Summary

The article outlines various personas of vacation planners, each with unique approaches and preferences for organizing trips.

Abstract

The content delves into the diverse styles of vacation planners, categorizing them into types such as the Early Bird, the MVP, the Super Saver, the Flow Rider, the Outsourcer, the Last Minuter, and the Rip Van Or Sleeping Beauty. Each type is described with its distinct planning habits, from those who meticulously plan well in advance to those who prefer spontaneity or delegating the task. The article emphasizes that these types are not mutually exclusive and can vary depending on the travel context, whether one is traveling solo, with family, or with friends. It also suggests that there is no right or wrong way to plan a vacation, encouraging readers to embrace their planning style if it works for them.

Opinions

The author believes that vacation planning styles are influenced by personal habits and preferences developed over time.
It is implied that being an Early Bird or a meticulous planner (MVP-A) is just as valid as being more flexible (MVP-B) or going with the flow (Flow Rider).
The Super Saver is portrayed positively for their ability to maximize value and minimize out-of-pocket expenses without being frugal.
Outsourcing vacation planning is seen as a practical solution for those who do not enjoy or have time for the details of planning.
The Last Minuter is characterized as either a big spender or a savvy deal hunter, both of whom are able to put together a trip with limited planning time.
The Rip Van Or Sleeping Beauty type is presented with a touch of humor, acknowledging that some travelers prioritize relaxation and sleep over early starts and packed itineraries.
The author maintains a light-hearted tone throughout, inviting readers to self-identify with the types and even laugh at themselves.
There is an underlying encouragement for readers to reflect on their own travel planning habits and to be open to different roles depending on the travel companions and destinations.

The Different Types of Vacation Planners

What type of planner are you?

There is no right or wrong way to travel and vacation planning. We are creatures of habit, and as adults, we have loaded up on behaviors that have served us well. If these behaviors didn’t work for us for all these years, then we would have changed our ways by now.

Disclaimer#1: The types of vacation planners described below are my own creation based on personal experiences and casual discourse. It is not meant to offend or criticize any one type. However, if it resonates with you and you can laugh at yourself give me an extra clap.

Disclaimer#2: These types are not mutually exclusive. You can find yourself in one or more of these types. I made this up, so it’s not an exact science.

Early Bird

An Early Bird is the early-to-bed early-to-rise type. Well, close enough!

As an Early Bird, you start to look at the calendar at least a year in advance, block off the dates that work, and start to think about possible places to travel.

As the name suggests, an Early Bird tends to maintain the same routine on vacations. They wake up early and make the most of daylight. An Early Bird is happy to wind down early after a long day on vacation.

The MVP

Whether an early bird or not, one could be the MVP — Most Valuable Planner!

An MVP is untouchable when it comes to planning. Family or friends rely on them for a guaranteed good time. An MVP will research the heck out of the places to eat or places to see.

If anyone needs travel tips or suggestions, the MVP is the one to go to!

01. MVP-A. Not a coincidence at all if an MVP has a Type A personality. They like structure. No surprises here if an Excel spreadsheet or a Google doc with detailed information is shared with the rest of your group.

The meals, the tours, the hotel info, and even a short blurb about the history of the place are included. An MVP-A is their own version of a Frommers or a Fodders guide.

MVP-B. If you are not an MVP-A, then could you be an MVP-B type? An MVP-B type plans vacations with a good balance of structure and free time. They have a general idea of what to do/see but their itineraries have enough flexibility for people to do what they like.

After taking a poll of who is interested in what and planning accordingly, MVP-B gives options for people to sit out or substitute with an alternate activity.

Super Saver

The budget is a key consideration in the planning for a Super Saver. They like to get the best bang for the buck, but nothing to beat a “free” trip. They have a gazillion frequent flyer miles, a million credit card points, or airline vouchers for volunteering a seat up to take the next flight. Primary goal: how to spend the least amount of money out of pocket.

Not frugal by any means, they just like to spend on things that matter the most to them.

Flow Rider

A Flow Rider is super cool and super calm. This person seldom has an opinion on anything. Their mantra: just go with the flow. A Flow Rider doesn’t like to do any of the planning and prefers to go along with the group consensus. They have an opinion, but you need to ask.

If you are a Flow Rider, you take the path of least resistance. This makes you an ideal travel companion. If your group is lucky, you could even be the life of the party!

Outsourcer

Planning is not a strength for an Outsourcer. If that’s you, you can’t be bothered with minute details about the trip. Why you were given the responsibility to plan a trip? Even you can’t answer that question. It is just what it is.

You do what you are best at. You give the task to someone else. It could be a travel agent or your executive assistant who plans the entire trip. The budget is never an issue nor is the spending.

Last Minuter

The Last Minuter is a busy bee with little time to spare for travel planning. A trip is put together at the last minute. Two types here: a) Someone who is prepared to spend whatever it takes to go on this trip, or b) Someone who is a deal hunter and goes on a trip only if they can justify the expense to themselves.

Rip Van Or Sleeping Beauty

Is that you? What better way to spend a vacation than to sleep in? You love your sleep, so much that you want to get the most out of spending time in your hotel room. By the time you are ready for your coffee, folks have been seated at a restaurant for lunch. Half the day is over, but you are really good at making the most of the rest of the day and planning for it accordingly.

Did you find your type in any of the above? In all seriousness, I do believe you will assume a specific type based on whether you are going solo, with family, or with a group of friends. For example, I am mostly an MVP-B but I could be the Flow Rider if we already have an MVP in the group. I am an Early Bird on most vacations but I could be a Sleeping Beauty on a beach vacation.

There is no right or wrong type. If how you go about planning a trip works for you, then keep planning!

Let us know where your next trip is and what your role was in planning it. I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section.

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