Type of Travelers

The Shoestring Budget Traveler (SBT)

Travel Ideology

The SBT not only knows 101 ways to travel for $5 a day, but is convinced there must be a way to do it for less. Sure, they may occasionally sleep in the street rather than pay $20 for a dorm room, but every dollar they save means more time on the road and they're quite happy with that.

Don't assume this type of traveler is broke. There are many out there that enjoy saving money for its own sake. That SBT catching some Z's at the local park may be able to afford the fancy 4 star hotel across the street, but wouldn't dream of spending the money when there's a perfectly good table right here.

Where to find this type of traveler:

The SBT usually stays off the beaten path, partially due to wanting a more authentic traveling experience and partially because the costs are cheaper that way. More developed (and therefore expensive) countries like Australia and those in North America and Western Europe often pose a challenge.

The Backpacker

Travel Ideology

Can consist of gap year travelers, corporate escapees and even professional nomads. Usually made up of the younger crowd (late teens and early 20's), but is not age-specific, there are backpackers in their 60's as well. All of them share the love of travel that makes a backpacker first get out on the road.

Though there is a current trend to limit the amount of gear taken, many backpackers still travel with 50, 60, or even 70 liter backpacks. It's truly a "mobile home" carried on their backs, with everything they need carried with them.

Where to find this type of traveler:

The ability to carry everything you may need frees up the modern backpacker. You'll find them in every clime and place, both on the well-traveled path and off of it. Even the pricey locations can be done with couch surfing or camping opportunities.

The United States probably holds the largest barrier to this type of traveler due to the lack of hostels and public transportation available. Any other limitations are self-imposed, based on the flexibility of the backpacker themselves.

The Flashpacker

Side note: Okay, I may have exaggerated the love of gadgets just a little. ;) The original term for a flashpacker seemed to apply to anyone who carried a piece of electronics with them.

In the late 90's, I met two backpackers in Tokyo who were worried about getting griefed for buying mini disc players. There was a certain (misguided?) pride in going all natural back then, turning a blind eye to the unnatural benefits of synthetic fibers and tooled metal.

Today, everyone seems to be carrying some piece of electronics, so the stigma of being this type of traveler has mostly vanished. For a gadget-loving guy like myself, that's a welcome change.

You may still hear the term "Flashpacker" bandied about for those who buy top of the line backpacking gear and gadgets. This is matter of personal choice, so don't let it bother you if you fall into this category. They're just jealous of your sweet six-panel solar charger. :D

Travel Ideology

What usually separates the Flashpacker and the Backpacker is the willingness to spend money on gear. Note that I said "willingness". They may have equal amounts of money to spend, but where a Backpacker will use that money to travel longer; a Flashpacker will spend it on something to make travel more enjoyable.

That being said, this type of traveler often has some money available that the normal backpacker may not. Flashpackers usually travel later in life and have some money saved because of it. This means they may be more likely to stay in private rooms and the occasional hotel.

Where to find this type of traveler:

If money isn't an issue, the world is your oyster. Flashpackers do tend to stay on the more traveled routes, only because the infrastructure supports them better. The ones that stray off the beaten path are usually armed with an intimidating array of electronic support.

The Digital Nomad

Travel Ideology

Once upon a time, someone got the crazy idea that life in a cubicle may not be the epitome of existence. The Digital Nomad takes that idea and runs with it. These are the people who take their job on the road. Occasionally that job is even the one they had before.

Requiring little more than a laptop and a decent internet connection, these individuals harness the power of the Internet. This allows the Digital Nomad to work almost anywhere, feeding their travel addiction while still making an income.

Where to find this type of traveler:

Depending on the level of income generated... Anywhere they want to be. Working on the road is not without its own challenges, but the successful Digital Nomad knows how to balance work and travel.

South and Central American are both popular locations for this type of traveler, as is Asia and the South Pacific. A cheap cost of living along with a decent infrastructure means you don't have to work nearly as hard or as often. While there's nothing stopping a Digital Nomad from working in North America and Western Europe (and many do), the high cost of living requires plenty of work to keep a positive cash flow. There comes a certain point where the work will take over and a change of location may be required to regain your freedom.

Popular Digital Nomad Blogs:

Erin and Simon at - www.NeverEndingVoyage.com

The Expat

Disclaimer: Very few expats talk in a surfer/stoner accent or call their wives "old lady". Some do, however, stop caring what year it is. ;)

Travel Ideology

To an Expat, it's more about the destination than the journey. Sure it may have started with a backpacker's lust to see the world, but somewhere along the way the priorities have changed.

Maybe they just got tired of always being on the move. Maybe during their travels they found somewhere (or someone) that they just couldn't leave behind. Maybe the Expat decided to retire in another country and moved the whole family. Whatever the reason, this type of traveler has planted roots and started a life in their new location. They are usually excellent sources of information on the location as they've made the transition from visitor to resident.

One of the most common questions is: "When does a traveler become an expat?" I think that's a question with no definite answer, but when I hear of a person who has spent more than six months in one place, I start thinking of them as a semi-expat. Been there for longer than a year? You can call yourself whatever you like, but you're an Expat in my book. ;)

Where to find this type of traveler:

Home is where the heart is, and nowhere is this more true than with an Expat. Pick a country and it's a virtual guarantee that it has an expat community in every major city. Many either apply for residency in that country or make regular visa runs. You won't find many of them hanging around hostels, unless they're the ones running it.

I debated adding this type of traveler at all, but what kind of list would it be without the Tourist?

