Different Types of Travellers
There are as many different types of travellers (or tourists) as there are types of people.
Some people are thrifty, some spend on luxury items. Some prefer relaxing at home, others head into the mountains. Travel is no different.
During our extensive travels over the years, we’ve tried out different “types” of travelling. I’ve couchsurfed, so I’ve been a budget traveller, and we stayed in a ryokan in Japan – which is, I’d say, at the high end of the luxury traveller. We’ve done spa vacations in Italy (leisure travellers) – and canyoned in Costa Rica and hiked over active lava in Hawaii (adventure travellers).
And on, and on, and on!
Not sure which type of traveller you are? Most people are a mix — and it often depends on the trip.
Types of travellers vs tourists: what’s the difference?
The definition of a tourist is “a person who is travelling or visiting a place for pleasure”.
The definition of a traveller is “a person who is travelling or who often travels”.
In practice, the difference is minimal, both terms are often used interchangeably. In this article, we’ll use both terms to describe different travel styles.
Different types of travellers
These are not all the types of travellers out there the list would be endless. Instead, here are some of the most common and useful types you’ll come across.
Types of travellers by budget
Different people travel on different budgets. You don’t need to throw lots of cash around to enjoy places. Here are the most popular types of tourists based on how much money they spend on their trips.
Budget travellers
As the name suggests, budget travellers spend as little as possible. They find the cheapest flights, the cheapest accommodation, and activities. Also choose a cheap country, for example Cambodia.
Backpackers
Backpackers are a part of the budget travellers, with the difference that they have a backpack. Backpackers spend as little as possible.
Related: how to choose the best hotel for you
Luxury travellers
On the opposite end of the spectrum, luxury travellers don’t care how much money they spend on their vacation. They’ll stay in accommodations, go to expensive restaurants, and if they fly, probably do so in business or first class.
Mid-budget
This is where we fall when we travel. We stay in luxury accommodations (with some exceptions, such as a ryokan in Japan), travel economy on the plane, but won’t stay in hostels even if it would make the trip more reasonably priced, such as Patagonia for example. We don’t go overboard with spending but still like our comfort.
Types of travellers by travel style
Different people like different activities, so it makes sense that there are travellers that prefer something more adrenaline-inducing than other things. One of the most popular ways of defining types of travellers is based on activities.
Active travellers
Active travellers will look for active activities in the destination they are going to. An interesting hike, ziplining, canyoning and so on. Some of their activities are adventurous, but mostly they’ll be nothing crazy.
We are active travellers who mix in some relaxation on our vacations as well.
Related: Patagonia is one of the best destinations for active travellers and adventure seekers. You can also visit Kyrgyzstan!
Adventure travellers
The next level of active travellers, adventure seekers will try and do any adventure activity they can find. These people like travelling and adventures.
They might go to Kyrgyzstan for a single reason – trekking. Go to the Cambodia not to lounge on the beach but to explore Angkor Wat on your own. Or go to the Maldives to enjoy feeding sharks.
Foodies
If you mention to a foody that you’re going to Naples, they’ll know that that’s where pizza is originally from and the restaurant where you can try the best pizza. We are kind of foodies, so we know that in Japan, it’s not just sushi you need to try or, if you want to try a guanaco filet, you have to go to Patagonia.
Another perfect food experience you can find in Sicily.
Basically, food might not be the main reason a foody travels, but he definitely will try the best – and most original – food a place has to offer.
Experience seekers
Wherever these travellers go, they want to experience something that’s typical or special for the destination.
It can be having sushi in Japan, it can be riding a gondola in Venice, it could be visiting the Louvre in France… – and yes, those are things that we did. As was hiking the most beautiful hike in El Chalten, Argentine Patagonia.
These types of travellers don’t have specific activities that they love, just that they want to experience the best a destination has to offer.
Cultural travellers
Cultural travellers love everything cultural the place offers, such as museums, galleries, and historical sites. They also want to learn about the culture of the people and engage with locals.
We are not really cultural travellers, but we visited the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Louvre in Paris, and Park Guell in Barcelona or Milan, coultural mecca. You don’t have to be a cultural traveller to enjoy culture, but if it’s one of the main reasons you travel, consider yourself one.
Religious travellers or pilgrims
These travellers enjoy visiting religious places such as churches, cathedrals, and mosques. Generally, they visit places connected to their own religion, but it doesn’t have to be the case.
Visiting pilgrimage routes such as Camino de Santiago can also be considered religious tourism.
Related: Kyoto in Japan is full of incredible temples
Relaxation-lovers
Is there a spa available at the destination? No? So what’s the point of going there?
Exaggerated, of course, but relaxation-lovers prefer places where they can just relax. Lounge by the pool or by the beach, walk around slowly without making extra effort. Go for dinner and repeat.
These types of travellers are most likely to go to all-inclusive hotels and just relax. We occasionally do just that, even in Japan.
Nature travellers
These types of travellers spend most or even all of their vacation time in nature. They don’t care about cities, museums, or architecture. Give them mountains, forests, or the sea! In this way, we’re definitely nature goes – we spend as much time as possible in the nature.
City travellers
And again, as opposed to those who prefer nature, city explorers rather immerse themselves in the myriad of metropolitan attractions instead of going hiking in the mountains.
