Every traveller has their own style. Some of us are super organised, with colour-coded itineraries and neatly packed bags. Others throw a few things together at the last minute and trust it’ll all work out. And then there are the little quirks — the funny, sometimes universal habits we all seem to fall into when we’re away from home.
The truth is, there’s no “right” way to travel, and these habits don’t define how much fun you have. They’re just the things we do that make our trips uniquely ours — and they’re often what spark the most conversations afterwards.
Here are five of the most relatable travel habits you’ll probably recognise (either in yourself, or in someone you’ve travelled with). As you read, cast your vote in the polls and see where you stand compared to other travellers.
1. The Airport Early Bird vs. The Last-Minute Sprinter
The airport really brings out people’s personalities. For some, arriving three hours early is non-negotiable. They like to check in with plenty of time, wander through duty-free, maybe have a leisurely coffee, and start their holiday stress-free. For them, the airport is part of the experience — a little bubble of anticipation where the trip truly begins.
On the other hand, some travellers see airports as an obstacle to be endured, not savoured. These are the last-minute sprinters: the people who leave it to the very last moment, convinced they know exactly how long security will take. They might arrive at the gate just as boarding is announced, heart racing but smugly proud that they didn’t waste a second sitting around.
Both approaches have their pros and cons. The early bird avoids stress but spends more time in queues and departure lounges. The sprinter maximises their time at home or work but risks a sweaty dash to the gate. Which one sounds more like you?
2. The Duty-Free Ritual
Duty-free shops have an irresistible pull. Even if you don’t need a giant Toblerone, it somehow ends up in your basket. Perfume counters, glittering bottles of whisky, shelves of novelty sweets — it’s all part of the fun. For many, browsing duty-free is as much a part of the holiday as suncream and selfies.
But not everyone gets it. Some travellers stride past the shops without a second glance, heading straight to the gate. For them, it’s just retail in disguise — why waste time shopping when you could be boarding? Others split the difference: they’ll wander through, maybe test a fragrance or pick up a snack, but rarely go overboard.
It’s funny how much debate this sparks among travel companions. Some insist on stopping to stock up; others roll their eyes. Whatever your stance, duty-free is one of those travel rituals that’s hard to avoid entirely.
3. The Overpacker’s Dilemma
Packing for a trip feels like a strategic puzzle. In theory, you only need the essentials. In practice, many of us end up stuffing our suitcases with “just in case” items — extra shoes, outfits for every possible weather scenario, and half a pharmacy’s worth of toiletries.
Overpacking is a habit as old as luggage itself. There’s something comforting about knowing you’re prepared for anything, even if it means lugging around an overweight bag. On the flip side, some travellers take pride in packing light. They breeze through airports with just a backpack, smugly skipping the baggage carousel while the rest of us wait.
And then there are the in-betweeners — trying to be sensible, but somehow still slipping in that extra jumper or pair of sandals at the last minute. The truth is, everyone has their own style. The only real mistake? Forgetting something truly essential.
4. The Food Photographer
Food is one of the highlights of travelling. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of pho on a street corner in Hanoi or a picture-perfect gelato in Rome, meals often become some of the most vivid memories of a trip. For many of us, that means snapping a photo before we tuck in.
Taking food photos divides opinion. Some love it — capturing the colours, textures, and sense of place that a good meal brings. It’s a way of sharing your travels with friends and family, and a fun way to relive them later. Others can’t stand it. They’d rather savour the dish while it’s hot than hold up the table for a photo session.
There’s no denying that food photography has become part of modern travel culture. Entire Instagram feeds are devoted to meals from around the world, and even if you’re not a social media fan, a quick snap can be a nice addition to your travel album.
5. The Souvenir Hunter
Ah, souvenirs. For some travellers, no trip is complete without a little something to take home — whether it’s a fridge magnet, a postcard, or a handwoven craft from a local market. These keepsakes become tangible reminders of adventures, and they’re often as much about the story as the object itself.
Others see souvenirs differently. They’d rather travel light and spend their money on experiences, photos, or meals. Filling a suitcase with trinkets feels unnecessary, especially when space is limited. And then there are those who strike a balance — maybe a small token here or there, but nothing that requires an extra bag.
Souvenirs also spark fun debates: which ones are “classic” and which are “tacky”? Snow globes and keychains may divide opinion, but the joy of picking something out often outweighs the practicality.
Conclusion: The Joy of Travel Quirks
Travel isn’t just about destinations — it’s about the little rituals and habits that shape each journey. Whether you’re an airport early bird, a chronic overpacker, or a souvenir collector, these quirks make your trips unique. They also connect us, reminding us that while our styles may differ, we all share the same love of exploring.
So, which of these habits are you guilty of? Cast your votes in the polls and see how many fellow travellers do the same. After all, half the fun of travel is realising we’re not as unusual as we think.
