I thought it would be fun to document what my travel style is now {or what I think it is} and then update it as I make my way around the world. When I talk to other travel lovers, it is interesting to see how strongly they feel about their travel style, and what makes it a successful trip for them.

Length of Trip

At about 7 days, I start to get homesick, but I push through. I get tired, miss my bed and my dog, and my overall normal routine. I am not the type that will travel for months at a time, continuously calling a different country home. I like have a home base and a place to call my own, so I think 10 days is a good target for me. So far I have been a fan of experiencing several different places, so right now I feel 3-4 days in one spot is sufficient before moving to another area. Any less than that I feel adds to the exhaustion of travel and you don't get to absorb the area around you. Many people say 3-4 days is still not enough, so I reserve the right to change my mind. {Of course this is situational. I would never travel 12 hours to only be there 3 days}

Adventure vs. Relaxation

While there are different intentions for each trip, I think variety is the key to any trip for me. Overall, I am not a "lay out all day on the beach" kind of girl; however sometimes you need a little bit of a break. I would say I enjoy a 70/30 split between adventure and relaxation. Included in that 30% is a little bit a nap time during the day, because I definitely need to recharge. Note that adventure does not always mean adrenaline rush. Adrenaline travel is not my thing {no sky diving or bungee jumping for me}.

Priority of Hotels

On the bottom of the priority list for me is a nice hotel. I care about the location and safety, and it is a bonus if they have a free breakfast. If I am doing the trip right, I am spending my time out exploring and not sitting in a hotel room. If there are cool features of the hotel, like historic aspects or unique characteristics, I might splurge for a night or two. I am excited to try hostels because I think they would be great to meet new people and be a cost effective place to lay my head down at night. I am a little worried about security but I trust that with proper research this risk can be mitigated. 

Priority of Time

My highest priority is my time. I will generally pay extra for a non-stop flight and try to group excursions based on convenience {which can result in exhaustion by trying to cram too much into one day}. I will choose flying over driving/ferries/trains most of the time, although I plan to experience some shorter train rides in Europe at some point. 

Worth a Thousand Words

Behind the importance of my time and safety, photos are a top priority. I am the annoying person that wants to stop every 5 minutes to take a photo and I have to remind myself to actually experience the moment. I want to capture EVERYTHING and there is no greater regret than missing a great opportunity. Chances are I will take hundreds of photos but only share 20-30, but that's just what I do! I also want to be in the photos so I will hassle strangers and spend a great deal of time setting up an auto timer. If you travel with me, prepare to be patient because I am unapologetic about this - but you will thank me when you have awesome pics!

Shop 'Till You Drop

Torture. Most of the stuff is crap so I find shopping a waste of time and money. I have photos of my trip and don't need any souvenirs beyond that to remember it by. 

Authenticity 

I fully believe in visiting the "touristy" spots. There is a reason they are so popular and attract so many visitors, and more often than not I am happy to have the experience. However I also want to speak to locals and visit their restaurants - I will avoid restaurant chains at all costs. I like going off the beaten path and getting the true feel of the region I am in.