Of course, we do visit cities – Milan, Barcelona, Venice, Pavia, Budapest and moreover!
Types of travellers by destination (domestic vs. international)
Whether the traveller goes, there’s a name for it.
Domestic travellers
Domestic travellers like to explore their own country. Instead of going to that incredible tropical island, they’ll go to an ice cave that is just a few hours’ drive from their home.
Some countries have more options to explore and enjoy. The USA is much more suited for long-term domestic tourism than Monaco.
International travellers
As opposed to domestic travellers, international travellers will go abroad for their trips. They either don’t care about their home country or leave its exploration for times when they can’t go abroad.
We especially like going to Japan.
Types of travellers by travel purpose
What is the main reason for the trip or the main thing that the person will do during their travels?
And I don’t mean the main activities, but like the very reason this trip is happening. Let’s see my examples!
Au Pair
An Au Pair is a young adult who lives in a family and provides childcare in exchange for a weekly allowance, room, and food. Basically, the aupair is like a live-in nanny – that’s the main reason they are on the trip. They get time off as well to explore the country.
Business travellers
Business travellers travel because they need to do business in another place. They can be going for a meeting, spending time at another location the company has, or any other work-related reason.
Volunteer travellers
Disaster relief, helping build a school in Africa or working on a farm in South America in exchange for accommodation and time to explore. Volunteer travel is a way to immerse yourself in the environment and see it from the inside.
Missionary
Missionaries go to different places to promote religion. Well, that pretty much describes these types of travellers. Missionaries go into a community to teach about religion and convert them or sometimes provide services, such as education, literacy, social justice, health care, and economic development.
Tourists
A tourist has no other reason to explore a destination besides the fact that they want to – whether it be learning more about the culture, seeing nature, exploring cities, or having adventures.
A tourist is a person who is travelling for pleasure, so pretty much, we’re all tourists.
Types of travellers by who they travel with
Alone or not alone, the number of people you travel with will change your travel style.
Group travellers
The group types of travellers prefer to go on a trip in a bigger group, even using organized tours instead of planning their own trips. These are the loud friend groups you find, well, everywhere, tour groups, and a bus full of seniors. And, actually, I count couples as group travellers, because even as a couple you still have to count with another person’s choices and moods unlike when travelling alone.
Solo travellers
As opposed to group travellers, these are people who prefer travelling alone. They don’t like being tied to someone else’s wishes and prefer being in control of their journeys.
These travellers are happy enjoying a place alone and equally happy to meet people along the way.
It’s quite liberating to be on your own in a new place, take your time exploring or just do nothing for the day.
Family travellers
Family travellers go everywhere with their family. They often adapt their trips to what children will enjoy, but still include some activities for adults as well.
Family trips will most likely include a theme park or a museum instead of a bar crawl.
Does it matter what type of traveller you are?
The types of travelling doesn’t actually matter that much.
First of all, it’s just interesting to know what type you are, and second, it might be helpful to know what types of tourists you are when researching your next trip. Or, even more so, if you want someone else to tailor your vacation.
If you’re an adventure traveller, you will most probably not enjoy a trip full of visiting museums. And if you’re a budget traveller, staying in a five-star all-inclusive luxury hotel probably will not be for you.
Related: how to plan your vacation
Final thoughts on different types of travellers
Wow, this list contained quite a few types of travellers, didn’t it?
And that’s not even most of them! Just some of the most popular ones that I found worthy, so to say, to include in this article.
Did your traveller type make the list? What type of traveller are you? Let me know in the comments!
What type of traveller am I?
Most people don’t fit into just one category. Your travel style often changes depending on the destination, budget, and purpose of your trip.
What are the different types of travellers?
There are many types of travellers, most commonly grouped by budget, travel style, destination, purpose, or who they travel with. Examples include budget travellers, luxury travellers, adventure travellers, solo travellers, and family travellers.
What is the difference between a tourist and a traveller?
In practice, there is very little difference. A tourist is someone travelling for pleasure, while a traveller is someone who travels often. The terms are usually used interchangeably.
What are budget travellers?
Budget travellers try to spend as little money as possible. They look for cheap flights, affordable accommodation, and low-cost activities.
What are luxury travellers?
Luxury travellers focus on comfort and premium experiences. They stay in high-end accommodation, eat in top restaurants, and often travel in business or first class.
What are adventure travellers?
Adventure travellers look for adrenaline-filled experiences such as hiking, diving, or extreme activities. Travel is often built around these experiences.
What are solo travellers?
Solo travellers prefer travelling alone. They enjoy flexibility, independence, and making their own decisions during the trip.
What are family travellers?
Family travellers travel with children or relatives and often plan trips around activities suitable for everyone.
What are domestic and international travellers?
Domestic travellers explore their own country, while international travellers travel abroad. The choice often depends on accessibility, budget, and personal preference.
Does it matter what type of traveller you are?
Not really. It’s useful to understand your travel style, but most people combine multiple types depending on the trip.
You choose peace or war?
Of course I choose peace 🙂
As I perused the vast expanse of the internet in search of knowledge on the various types of travelers, I stumbled upon this gem of a post. The words were elegantly crafted and the information provided was invaluable. My sincerest gratitude for your contributions.