What Type of Traveler Are You?

Allergies have kicked me in the face.

My face looks so bad:

• It looks like I got in a fight with Mike Tyson. And I’m talking about the young Mike Tyson.
• It looks like I got hit in the face with a hot shovel.
• My iPhone doesn’t recognize me.

Over the weekend, my brother and his friend video-called me and after one look, they immediately started cracking jokes. They were calling to go bar hopping but decided that it was best to take a rain check until next week.

Until I heal, I’m going to be rocking sunglasses hard.

C’est la vie

Have you ever been on a trip that others loved, but it just didn't resonate with you?

Nothing necessarily went wrong; it just wasn't your cup of tea.

I've experienced this as well.

If you can relate, it's likely because the trip wasn't suited to your type of traveling.

Essentially, there are two different types of travelers*.

Let's find out which one you are.

Some people enjoy learning about new cultures and customs. For them, an ideal trip might involve cooking authentic dishes at a local's home or riding on a crowded bus alongside locals and their livestock. Such individuals are known as Allocentric travelers.

Or

Then there are those who desire a flawless and smooth trip where comfort is paramount. They won't consider a restaurant unless it boasts at least one Michelin star, and they expect royal treatment. Given the stress of work, they aim to fully enjoy the fruits of their labor. If this description fits, you're what's known as a Psychocentric type traveler.

Why is this important?

Understanding your travel style can guide your choice of destination and activities.

For instance, an Allocentric traveler might not enjoy a luxurious cruise. Similarly, a Psychocentric traveler may feel anxious if they stay in a jungle hut with the locals.

But wait, there's more.

Understanding the above information can help assess your compatibility with potential travel companions. Discussing their past trips can give you a sense of how well you'll get along.

Personally, I lean towards the Allocentric side, but I also enjoy relaxation and disconnection.

Remember, no one is purely one type of traveler. It's crucial to understand your preferences and the kind of trip you want to have.

There's no right or wrong preference, just different ones. Keep this in mind the next time you travel in a group and see how it influences your journey. I'd love to hear about your experience!

Happy Travels, 

Andrew
 

*Kurtz, Jaime. The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations. Oxford University Press, 2017.

What type of traveler are you?

Cocktail of the Week

The "Death in the Afternoon" cocktail, named after Ernest Hemingway's book of the same title, originated in France. Hemingway created this cocktail in 1935, mixing absinthe with champagne to produce a potent and flavorful drink that captures his adventurous spirit and love for bold libations.

Recipe:

• 1 1/2 oz absinthe
• 4 oz chilled champagne
• Ice (optional, for chilling)

Preparation:

• Chill a champagne flute by placing it in the refrigerator or filling it with ice.
• Pour the absinthe into the chilled glass.
• Slowly add the champagne to the glass, allowing the two to mix.
• Gently stir to combine the flavors.
• Remove any ice from the glass if used for chilling.

Random Travel Thought

I don’t feel like traveling has changed me. Everyone else just seems different. 

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com: This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner: An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing: I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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