We all travel for different reasons—some of us for the thrill of it, and others for lack of other options. However, travel is almost inevitable, especially with the world slowly changing into one big village. There are several types of travellers, depending on their reason for travelling. What kind of traveller are you?

The Official Traveller

I think this has been the most common type of traveller since people started travelling. The official traveller is one who moves out of necessity and for formal purposes such as trade, work or school. I have always wanted to travel abroad for academic reasons, but I think the excitement of it all would distract me. However, most official travellers are used to the idea of crossing borders and oceans for their intentions. They do not stray from their purpose or find any pleasure in the whole process. For them, it is as normal as it is for us to wake up and go to work or school. Some official travellers include athletes, musicians, artists, merchants, service providers, etc.

The Adrenaline-seeking Traveller

Have you ever met a person who has a romantic relationship with danger? I once had a friend who said he felt alive when he glared at the possibility of death. To this day, I do not get why you would deliberately put yourself at risk in the name of fun. However, I know that my need for safety is cowardice in the eyes of some. The adrenaline-seeking traveller picks out destinations that specifically have ‘dangerous’ activities to offer. These include ziplining, bungee jumping, sky diving, canoeing at rapids or freestyle rock climbing. This type of traveller only does so for the thrill of it. Some even make a living from this.

The Escaping Traveller

The very first time I travelled out of Kenya, I went in the guise of an internship. I, however, chose that specific destination because I wanted to escape. I was going through some harsh changes, and at a point, I could not take it anymore. Luckily, God had mercy on me, and I got into the internship program. Escape travel might be temporary or long-term depending on the traveller’s preferences. It allows one to change their environment, thus getting away from whatever might be robbing them of their peace. People who travel to escape might find themselves doing it every time they meet challenges. While it can be therapeutic, it can equally become an unhealthy crutch. You might end up never setting roots anywhere.

The Adventure-seeking Traveller

Most modern travellers fall into this category. This type of traveller seeks to discover and explore their destinations with the hope of merely enjoying what they find. Adventure-seeking travellers have open minds and universal souls. They see the beauty in the diversity the world carries and enjoy every bit of it. Most adventure-seeking travellers live minimally, have no specific destination, and rely heavily on the kindness of strangers. Not for financial help necessarily, but also for knowledge and connection as well. These people have non-blood families in different parts of the world.

The Luxury Traveller

The type of traveller I envy most is the luxury traveller. I know we should not covet, but oh would it not be nice to wake up and head to a seven-star hotel for a week without any worries? I know you agree with me. The luxury traveller travels for the sole goal of enjoyment. They do not care much about adrenaline, different cultures or getting away from their troubles. No. They travel to enjoy saunas, sunset views on white sandy beaches, and continental four-course meals. Some travel to attend a party or go on a cruise. They travel as a sort of tribute to themselves. As a way of treating themselves to something beautiful. Although it is not possible for everyone, I believe it is essential to have at least one luxury trip in your life.

The Tourist Traveller

All tourists are travellers, but not all travellers are tourists. Growing up, I thought that as long as you went to a town or country outside your home, you were a tourist. However, I came to learn that tourists are a select sort of the larger umbrella of travellers. Tourists are people that travel to see and be at famous destinations such as museums, game parks, mountains, lakes, caves, and other historic sites. Popular tourist sites in Kenya include Fort Jesus, the Animal Orphanage, the Fourteen Falls and the Mida Creek, to mention a few.

The Soul-searching Traveller

Self-realisation does not come easy to everyone. Some people have to travel to faraway places so that they can find clarity and meaning in their lives. Soul-searching travellers do not focus on the physical aspects of their journey as much as the feelings they get when doing so. Some might end up in a monastery in China, or working as a volunteer in a community-based organisation in exchange for food and shelter. Most soul-searching travellers return home having found what they were looking for. Nevertheless, some choose to stay in their new destination, which may be offering more opportunities than their cradle land.

The Ride-along Traveller

The last type of traveller on my list is the ride-along traveller. This category describes the people who had no prior arrangements to travel until their friends invited them along. They are often spontaneous and non-expectant. Most ride-along travellers do not even worry about what lies ahead, as long as they are in the company of their loved ones. Although they may not have planned it, to begin with, I believe this type of traveller ends up having the best time of all.

Final thoughts

Everyone travels for different reasons. Some for income generation purposes, others for the healing of their souls. Travel is more than just packing a bag and going. It serves a significant meaning to the sojourner. Which type of traveller are you?