12 Traveller Archetypes – A Guide to the People You Will Cross Paths With on the Road
It is true that no two travelers are the same, just as no two people are the same… yet there are categories that people typically fall into based on the distinct characteristics they exhibit. Of course, for the purpose of this exercise I will be making crass caricature for effect, because it is funny, but also strangely because there is a hint of truth to it. Without further ado, here are the ten types of travelers you will meet in your journey.
Table of Contents
- 1. Culture Vultures (aka Art Aficionados)
- 2. Foodies
- 3. Adrenaline Junkies
- 4. Hippies
- 5. Hikers (The Outdoor Lover)
- 6. Socialites
- 7. History Buffs
- 8. New Experience Nerds
- 9. Braggarts
- 10. The Dionysian Degenerate (Party Animals!)
- 11. (Just a) Bore
- 12. Just Blasé
1. Culture Vultures (aka Art Aficionados)
Is there a museum nearby? The culture vulture can tell you, he likely has already visited it or taken the virtual tour! This type of traveller loves the art and cultures (Yes, some people actually know things about art and are not just faking it!). The culture vulture may seem a little over bearing at first, with their endless facts, but their knowledge and passion for the subject are so infectious that you find yourself actually liking them!
If anything they are like the arts and culture version of the history buff.
2. Foodies
They have a list of restaurants lined up and nothing will stop them from eating to their hearts desire. It is in fact the primary driver of their trip. More than anything this traveller wants to try a nation’s culinary delights obscure or not. If you are planning on going out, try to befriend one of these travellers. They do come in handy.
3. Adrenaline Junkies
Some people are just hardcore! Extreme sports and dangerous activities are always on the agenda with these characters. The probably couldn’t tell you much about their destination but can tell you all about their most recent bungee jump or sky dive session.
4. Hippies
You know him, you’ve likely met him hundreds of times, and he has made you roll your eyes more times then you can count. He’s that guy you meet in every hostel, the one who’s always playing guitar in an obvious attempt to sleep with young naive girls. Don’t let his “chill” demeanour fool you. Under his oversized beany hat, this guy is a raging asshole. On the rare occasion he’s actually one of the chillest people you will meet but that is an exception.
5. Hikers (The Outdoor Lover)
“Where a goat can go, a man can go and where a man can go, he can drag a gun…” Uttered in the British preparation for an assault on Fort Ticonderoga from Mount Defiance in 1777, this quote pretty much sums up the Hiker. If he can climb it he will, and if he does he will surely tell you all about it. Be prepared he will want to drag you out on his excursions. Make sure to define what a short hike is before you go or you may end up with a 20km day. His vistas are sublime however!
6. Socialites
This traveller has just arrived at your hostel and already they seem to know everyone. By the end of the night they have everyone’s cell phone number and are organizing meet ups and activities. How did they do it all so quick? The socialite keeps their secrets close to their chest. It is all charisma with the socialite, a fact you will realize when you are up far into the night just chatting away and the sunrise is soon to come. Darn, you had planned on an early night!
7. History Buffs
That church nearby? This traveller already knows all about it and is exited to give you a rundown of its construction (including dates!). Hell even give you a guided tour, despite it being his first time there! Can you blame him? History is important! This history buff is all history, all the time! So make sure you brush up on your facts so that you can even converse with them.
8. New Experience Nerds
This traveller is always looking for the next new thing! As such, the last thing they want is more of the same. These guys are either extremely creative or dreary, depending on their level of creativity. After all there are only so many new things one can do unless travelling grater distances.
9. Braggarts
It is he for who the experience of travel is rather perfunctory. The braggart loves to list the places he has been, the important people he has met and other things you care little for. They talk a big game but does it really seem like they are genuinely having any fun?
10. The Dionysian Degenerate (Party Animals!)
These lunatics make for some of the best travel companions. Not only will you constantly be entertained by their shenanigans, but others will. The only trouble is keeping up with their degeneracy. Luckily, every degenerates needs a straight man to their bohemian whims so you are not expected to keep up. This archetype loves to party in Dionysian fashion, probably hosting toga parties in their youth. Just like their idol of chaos, the Legendary Lord Byron, watch out for him/her as anything goes.
11. (Just a) Bore
This guy or gal is a snooze fest at home, and they bring that same energy to the road. How one could listen to, let alone ever breed, with the bore is beyond me. They probably should have just stayed home.
12. Just Blasé
Speaker 1: I was almost mugged on my way to the hostel, be careful going through that back alley.
Just Blasé: Whatever, I had to fight a Komodo dragon with my house keys while stranded in Indonesia!
Speaker 1: What did you think of the leaning tower of Pisa?
Just Blasé: Overrated! Italy is filled with leaning towers. I don’t know why people are so impressed by the effects of simple soil geology.
I’m sure you get he point, this traveller will always be unimpressed no matter how hard you try to engage with him. He’s either done it all or just simply doesn’t care.
