Travel allows us to break out of our routines. It’s easy to get caught up in the flow of everyday life, but when you’re traveling, you might notice that it feels easier to strike up conversations with strangers, try new foods, and take the scenic route. Or, maybe you’re more willing to relax, hand over the reins, and take life one step at a time. Whether your travel personality is energetic or easy-going, getting to know this version of yourself is the key to planning the perfect trip.
Understanding your travel self can help you plan trips that are fulfilling, fun, and rejuvenating. Here are four types of travel personalities, where they should go, and what they should bring.
The Adventurous Appetite
You travel with all five senses. Instead of loading your bags with souvenirs after a trip, you bring home memories of the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and—of course—tastes of your destination. If your favorite travel memories include wandering through street food markets to relish the aromas of mouthwatering spices, the sounds of sizzling dishes, and the flavor of authentic cuisines, chances are you plan your trips around local food scenes.
Where to Go: If you’re a food-motivated, adventurous traveler, a trip to Hong Kong is sure to fill your cup—and your plate. This bustling city is known for having some of the most renowned street food in the world, so it should come as no surprise that “sou gaai”—or enjoying a meal of assorted foods from street vendors—is a beloved weekend activity of locals and visitors alike. Whether you follow your nose to find your first dish or follow Michelin’s guide to Hong Kong street food, you’ll be sure to enjoy an unparalleled, delicious experience.
What to Bring: When you plan on roaming the streets of Hong Kong in search of the perfect plate, you and your traveling and eating companions need travel backpacks that are up for adventure. A compact yet surprisingly spacious travel backpack makes it easy to move through the streets of a busy city while keeping track of all your essentials. With a great day pack, practical footwear, and your appetite, you’ll be ready to feast your way through Hong Kong.
The Social Butterfly
The host family you lived with during your semester abroad sends you a holiday card every year. You still keep in touch with your bunkmates from those hostels you stayed in during your first backpacking trip, whether you’re asking them for a recommendation for a new travel toiletry bag or sharing pictures from your recent adventures. When you travel, you’re the one who forms meaningful connections and builds lasting friendships that connect you to every corner of the world.
Where to Go: While a social butterfly such as yourself seems to make friends anywhere and everywhere, you’ll enjoy traveling to a destination with friendly locals, a lively culture, and plenty of places to mingle and explore. Buenos Aires is known for its stunning culture, vibrant tango scene, and charming walkable neighborhoods. Whether you spend your trip filling your travel backpacks with goods from the local market or dancing the night away, you’ll be sure to meet incredible people and make cherished memories.
What to Bring: Every chatty traveler knows that being ready for anything is the key to enjoying your trip. Luckily, with the right packing solutions, you can feel prepared for every adventure without feeling overpacked. Organize your travel duffel bag with space-saving packing cubes that make it easy to bring your dancing shoes and your walking boots so you can soak up every second of your trip to Buenos Aires.
The Studious Sightseer
When you go to the theatre, you read the playbill; before you stroll through a museum, you research the current exhibits. With your encyclopedic knowledge of history and pop culture, you’re the secret weapon of your trivia team. When you love to learn, you know that travel is an incredible way to soak up information and better understand the world around you. If you’re a studious sightseer, chances are you love enjoying a full itinerary of cultural events and historical landmarks when you travel.
Where to Go: History buffs and culture fanatics should grab their trusty travel backpacks and take a tour of the United Kingdom. Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of the Scottish countryside with a train tour that allows you to explore famous castles. Or, spend a few days wandering around world-renowned museums in London. Although the United Kingdom encompasses England, Scotland, Whales, and Northern Ireland, these distinct countries all have unique histories and cultures to explore, so be sure to give yourself time to learn about all of them.
What to Bring: To truly appreciate all the U.K. has to offer, you’ll need luggage that’s ready for rough cobblestone streets and outerwear that’s prepared for rainy days and foggy mornings. A carry on duffel bag that can be easily hoisted into the overhead compartment of a passenger train or carried across those bumpy streets is perfect for a U.K. adventure, while a sleek and sturdy raincoat will serve you well on the streets of London or the coast of Scotland.
The Lowkey Local
When everyone else is being corralled through busy tourist attractions, you’re clinking pint glasses at the local pub. While the rest of your group is standing in line at a major museum, you’re soaking up local culture at an underground art exhibit. Everyone travels differently, but when you prefer to absorb the local culture, you get a one-of-a-kind experience.
Where to Go: Immersing yourself in local culture is less about where you go and more about how you travel. Generally speaking, traveling to destinations that are off the beaten path will give you a more authentic experience, while learning a few phrases in the regional language and researching local customs will help you feel at home and blend in. Visit small towns outside of Tokyo for an intimate tea ceremony, or scour the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand, for an authentic bowl of khao soi.
What to Bring: Falling into step with the local flow of a new place is all about durable, versatile travel gear. A carry on backpack with a simple, sleek look and an ergonomic design can help you navigate public transportation or small-town lanes with ease. Whether you’re traversing a big city or a quaint village, a pack of cards, a friendly smile, and a savvy attitude will help you meet people and make connections.
You might be a cautious creature of habit back home but a curious thrill seeker when you’re abroad. Or, your day-to-day life might be fast-paced and high-stakes, so vacations give you the opportunity to take your foot off the gas. Whatever your travel personality is, the perfect destination and versatile gear can help you make the most of your next adventure.
About Eagle Creek
Adventure may look different for everyone, but great packing solutions look the same. Eagle Creek luggage and travel gear can make life easier, no matter what your next adventure has in store. Whether you’re heading off on a solo international trip or embarking on an annual family road trip, you need gear that keeps you organized on the go. Eagle Creek travel backpacks and duffel bags are produced with durable materials and innovative construction, making them reliable, versatile, and up for any journey. For nearly half a century, Eagle Creek has been raising the bar for the adventure travel gear industry with creative designs and sustainable business practices. Their No Matter What® Warranty can help you travel with confidence, knowing that your bags can be repaired or replaced if needed.
Find gear that speaks to your travel personality at https://www.eaglecreek.com/