As I've matured in my venture as a travel blogger (technically I'm still a cyber infant at 6 months old), I've come to learn that my point of view isn't going to appeal to everyone... and honestly it's been a relief to realize that I don't have to try. We all have unique personalities and we follow people and read blogs that we connect with. So, I've written out a long, detailed list of who I think Type A Trips connects with most. I hope this provides readers with a clearer picture of what you can expect from me and I really hope, more than anything, that some of me resonates with you and that we're in this together for the long haul.
If you're anything like me, YOU PROBABLY...
- Are a working professional who works hard to travel hard and isn't planning on selling all of your belongings to see the world... because traveling on the cheap just doesn't sound appealing.
- Are single or married, but don't have any young kids (that will have to be another blog one day - Type A w/ Toddlers?)
- Plan out and organize each detail of your trip to get the most out of every minute.
- Like higher end experiences and probably won't be staying in any hostels or cheap motels.
Would rather pay more for comfort, luxury and safety, but aren't opposed to searching for a deal to make it more affordable.
- Shop at boutiques, high-end brands and love a good sample sale.
- Consciously try to break the stereotype of the annoying US tourist by being respectful of local customs, learning the language through important key phrases and are considerate of people around you who live normal lives and work hard in the places you visit.
- Make reservations and review the menu before you show up.
- Believe in food creativity as an art and are willing to try new things with the expectation that taste and good service are of highest importance.
- Sometimes compromise to do everything you want - free museum days, show up early to places to avoid long lines, look for monthly specials or travel during off season.
Visit a spa almost every chance you get.
Want to backpack through Southeast Asia as long as you get to bring a rolling suitcase, can get a massage in every city and don't have to share a bathroom along the way.
- Ok, you're probably a little bit of a germaphobe too.
- Enjoy high tea and tasting menus, but also like to try unique experiences like late night street food tours, farmers markets and the occasional food truck.
- Hate the bus and avoid it at all costs, but don't mind the subway or a long stroll, even in the winter.
- Buy specific articles of clothing depending on your destination so you are always prepared for anything.
Think a 10 course tasting menu is considered just as entertaining and worth the money as a Broadway show.
- Would never buy a magnet or seashell necklace as a souvenir, instead you would bring home a vintage purse or set of wine glasses in remembrance.
- Avoid long hikes or water sports because "adventure" is not your strong suit, but will put on your unused Nike's if your travel partner insists. My husband usually does.
- Are looked at by your friends and coworkers as a little nuts, even though they secretly all wish they traveled just as much as you do.
Remember the experiences where you made a new friend or had lunch with a local more than anything else and hope to return the favor one day.
- Love anywhere in Europe, but would also enjoy laying on a beach at an all-inclusive resort one week out of the year in order to completely let go for a while.
- Read hundreds of reviews and research every detail of a new city so you can make lists of places you'd like to go, even though you probably won't have time to visit them all.
- Think last minute plans and decisions are disappointments waiting to happen.
Visit every Anthropologie in town because you know each one just might carry something a little different (and if you're asking yourself why anyone would go to various places dedicated to Anthropology as a science, you should just stop reading now. I mean it.).
- Settle for something a little less in order to travel with friends or meet the demands of your husband who would ALWAYS prefer to pay less than you would.
- Realize the world isn't centered around you and are grateful for what you have.
- Will go out of your way to help anyone in need and take time to support and serve in areas you visit that need it most.
Expense and luxury are NEVER an excuse to be rude, demanding or mean.
- Prefer not to share rides, bathrooms, tours or toothbrushes. Did I already mention I'm a germaphobe?
- Believe that expensive purchases are considered investment pieces... your husband or wife does not.
- Avoid sketchy neighborhoods at all costs unless there is an epic experience guaranteed to be had. Tijuana and The Tenderloin are just not worth the stress or fear.
- Intend to pack light, but it never happens.
Are willing to sacrifice your husband's comfort to drag a set of china across Italy because it's going to look great in your dining room.
- Have your favorite places that you just have to go back to - no matter how much of the world you still have to see - hence annual trips to New York City and a marital guarantee that my toes will touch the streets of Florence every fifth year.
- Anticipate that a nice dinner for two is rarely under $100.
- Also anticipate that a hotel is rarely ever less than $150 a night, but you will book an Airbnb as long as you have the whole place to yourself and it's in a cool/safe spot.
Read through this long list of gibberish and weren't offended - and those who were probably wrote me off as a crazy person at bullet 3 (yeah, I'm specifically thinking of you, brother-in-law).
- Are a traveler and love it, as long as it's done your way!