What’s your travel style?

If you want to know if you’re more of a “Planner” type of traveler or more of a “Free Spirit”, take this free quiz I made below.

QUIZ START

#1. It’s a month before a big trip somewhere you’ve never been before! What’s your planning like?

I will look into logistics in a couple more weeks

Got my plane ticket and accommodations booked, but that’s about it as of now

I’ve already researched pretty extensively everything about the destination, and have many notes

#2. How important is an itinerary to you?

Not important whatsoever to have

I like to have one to make efficient use of my limited time

Not super important. I’ll have ideas but nothing set in stone

#3. Uh-oh. The receptionist at your accommodation you booked can’t seem to find your reservation. What’s your reaction?

Semi-stressed, but it’s not the end of the world.

Kind of freaking out! Where will I go?

Oh well. You know you’ll find *somewhere* to sleep for the night.

#4. You’re running late for a museum’s timed entry slot you booked tickets for. What do you do?

I never book timed entry slots in advance

I’m doing my best to get there, but not stressed about it.

I’m trying to get there as fast as I can, and I will call to let them know I am running late

#5. You just got invited to go out for lunch with a group of people you just met. What’s your response?

Politely decline. You have lots of other things on your itinerary still.

Yes, of course!

Hesitate. You’ll have to rearrange your schedule, but maybe it will be worth it?

#6. You’ve been very active all day, and are starting to feel burnt out. How do you handle it?

Even though I’m tired, I push through it. I never know when I’ll be back here!

I go back to my accommodation to take a nap

I slightly delay any plans and take a break at a cafe or local park

#7. It’s nearing the end of your planned trip. But your boss calls you and tells you that you don’t need to come back in for another week, since work is slow. What’s your next step?

Nice! I can extend my trip for a few extra days

You’re enjoying yourself too much, so you ask if you can come to work even later than that, if possible

I guess extra time for me to rest at home

#8. How long in advance do you normally begin packing for your trip?

At least a few days in advance

The night before, most likely

At least a week in advance

#9. How in depth is your research on the destination?

The overview of the culture and main things to do

As much as I can, even how the train system works

I don’t research prior

#10. When you travel, you wish you could…

Be more comfortable with the unknown. It makes you a little nervous

Know how much you should plan in advance, vs. figure things out as you go

Be more on time and organized

Finish

Results

Planner

You’re a Travel Planner!

You’re probably more Type A, preferring things to be organized and structured to make the most efficient use of your time.

You likely love the planning/researching phase of trips, and have multiple documents listing your travel plans.

If this sounds like you — go you!

It’s great to want to maximize your trip and experience as much as you can — just remember to practice patience and open-mindedness when, not if, things don’t go according to plan.

My advice: sometimes the best moments arise from spontaneity! Creating some “wiggle room” in your itinerary for flexible adjustments and free time may make your trips even MORE impactful. Release expectations of the idea of a “perfect” trip, and refocus on the more helpful perspective that everything unfolds exactly as it should in the end.

Free Spirit

You’re a Free Spirit!

You’re probably more Type B, preferring to “go with the flow” and take things one step at a time, without needing to rush anywhere or rigidly adhere to a certain itinerary.

Rather than heavily planning/researching everything before a trip, you trust that the destination will reveal itself to you once you arrive.

If this sounds familiar — that’s spectacular!

It’s great to be so flexible and open-minded with whatever a destination presents — just remember that a little planning/researching about a new place never hurts. Spontaneity isn’t inhibited by some prior knowledge; in fact, having more awareness of what’s around you can greatly enhance your trip!

My advice: you can still be a free-spirit while being educated about a destination (especially its history, common languages, and local cultures).

Mix of a planner and a free-spirit

You’re in the middle of a Free Spirit and Travel Planner!

In some ways, you’re more Type A, and in other ways, you’re more Type B.

You like a little bit of structure and spontaneity when you travel. Perhaps you do some light research/planning beforehand, but are flexible and open-minded once you get there.

If this resonates — that’s great!

It’s wonderful to be educated yet open to what the destination presents — continue finding the best flow for you!

My advice: reflect on when you could be more of a free-spirit, and when you could plan/research more during your travels.

This quiz is part of the “How to Take Your First Solo Trip” course.

gotacaseofwanderlust