1. The Nomad
They’ve been everywhere and done nearly everything but they don’t plan on going home anytime soon. In fact, they usually don’t have a “home.” Their world is their playground and somehow they have enough money to keep traveling. I’ve met this type on buses, in airports, and hostel bars. They usually fund their travels by making/selling jewelry, teaching English, or practicing yoga at retreats.
The Nomad type will tell you they’ve just finished backpacking through Australia for the past six months and now they’re headed to the Yucatan or somewhere else equally exotic and alluring. They have a weathered look that says they’ve seen it all but they’re still hungry for more.
2. The Newbie
It’s this person’s first time traveling internationally. He’s clutching his guide book and his backpack is about to burst at the seams because of how much random stuff he’s brought with him. All of his clothes and travel gear are brand new, maybe he’s even decked out head to toe in Patagonia or Northface. He’s so eager to just experience it all and you can’t blame the guy. Just remind him to slow down and take it all in.
3. The Couple
You can tell they’re both equally in love and frustrated at the same time. Traveling with someone else is never easy and when you’re in a relationship I can only imagine it takes a little bit more patience than usual. Everything they do is together.
Every meal, every activity, every decision is done with the other person’s mood, judgment, and opinion factored in. The backpacking couple is always fun to chat with or have a meal with. They have tons of stories to share and it’s always cute seeing two adventurous people in love on the road.
4. The Lone Soul
The solo traveler comes in many varieties. Some are traveling to get away from it all, others are on a 2 week vacation from work, and some are simply traveling to just travel and experience the world on their own terms. Traveling alone can be an exhilarating experience but it can also get lonely. The lone traveler should be treated with care and friendliness.
If you see one of us eating a meal alone or sitting by ourselves don’t hesitate to introduce yourselves. When you’re by yourself on the road sometimes you can go a whole day without talking to someone and an extended invitation to get drinks or hang out is always appreciated.
5. The Entrepreneur
Internet marketer. Travel blogger. Lifestyle designer. Website consultant. Freelancer. Graphic designer. These are just a few of the titles I hear passed around on my travels of people who have a location independent career. They’re living the dream and can be anywhere they want, working from the comfort of any wifi cafe in the world. Pretty sweet, right?
Although this lifestyle is great the biggest misconception is that it comes easy. I’ve written about the truths of being a freelance writer and the same goes for other independent location careers. It takes time, hard work, and patience to be able to get into these positions. These people are fun to meet on the road because they often have inspirational stories of how they got where they are today.
What other travel types have you met on the road?
I would love to be the no. 5 ! Have you met all of these travellers on your travel trips?
I have!:)
Great post and so true! I’m trying to be a number 5 too, I got close, but the disadvantage of it is that you know you HAVE TO make money all the time, otherwise you’re going home. I got sick for 2 weeks and ended up with no money and on a flight home.
Aw, bummer! I think a lot of travel bloggers are all attempting to be #5. It’s definitely not as easy as it may seem, that’s for sure. I had a similar situation as you did where I tried freelancing/traveling at the same time but ended up going home due to illness. It can be so hard and distracting to work/travel simultaneously.
I do better when I can travel with a decent amount of money in the bank so there’s no pressure to work nonstop but there’s also the ability to make more $$ on the road. That’s what I’ll be doing on my next big trip this year so hopefully it works out.