Angela's

ATLAS

English-Speaking Travel Destinations by Travel Style

Traveling to a foreign country can be exciting but also a bit daunting, especially if you’re worried about a language barrier. For those of you who prefer to keep things simple and stick to English-speaking destinations, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, I’ll match some incredible destinations to different travel styles, so you can find the perfect spot that speaks to you—literally!

english travel destination globe

But first, do you know your travel style? I’ve taken a deep dive into what makes each of us a little bit different in how we prefer to vacation and created my very own explanation of a personal travel style.

What Is a Travel Style?

My definition of a travel style is a combination of 4 different focus areas: planning, excursions, confidence, and comfort. Within these four focus areas, there is a spectrum of where you fall depending on your tendencies or preferences. 

travel style personality puzzle pieces

Planning: How do you handle your trip logistics and itinerary?

There is no getting around it: taking a vacation requires some amount of planning. Before you leave on vacation, you have to find a flight to get you there and a hotel to stay in. Once you arrive, you have to figure out what you want to do and see.

Understanding how much of the what, where, and when of your vacation that you like to plan in advance, as well as how structured or loose your daily itinerary is plays a big role in making sure that you’re going on a vacation that will meet your personal recharge needs and expectations.

Some people prefer to plan all of the details of their vacation ahead of time so that they can arrive and just start being on vacation. On the other end of the spectrum, some people prefer to go with the flow and discover things as they find them based on how they feel every day.

So in general, there’s two main types: those who prefer to have a plan and those who don’t want to have a plan; however, as humans we are by no means that black-and-white. In this focus area, there are four distinct planning travel styles.

Excursions: What do you like to do on vacation?

When most people consider taking a vacation, a big factor to consider is what there is to do in the destination of choice. In general, there is usually a dominant theme in how people tend to like to spend their vacation time, though the specific activities can vary from vacation to vacation.

Some like to do a lot, some like to see a lot, and some like to eat or drink a lot. On the other hand, some enjoy doing “nothing”, according to their own expectations. This focus area hones in on the specific activities that will leave you feeling fulfilled from your vacation.

Confidence: How confident are you in unfamiliar situations?

Choosing vacation arrangements that are a match for your comfort level in unfamiliar territory is an important factor to making sure that your expectations are met. Experience will contribute some to the confidence level because the more you travel, the less uncertain and more familiar it becomes. Outside of experience, there are people that have a natural confidence towards uncertainty, and those that approach uncertainty with worry.

You might prefer to rely on the local experts in a destination to make sure that you are getting around to your activities safely and on-time. On the other hand, more experienced or independent travelers would rather travel around with their own personal group. This focus area takes a deeper look into how comfort and confidence contribute to your travel style.

Comforts – What comforts are a requirement on your vacation?

The amenities that you prefer to have available on a vacation is an equally important consideration to a travel style. Speaking about more than just your wardrobe, we are talking about the type of lodging and modern luxuries, that you require, or don’t require, on your vacation. Since vacations are a chance to treat yourself to experiences that you don’t normally get, this focus area needs it’s own focus.

If you’re someone who goes on vacation to enjoy the finer things, then paying extra attention to the details of your hotel selection is a big priority. You may opt to spend more on small-batch luxury experiences or comfortable transportation because those things will make you feel the way you expect to feel. On the other hand, if you require only clean, comfortable, and safe accommodations, then you may not care about fancy hotels or luxury experiences. In fact, you might feel uncomfortable or like you’re unnecessarily splurging if it’s not a match for you how you envisioned.

That’s the basic framework to help you understand your travel style so you can tailor your next vacation to match your unique preferences and have a more fulfilling travel experience.

The 8 Travel Style Avatars

But I’ve found that there are some common groupings amongst the 4 pieces of a travel style, which led me to the creation of the Travel Style Avatars: an easy and descriptive way to describe your travel style.

I’ve found that most people fall into 8 Travel Style Avatars, or perhaps are a blend of 2. Which are you?

