping less and eating cheap. They opt for affordability and know their way around a travel credit card point system.

They also tend to enjoy a richer more authentic experience, trading expensive tourist attractions for more affordable local experiences.

Explore more:
➤ How to Travel Japan for Less Than $1,000

2. The Adventurer

Life is one big adventure and the world is a playground.

The adventurer loves to explore nature and do anything that’s gets the blood pumping.

From skiing Japan to surfing, skydiving, kayaking or four-wheeling through jungles, adventurers don’t mind getting mud on their faces.

But even casual hiking or guided safaris fall into the adventurous traveler type.

It’s more about finding whatever makes your adrenaline pump. That’s adventure travel.

By the way, don’t forget to grab travel insurance before your next trip! (especially if you’re doing adventure sports)

3. The Artist

The artist is anyone who does creative things while traveling. This is my preferred way to travel.

Travel filmmakers; photographers; fashion lovers; creators; nomadic artists and musicians. Artistically is an awesome way to explore the world.

Besides, travel and creativity are naturally connected. For example, travel expands your perspectives and gives you new ideas and insights; naturally, this spills into creativity.

This difference between creative travel and non-creative travel comes down to intention and having some type of creative travel project to work on (I usually make music and art and focus on travel blogging).

Explore more:
➤ The Creative Travel Guide (8 tips)

4. The Digital Nomad

The digital nomad lives and works remotely, while traveling to different countries. This is what I do (and I love the nomadic lifestyle).

It’s such an awesome way live life. I’m able to stay mobile and go wherever I want whenever I want.

Ultimate. Freedom. :)

Luckily, it’s so much easier to live this lifestyle nowadays. There are tons of opportunities to make money online, technology is incredible (thank you, Google Translate) and more and more countries have digital nomad visas or great infrastructure.

If you’re looking for a new adventure, then why not quit your job and become a digital nomad?

Some popular ways to make money while traveling include:

Freelancing
Finding a remote job
Becoming an expat (work abroad)
Start a location-independent business
Start a blog or become a content creator

Explore more:
➤ How to Become A Digital Nomad
➤ How I Live In Tokyo Part-time

5. The Anthropologist

I studied anthropology in college, so I reframed “cultural travel” as anthropological exploring.

It sounds cooler.

The anthropologist is an immersive traveler who dives deep into the cultures they visit. They might spend more time observing, studying and scribbling insights in their travel journal.

Museums, historical sites, social codes…travel is full of artifacts, lost stories and anthropological intrigue. Why not explore like an intrepid professor?

The anthropologist:

Learns history
Studies the language
Explores old ruins and heritage sites
Understands social mores and cultural points

6. The Foodie

I think most of us are at least one part foodie while traveling. I mean, isn’t food one of the core reasons we hop on planes for 18 hours?

Either way, some travelers make this their main schtick——the foodie traveler.

The foodie prioritizes eating and builds their itinerary around food. They research top local restaurants, important foods to try and budget plenty for it.

Food travel is an awesome way to experience and learn about a different culture.

7. The Shopper

I love thrifting in Tokyo and finding random souvenirs while traveling. But if this is your main goal, then you might fit into this traveler archetype.

The shopper plans their trip around exploring local shops, finding unique products and, well, shopping.

They explore the stores and head to the departures lobby with lots of extra room in their suitcases (knowing they’ll fill it with epic local artifacts).

The coolest part of travel is bringing back cool items. Souvenirs are conversational ice breakers and reminders to buy that next ticket.

8. The Backpacker

The backpacker is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the solo traveler.

This traveler’s life fits in a suitcase and they’re not afraid of couchsurfing or jumping into the unknown.

It’s a great starting point for first-time adventure-seeking travelers looking to explore many places for cheap.

Just make sure you know how to pack like a minimalist.

Explore more:
➤ Core Tips for Traveling Alone

9. The Jetsetter

Fancy yourself a luxurious stylish traveler? Then this might be your archetype.

The jetsetter is a wealthy fashionable lifestyle traveler.

For the jetsetter traveling abroad, the destinations are always glamorous and the activities full of luxury. It’s sophistication + adventure.

I wouldn’t mind dabbling in this kind of travel at some point (even if only for one trip).

10. The Slow Traveler

Slow travel is exploring at a calmer leisurely pace.

So the slow traveler takes their time when abroad, skipping the strict schedule or rushed itineraries. They like to take their time and casually explore destinations.

I love this type of travel. It’s a lot easier as a digital nomad though since I can spend longer in a place.

11. The Business Traveler

The business traveler is visiting a country or new place for one specific reason: business.

Sometimes, they don’t even get to see the city they’re visiting because they’re too busy in meetings or negotiating contracts.

But if they’re lucky, they can spend an extra day to explore the culture (or squeeze in something during a lunch break).

12. The Local Traveler

Like the name says, the local traveler tries to live life like a local (even if only for a week).

This usually means skipping the tourist spots and exploring the city as if you were a local resident. Slow mornings, cafe visits for work and cooking at home are all on the table.

I love traveling like a local. I find it’s one of the best ways to really learn about a culture.

Explore more:
➤ How to Travel Like A Local

13. The Tourist

If you like travel packages, group tours, cozy resorts, popular crowded spots and perfectly timed itineraries, you might be a tourist.

(and there’s nothing wrong with that either!)

The tourist spends most of their time visiting the most popular attractions, which can be more expensive too (since prices are inflated in touristy areas).

Still, tourist traveling is often easier. Tourist spots usually speak more English, have lots to do and embody the vacation energy a lot of us are looking for when vacationing.

Want More? Nice. Here’s More.

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