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What’s your Travel Style?

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Updated on February 26th, 2025

I am still knee-deep in writing my new course which I am hoping to start recoding this week. It’s so exciting to be finally at the point of getting it out there.

If you want to know more, it’s called “Find Your Way – The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey” and I have specifically designed it for women in midlife who want to travel but have no idea where to start. 

Within the course I cover everything I think you need to know over six lessons, delivered over six weeks which includes all the planners and trackers you also need to make your travel dreams a reality. Plus, I’ll be there answering all your questions, holding your hand and waving you off when you leave on your first adventure (metaphorically at least!).

It’s been a journey putting everything together and I’m now at the stage where I can’t wait to put it out there. If you are interested at all then either click the link HERE or below, or just send a simple email by return saying “COUNT ME IN” or anything you else you fancy so I know that you’re keen. 

One aspect that I’ve covered in depth but not really written about here before is Travel Style. And with that I’m not talking fashion! 

Travel Style refers to the unique way you prefer to experience travel, shaped by your personal preferences, interests, budget, and comfort level. It includes your choice about transportation, accommodation, activities, and pace. For example, some of you may opt for luxury hotels and planned itineraries, while others prefer budget hostels and spontaneous adventures.

Why Travel Style Matters
Traveling is an intensely personal experience. What excites one person may feel overwhelming to another. For example, some of you will thrive on a packed itinerary, hitting every museum and historical site, while others (myself included), enjoy slow, leisurely days soaking in local cafes and chatting with residents. But for me, that will also depend on where I am, why I’m there and how long I have.

Understanding your travel style ensures that you’re designing a trip that’s enjoyable for you.

By knowing your travel style, you can:

  • Choose the right destination
  • Plan the pace of your trip
  • Pick accommodation that suits your comfort level
  • Ensure you’re budgeting for the experiences that matter most to you

So, let’s dive in to how you can identify yours in six easy steps:

Step 1: Reflect on Past Travel Experiences
Think back to previous trips you’ve taken, whether they were domestic or international. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What did you love about your favourite trips?
  • What made you feel stressed or overwhelmed?
  • Did you prefer having a well-organized itinerary or more spontaneous days?
  • How important was comfort and luxury to you—did you prefer a five-star hotel, or were you content with budget accommodations?

By reflecting on what worked and what didn’t, you’ll start to see patterns. Perhaps you loved the thrill of hopping from city to city with a jam-packed schedule, or maybe you preferred a slow, relaxing stay in one place. Identifying these key elements will help you build the foundation for your travel style.

Step 2: Assess Your Comfort Level
Comfort is a huge factor in determining your travel style. Are you the type of traveller who can handle roughing it, or do you prefer the comforts of home while on the road? Consider how you feel about:

  • Accommodation: Would you rather stay in a luxury hotel, a cozy boutique inn, or are you perfectly fine with a hostel or camping?
  • Transportation: Do you prefer flying, renting a car, or travelling by train? Are you open to using public transport in foreign cities?
  • Food: Are you an adventurous eater, willing to try street food and local delicacies, or do you need more familiar options?
  • Activities: Would you enjoy hiking, exploring remote areas, and experiencing nature, or are cultural activities and city life more your style?

Take some time to think about what makes you feel comfortable (and what makes you feel uncomfortable) while traveling. Your comfort level will significantly impact the types of trips you enjoy.

Step 3: Define Your Budget
Budget is a key consideration when identifying your travel style. Your financial resources will shape the kind of experiences, accommodation, and destinations you can access.

Think about how much you’re willing to spend on:

  • Accommodation: Luxury or mid-range hotels, hostels, Airbnb, or are you comfortable to explore FREE options?
  • Food: Dining at fine restaurants, casual eateries, or cooking your own meals?
  • Activities: Are you someone who enjoys splurging on unique experiences like guided tours, cooking classes, or cultural performances, or do you prefer free or low-cost activities like hiking and exploring on your own?

What’s important is that there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people prioritise experiences over accommodation, while others would rather spend on comfort and relax in a beautiful environment.

Step 4: What’s Your Preferred Pace?
Another important aspect of travel style is the pace at which you like to travel. This can vary significantly from person to person. Some travellers thrive on packed schedules with little downtime, while others prefer a slower, more relaxed itinerary. Think about:

  • How fast or slow do you like to travel?
    Do you enjoy cramming as much as possible into each day, or do you like taking your time, spending a few days (or weeks) in each destination?
  • How important is flexibility to you?
    Do you enjoy having every detail planned, or do you prefer the freedom to change your plans on a whim?
  • Do you get bored easily, or do you enjoy immersing yourself in one place for a longer time?
    If you find yourself getting antsy in one place, you may prefer trips that involve multiple destinations or activities. If you love digging deep into the culture of a place, slower travel may be more your style.

Step 5: Match Your Style to Destinations and Trips
Here are a few common travel styles and suggestions on what types of destinations might suit them:

  • Luxury Traveler: If you prefer comfort, fine dining, and relaxation, destinations with high-end resorts, spas, and world-class restaurants may be more your cup of tea. Think places like Bali, the French Riviera, or Santorini. These spots cater to a more upscale, relaxing travel experience.
  • Adventure Seeker: If you thrive on adrenaline-pumping activities like hiking, scuba diving, or extreme sports, look for destinations that offer plenty of outdoor adventure, such as New ZealandPatagonia, or Costa Rica. These locations provide opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy thrilling experiences.
  • Cultural Explorer: If you’re all about museums, art, history, and soaking in local culture, cities with rich cultural histories, such as Rome, Kyoto, or Istanbul, may appeal to you. These destinations offer a deep dive into local traditions, art, and history.
  • Budget Traveler: If you’re looking to stretch your budget while still enjoying the trip of a lifetime, destinations in Southeast AsiaCentral America, or Eastern Europe may offer affordable accommodation, food, and activities while still providing incredible experiences.

Step 6: Stay True to Your Preferences
The most important thing to remember is that there’s no right way to travel—only what works best for you. It’s easy to get caught up in others’ travel experiences or the pressure to visit certain places because they’re popular. But by staying true to your travel style, you’ll have a much more fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

So, do you know your travel style? Is it a five-star resort or a cozy campsite? Is it a packed schedule or a relaxed pace? I’d love to know, hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (FacebookInstagramYouTubePinterestThreads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details. And don’t forget to also let me know if I can COUNT YOU IN for my new Find Your Way Course.

Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?

Until next time, 

Safe Travels

Sue x

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

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Video – City break to Istanbul – MUST DO 48 hours in Turkey Itinerary

🏠 For accommodation, I use Booking.com. They have their Genius loyalty scheme which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.

🚍  For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide

🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.

🤞 I would never leave home without travel insurance. With Safety Wing you can take out an annual policy and pay monthly. This takes the hassle out of having to remember for us regular travellers.

🛫 For cheap flights, check out Skyscanner or join Jacks Flight Club which scans the internet for error fares (UK only).

🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.

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