Bucket Listers

Bucket Listers want to go somewhere iconic with a WOW factor. They are typically experienced travelers who like to see and do as much as possible in a destination and stay in comfortable or luxurious accommodations.

Adventurers

Adventurers are seekers of the wild. They spend their vacations hiking and viewing nature and wildlife. They prefer to have their travel plans mapped out before departure so they can come prepared with all of the gear and equipment they need for a more rugged vacation.

Escapists

Escapists want to get away from everyday life and take a break. Their vacations are a balance between fun and total relaxation, which usually means staying in luxury accommodations with dining and activities in close proximity. 

Soul Searchers

Soul Searchers travel to find something within themselves or within the world. They are eager to learn about and immerse themselves in another culture. They are less likely to plan every aspect of a vacation to leave space for authentic, spontaneous experiences.

Tourists

Tourists are sightseers who recognize certain destinations are popular for a reason. Tourists have the majority of their trip planned before departure, sometimes taking an organized tour, so they don’t not have to worry about the logistics and can maximize how much they see in a short amount of time.

Socialites

Socialites travel to experience the fine cuisine, drinks, and modern life of another country. Their itinerary is simple yet sophisticated: a stylish hotel in the heart of the city, a few dinner reservations at the trendiest spots, and  an impeccable wardrobe for every occasion.

Thrill Seekers

Thrill Seekers want  to feel ALIVE on vacation. They want to have epic excursions  like whitewater rafting, parasailing, or canyoning – anything that is fun and exciting. As you might expect, thrill seekers are less likely to plan every part of a vacation so they can go with the flow.  

Nomads

Nomads are intuitive travelers. They are open to new experiences with no set plan or sense of time commitment. As the ultimate wanderers, nomads go wherever the wind takes them, walking, road-tripping, or taking long train or bus rides to destinations on and off the beaten path. 

The Best English-Speaking Destinations for Your Travel Avatar

Now that you have an idea of what your travel style is, I have some tailored English-speaking destination recommendations for you.

For the Bucket Listers

Bucket Listers want those really special and epic places that feel big.

Fiji: If pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are your idea of paradise, Fiji is a must-visit. This destination offers an exotic beach experience far beyond your typical Caribbean getaway.

Singapore: Perfect for city lovers, Singapore is a bucket-list city with iconic landmarks, modern infrastructure, and plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. While English is one of four official languages, it’s widely spoken here.

South Africa: For those dreaming of an African safari, South Africa is the ideal spot. Combine your wildlife adventure with some time in Cape Town or a wine tour in Stellenbosch for a truly epic trip.

fiji pristine beach blue water

For the Adventurers

Adventurers value nature, wildlife, and exploring wild spaces.

Belize: A paradise for nature lovers, Belize offers diverse ecosystems both on land and at sea. While English is the official language, it’s more commonly spoken in certain areas, so be prepared for some regional variation.

Canada: British Columbia, in particular, is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. With stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities, Canada is an adventurer’s dream.

New Zealand: Renowned for its natural beauty and adventure opportunities, New Zealand is perfect for those who want to explore the great outdoors. From multi-day hikes to road trips, this country is all about adventure.

mayan ruins in jungle belize

For the Escapists

Escapists want to relax and escape from their everyday lives.

Bahamas: With its variety of islands, the Bahamas offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Whether you’re lounging on a beach or exploring a quieter island, you’ll feel like you’ve truly gotten away.

Saint Lucia: For a bit more than just beaches, Saint Lucia offers lush landscapes, volcano beaches, and even mineral baths. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and activity.

Malta: Looking for a luxe vibe in Europe without the urge to hop around? Malta offers beautiful beaches, a vibrant social scene, and a touch of nightlife to complete your escape.

For the Soul Searchers

Soul Searchers want to dive deep into the history or culture of a destination and connect to their own innermost thoughts and feelings

South Africa: South Africa’s blend of history, different cultures, and natural beauty can’t help but touch one’s heart and soul.

