Join any of Intrepid’s small group adventures and likelihood is you’ll end up making mates and sharing new experiences with like-minded individuals of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. That’s a part of the enjoyment of journey.
But do sufficient globe-trotting on group journeys and it’s possible you’ll begin to discover that sure character traits crop up time and time once more amongst your fellow travellers. Of course, there are numerous kinds of traveller on the market – we’d by no means put you in a field – however these are simply among the classics. Some is likely to be apparent, others would possibly shock you – maybe you’ll even recognise your self.
The first timer
This nervous beginner is commonly seen lugging round an additional heavy backpack or overstuffed suitcase, having packed for each chance – however they’ve nonetheless managed to overlook their telephone charger. Wide-eyed and angsty, they have an inclination to stay near the journey chief always, lest they miss some important nugget of logistical data (getting misplaced or deserted at a busy bus station is their worst worry). In extreme instances, they’ll clutch a printed – or, in the event that they’re actually dedicated, laminated – copy of the journey itinerary like a consolation blanket.
Ideal journey: Highlights of Turkey and the Greek Islands, Grand Canadian Rockies or Mexico Unplugged for an epic vacation spot overview.
Buddy up: by lending a affected person ear to their jittery ‘what ifs?’ and inspiring them to step out of their consolation zone.
The veteran
Their assured, well-rehearsed self-introduction on the welcome assembly on the primary evening is often the primary giveaway. And this cool buyer’s spectacular capacity to retain the names of everybody within the group – with out having to ask twice – suggests they’ve perfected the artwork of bonding rapidly with strangers. Probe additional they usually’ll quickly reveal that they’ve been to each continent and finished seven different journeys with Intrepid – with three extra adventures within the pipeline.
Ideal journey: Ultimate Antarctica, Bhutan Expedition: Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail or Comoros: Wildlife Expedition for off-the-beaten-track bragging rights.
Buddy up: by skipping the small discuss and diving straight into deep chats.
The documentarian
Whether they’re snapping away on a hefty DSLR, shoving their smartphone between you and your first chunk of a very Instagrammable meal or sharing snippets of your journey on TikTok, the documentarian is decided to document each facet of your journey. Sure, the ‘pics or it didn’t occur’ angle and countless selfies would possibly elicit an eye fixed roll or two among the many group, however in the end, you’ll all be thankful for these banging group selfies and candid captures.
Ideal journey: Bali & Lombok Adventure, Italy Real Food Adventure or Trek Patagonia for unforgettable aesthetic adventures.
Buddy up: by providing your individual digicam expertise to take photos of them in lovely places. After all, they’re often behind – or solely an arm’s size from – the lens.
The shy one
Navigating new social conditions is overwhelming sufficient for shy sorts. Throw in an unfamiliar place, time zone or language and a plethora of sensory bombardments and it’s sufficient to render most introverts solely mute. If they’re quiet on the welcome meal or select to not be part of a singalong on the drive between sights, likelihood is they’re not being impolite – they’re simply processing. Given sufficient area and time, you would possibly discover you’ll be able to coax them right into a significant dialog. Perhaps you’ll even uncover that you just’re completely suitable journey buddies!
Ideal journey: Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak, Peru Expedition: Trek the Great Inca Road or Morocco: Women’s Expedition for group bonding experiences.
Buddy up: by displaying an curiosity, with out overwhelming them. Catching them after a very novel exercise or native expertise ought to get the dialog flowing simply.
The ringleader (aka not-so-shy one)
When a bunch of strangers all of the sudden converge in a brand new place, stuffed with hope and expectations, it may take a day or two to determine the group dynamics. But essentially the most extroverted character is more likely to make themselves recognized straight out of the gate, immediately cementing their function as ringleader. This loud and lovable character is almost definitely to place you all comfortable with their pure conviviality, to not point out allure the locals with their unabashed curiosity. If anybody’s going to persuade the group to do tequila photographs after one other unbelievable day on the highway, it’s them.
Ideal journey: Rio Carnival Experience, Real Bangkok to Singapore or Balkan Adventure for city escapades.
Buddy up: by enabling their mischief and going alongside for the journey.
The darkish horse
Watch out – this one’s stuffed with surprises. Just whenever you thought you had them sussed, they blow all of your preconceptions out of the water. Think in any other case aloof cool child getting tremendous dorky on the dancefloor or septuagenarian doing a bungee bounce with out batting an eyelid. Perhaps, in the direction of the tip of the journey, they’ll reveal they’re the sibling of a famous person, or get an impromptu neck tattoo to commemorate the journey. Prepare for the surprising.
Ideal journey: Central Asia: Five Stans Express, Incredible Ethiopia or New Zealand’s South Island in Depth for the wow issue.
Buddy up: by by no means judging a guide by its cowl.
The parental determine
Need a tissue? Someone to remind you to put on sunscreen? General ‘what should I do with my life’ recommendation? You’ll need to hunt down the ‘grown up’ of the group. You know the kind – they’re organised, quietly assured, naturally caring and all the time carry sufficient hand sanitiser to share. They could or is probably not dad and mom in actual life, are probably (however not essentially) older and exude a sure high quality – be it knowledge, kindness or just a realizing smile – that makes them a totally reassuring presence. You can depend on them in a disaster.
Ideal journey: Mountains & Mystics of India, South Australia Outback Adventure or Premium Japan for enlightening cultural encounters.
Buddy up: by by no means taking their good deeds or generosity without any consideration. If the chance arises, flip the script and do them a favour or pay it ahead.
The couple
We don’t prefer to outline individuals purely by their relationship standing – nevertheless it’s price acknowledging that whereas Intrepid journeys are nice for solo travellers, loads of {couples} get pleasure from small group adventures too. From newlyweds to empty nesters, these pairs are inclined to fall into certainly one of two classes. First, there’s the loved-up duo who stick collectively, sharing one pair of headphones on lengthy journeys and bickering benignly over who took the larger chunk of their shared gelato (cute!). Then there’s the impartial, outgoing duo, who, boosted by the actual fact they’ve a companion in crime to fall again on, are maybe essentially the most vivaciously social of your complete group.
Ideal journey: Premium Egypt in Depth, Classic Costa Rica or Iceland Discovery for making reminiscences that final a lifetime.
Buddy up: by making the primary transfer. Couples can appear standoffish however are sometimes completely open to increasing their journey circle.
Check out Intrepid’s journey themes and journey kinds to decide on your good itinerary and meet like-minded travellers on a small group journey.