The Tourist

Travel Ideology

Life is short, but vacation days are even shorter. That means the Tourist tends to fill every second of those days with the highlight reel. They may not want the guided tour, but it just makes the most sense time-wise. Who doesn't want to take a leisurely stroll around town? But honestly, who has the time for such things? The return flight is only days away and there's still so much to see!

If you're reading this and thinking about a Round the World trip, then you probably won't fall into the Tourist category. I'd only caution you about trying to do too much, too quickly. You don't have to slow travel, but try and enjoy each location and not be rushed.

And now, a message from the Love your Tourist Association.

I see a lot of hate and discontent about the Tourist on backpacking forums, but the simple fact is that we've all filled that role before. If you've ever taken a school field trip, or gone with friends to the state/province/whatever capital, you've played the Tourist. Don't hate the Tourist for doing what makes the most sense for them. Just avoid them if you don't like the aggravation that comes with it.

We now return you to your normally scheduled programming...

Where to find this type of traveler:

Tourists tend to stick around major attractions and resort areas. Scheduled events are what they're all about and you can often use this to your advantage. Find out when the guided tours start arriving and plan your attraction visits around them.

The Minimalist

Travel Ideology

The Minimalist believes in taking as little as possible. This is either due to the belief that they can purchase whatever they need when they arrive, or because they believe they can do without it. The less stuff in the pack, the better.

The Minimalist is often the first one off the plane or bus, laughing quietly to themselves as the other poor passengers scramble to gather their worldly possessions. Since there is little to pack or worry about, the Minimalist can travel quickly and with very little planning.

The gear they do pack is usually chosen because it can fill more than one use. A long sleeve shirt is boring. A long sleeve shirt that can be double as a windbreaker, travel pillow and has removable sleeves? Now we're talking!

Where to find this type of traveler:

Usually able to take care of themselves, the Minimalist can be found in a variety of locations. Some like to hang around hostels and the usual backpacker haunts; others enjoy using their freedom to hit the less-traveled destinations and get away from their fellow travelers.

The Luxury Traveler

Travel Ideology

The Luxury Traveler believes that travel should be just as comfortable as staying at home, and spares no expense in making sure that happens. The idea of traveling to a remote area without cell phone service, let alone electricity, is hardly their idea of a fun time. The world is a big place and there are plenty of air-conditioned things to see!

The more adventurous of the Luxury Travelers can often be found on all inclusive tour packages and there are plenty of companies that cater to this clientele. A word of caution - Due diligence should be performed before signing up for these tours over the Internet. Many tour companies are aware that there is a subset of traveler who will always go with the most expensive offering, and often inflate prices for substandard service.

Where to find this type of traveler:

Luxury Travelers are usually found around the more populated travel destinations as the hotels and resorts are better in these areas; though there are remote locations in the world which cater to the Luxury Traveler (Bora Bora for example).

The Outdoor Traveler

Travel Ideology

At home wherever there isn't concrete and traffic smog, the Outdoor Traveler is more comfortable in the rural areas of whatever country they may be in. Often enjoying multi-day trekking and camping, it isn't unusual to see a tent and bedroll on this traveler's pack.

Where to find this type of traveler:

You may see the Outdoor Traveler in a major city, but it usually won't be for long. They'll hit the road early, putting as much distance between them and the city as they can. Every continent has something of interest for this type of traveler.

The City Traveler

Travel Ideology

Great restaurants, free concerts, and all the nightlife you can handle. You don't find these things out in the middle of nowhere. The City Traveler wants the options that only a big city can give them. Don't like your hostel? That's okay, because there's another twenty of them nearby and most have Wi-Fi!

The City Traveler can spend days exploring the nooks and crannies of a large city. With this many people all gathered in one place, there are sure to be some interesting characters and great experiences just waiting to found.

City life tends to be more expensive than rural backpacking. It is possible to be frugal in large cities, but research is often required to find the best deals.

Where to find this type of traveler:

As should be obvious from the name - In cities! Europe and North America are both popular destinations for many of these travelers, as there are hundreds of large cities and each has its own flavour. Asia and South America are also popular, as the people are generally friendly and the cost of living is much less than the previous two destinations.

The Volunteer

Travel Ideology

The Volunteer combines thee love of travel with their concern for other people. Whether it's WWOOF'ng in Australia or teaching young children in the Amazon to use computers, these travelers are making an impact wherever they go.

Aside from the karmic benefits of such work, there are often opportunities for the Volunteer to live cheaply while traveling. Though some organizations charge their volunteers, others are more than happy to have an extra hand and will often offer a meal or a reduced rate on a place to sleep.

Where to find this type of traveler:

No matter where you go, there will always be people in need. There are volunteer opportunities in every major city as well as in the most remote of areas. Whatever you look, the chances are great that there is a Volunteer already there.

The Culture Buff

Travel Ideology

For the Culture Buff, it's all about soaking up the surroundings. Museums, ethnic foods and getting to know the locals are what travel's all about. They'll go out at night just like the rest of the crowd, but it's often to the local bars rather than the hostel parties.

Expats are a good group for the Culture Buff to seek out. Having lived in the area, they'll often be able to suggest some things the usual traveler won't hear about. As always, the locals are your best source of information and many will be happy to share their culture with an interested traveler.

Where to find this type of traveler:

Anywhere there are interesting things to see and people to meet. It's experiences that they're after and those can be had anywhere.

Closing Thoughts

It's important to remember that there is no "right" way to travel. If being the tourist on a year long trip works for you, then who am I (or anyone else) to judge? Travel as you like, but be respectful of those whose ideas of travel don't match your own.

Did I forget a type of traveler in the above list? Let me know below! If you identify with one of these types more than any others and have a travel blog, tell me which one and I'll put a link to your blog under that category.

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