Scotland: With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural depth, Scotland is perfect for those looking to explore a country in depth or embark on a personal journey.

Belize: For those seeking solitude in nature, Belize offers serene beaches, rainforests, and Mayan ruins—ideal for introspection and meditation.

Bonus Option: India: The classic destination for soul-searching, India offers a rich spiritual landscape with ancient traditions and a vibrant culture. It’s a place where you can dive deep into yourself or the history of the land. While English is an official language, there is a large portion of the population that does not speak English.

For the Tourists

Tourists like to go to the places in the world that are popular for a reason. 

United Kingdom: London and beyond, the UK is a tourist’s dream with a wealth of attractions. Whether it’s your first visit or your third, there’s always more to see.

Ireland: From charming villages to famous road trip routes, Ireland is packed with sights to see and experiences to enjoy. The friendly locals and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit.

Canada: Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city of Vancouver or the stunning natural parks, Canada offers something for every tourist. Just avoid Quebec and the far north if you want to stick with English.

london city telephone booth

For the Socialites

Socialites come on vacation to eat, drink, and be merry. 

Malta: Fancy resorts, a lively social scene, and plenty of nightlife make Malta a great pick for those who love to wine, dine, and socialize.

Dubai, UAE: Known for its luxury lifestyle, Dubai offers high-end dining, shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. English is widely spoken, although it’s not the official language.

Ireland: With its lively pub culture and traditional music, Ireland offers plenty of opportunities to meet new people and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

malta architecture water boat

For the Thrill Seekers

Thrill Seekers want the experiences that will make them feel alive. 

Jamaica: From cliff diving to zip-lining, Jamaica is full of thrilling activities that will get your adrenaline pumping.

New Zealand: The adventure capital of the world, New Zealand is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. Think bungee jumping, skydiving, and heli-skiing.

Canada: Canada’s vast wilderness offers extreme sports like skiing, snowboarding, and whitewater rafting, making it a great destination for thrill-seekers.

mountain bike ride in canada mountains

For the Nomads

Nomads are the free spirits who travel with no set plan or time commitment.

Ireland: With its compact size and welcoming culture, Ireland is ideal for road trips and spontaneous travel. The blend of rural landscapes and cities makes it perfect for the wandering nomad.

New Zealand: With its freedom camping and campervan culture, New Zealand is a country made for exploration.

Canada: Canada’s sheer size and diversity make it a playground for nomads who want to go wherever the wind takes them, from multicultural cities to vast wildernesses.

The Complete list of English-Speaking Travel Destinations 

So, there you have it—your guide to English-speaking travel destinations based on your travel style. Whether you’re a Bucket Lister or a Nomad, there’s a destination out there that’s a match for you that doesn’t have a language barrier to worry about.

Here’s a quick summary:

  • Canada (Adventurers, Thrill Seekers, Nomads, Tourists)
  • New Zealand (Adventurers, Thrill Seekers, Nomads)
  • Ireland (Tourists, Socialites, Nomads)
  • South Africa (Bucket Listers, Soul Searchers)
  • Belize (Adventurers, Soul Searchers)
  • Malta (Escapists, Socialites)
  • Singapore (Bucket Listers)
  • Jamaica (Thrill Seekers)
  • Bahamas (Escapists)
  • Fiji (Bucket Lister)
  • United Kingdom (Tourists)
  • Scotland (Soul Searchers)
  • Saint Lucia (Escapists)
  • Dubai (Socialites)

Bonus: An English-Speaking Destination Recommendation for Any Travel Style 

You might be wondering why Australia didn’t make it onto the list. The truth is, Australia is a top contender for almost all of these travel styles. So, if none of the other recommendations are calling your name, or you need a destination that will appeal to a range of travel companions, consider Australia as your fourth option.

Are you still unsure about where to go or need help narrowing down your options?

I can offer you personalized recommendations with my Destination Matching service!

UP NEXT