One of the most important parts of becoming a travel maven is knowing your travel style. In order to understand what types of vacations will suit you best, you have to take a long hard look at… you! What kind of person are you? What do you like and dislike? I know, I know… these are horrible questions to ask. They’re philosophical and trite and you’ve been forced to answer them all your life. But if you can be honest with yourself about who you are deep down inside, you’ll find that you end up on trips that make your little heart sing. And that, my friends, is worth all the emo introspection.

I’ll let you in on a secret about me: I’m not a history person. A four day tour of all the ancient Roman archeological sites sounds like a snooze fest to me. Does this mean I never visit historical sites when I’m out exploring? Of course not. It just means they’re not at the top of my priority list, and I’m certainly not organizing my vacations around them. Maybe you’re guffawing right now because you think I’m missing out. But it’s important to know these things about yourself— even if they embarrass you slightly to admit them…

Do you enjoy ancient ruins or modern art? Street vs. chic food? Self-guided city walks or bus tours? Perhaps not every trip you take will be your perfect style fit, but I’m endlessly surprised by how many travelers ignore their own interests in favor of visiting the “must sees” or fitting in what they think they should do at their destination. It seems obvious, but if you plan travel around what you love, you’ll have much more fulfilling vacations!

Above all, when planning a trip, please honestly ask yourself this essential question: am I doing this because I think I should/want to say I did, or because it really appeals to me? In this day and age of social media, it can seem like a trip to Iceland is incomplete without an insta pic of the Blue Lagoon. But if you hate soaking in hot springs, then I highly doubt that this very expensive excursion will be a vacation highlight you’ll talk about for years to come. Is an iconic, pretty picture really worth it? Or would your hard earned time and money be more enjoyably spent trying ten different kinds of smelted fish in a Reykjavik cafe? If you’re traveling with others, this is especially significant. Not only should you know what experiences you find valuable, it’s also important to consider what your travel partner(s) prioritizes.

One great way to hone in on your travel style is to think about some past trips. What are the common themes of the stories you always tell people who ask you about your vacations? Maybe you can’t wait to talk about the meals you savored, or the unique live music you stumbled upon one evening, or the beautiful scenery of your long bus ride between two cities. What stands out in your mind as the highlight of the trip? Sometimes simply thinking about a previous destination and what you loved/hated can help you recognize what type of travel is compelling to you!

These questions are a good place to start when trying to define your style:

Do you feel overwhelmed with transitions or need time to adjust to something new?

If transitions stress you out, you probably won’t enjoy seeing 4 costal Italian cities in 6 days!

Are you introverted or extroverted?

A group tour or accommodations can ruin the fun for introverts, while isolating/remote destinations can bore extroverts

Is the journey or the destination more important to you?

Splurging on a 45 minute flight between Bogota and Medellin might be worth the extra cost if it means avoiding the 7 hour bus ride... that is, if observing the spaces in between doesn’t appeal to you

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Itineraries that involve late night tango shows or early morning tour wake up calls can exhaust instead of rejuvenate you

Do you mind roughing it or prefer comfort?

JUST BE HONEST HERE… is an uncomfortable bed going to screw your back and ruin your next three days?

Is being physically active while traveling a priority for you?

An all inclusive Mexican costal resort centered around eating/drinking might weigh you down… or maybe it’s just what you need!

Do you like crowds/people or prefer solitude/quiet?

Maybe trade some of your 6 days in Paris for a few in a Provincial town

What was your favorite subject in school?

It seems like a weird consideration… but it’s probably still true today. Does going to a book fair in Buenos Aires cater to your inner literary nerd? Or maybe a day at the Computer History museum in Mountain View, California is right up your secret computer geek alley!

If you have a whole day with no plans, what would you be most excited to do?

Sleep? Cook an amazing meal? Go for a long hike? Spend all afternoon doing nothing with your best friend? Finish a book in a day?

I know we all secretly just want someone to tell us what to do at a new destination. I get it— it’s easier. It usually turns out okay. But I’d like to encourage you to break from the pack and make your plans according to who you are and what makes you happy. So, fellow Budget Luxury Traveler, I hereby give you permission to say no to a trip that doesn’t fit your interests! Your limited time off would be better spent on a vacation that really fulfills your desires. YOU REBEL, YOU! Now get out there and enjoy the shit out of your custom designed, hard earned vacation.