The most prevalent archetypes of city break travelers have recently come to light, encompassing the ‘Backpack Brit,’ the ‘Effortful Explorer,’ and the ‘Punctilious Planner.’
A comprehensive survey of 2,000 adults, all of whom have embarked on city breaks in the past, has unveiled that 13 percent identify themselves as ‘carefree wanderers,’ individuals who meander through their holiday destinations with nothing more than a pair of sunglasses. Furthermore, 16 percent of respondents categorize themselves as devoted ‘culture enthusiasts,’ eagerly immersing themselves in the authenticity of their surroundings.
Conversely, 43 percent of city break enthusiasts make a conscious effort to avoid appearing conspicuous as tourists. A spokesperson from Jet2Citybreaks, the entity responsible for commissioning this research, commented, “Distinctive traits tend to emerge when people embark on city breaks, largely influenced by their individual personalities.
“Travelers adopt varying approaches, with some meticulously planning every aspect of their journey, while others embrace spontaneity and go with the flow. Consequently, it becomes crucial to align your travel companion’s inclinations with your own or share similar values. For instance, if you possess a profound love for gastronomy but lack the knack for intricate planning, it is prudent to travel with a companion who revels in making advanced restaurant reservations.”
Slightly over 42 percent of respondents believe that unintentionally losing their way presents the most opportune method for uncovering the hidden gems of a new city. Meanwhile, only 17 percent are unreservedly content with appearing as tourists when they venture abroad, while 40 percent maintain they can effortlessly discern fellow non-locals during their travels.
The most conspicuous signs of tourist behavior, as reported by respondents, include prominently displaying a camera around one’s neck (53 percent), halting in the middle of streets to consult maps or mobile phones for directions (50 percent), and an incessant penchant for taking selfies (47 percent). Additionally, 38 percent believe that the protracted process of counting currency while making purchases distinctly marks someone as a tourist, while 35 percent consider locals in warm attire while a tourist dons shorts as a conspicuous giveaway.
According to data from OnePoll.com, the average adult meticulously plans three activities for each three-night city break, dining out for five meals, and covering a daily distance of six miles on foot. They allocate £213 for attractions and sightseeing and £270 for culinary indulgences.
The research also unveiled the top three cities that pique the interest of city break enthusiasts: Venice, Florence, and Reykjavik in Iceland. A spokesperson from Jet2Citybreaks added, “A European city break in an unexplored destination provides a perfect opportunity to satiate one’s wanderlust within just a few days.
“While most of us aspire to blend in with the local ambiance when we travel abroad, it’s all part of the adventure to occasionally embrace our inner tourist, whether it involves temporarily losing our way, grappling with unfamiliar currency, or indulging in an abundance of selfies. Our study unequivocally underscores the enduring demand for city breaks, and the prospect of exploring the top ten destinations is enough to whet anyone’s appetite for adventure.”
PREDOMINANT CITY BREAK PERSONALITY PROFILES:
- Super Scheduler: Impeccable planning to maximize sightseeing.
- Culture Vulture: Devoted to immersing in local culture.
- Chameleon Character: Adept at blending in with the local populace.
- Free and Easy: Traveling light with minimal luggage.
- Foot Soldier: Prefers walking over public transport.
- Foodie Fanatic: Culinary experiences take precedence.
- Backpack Brit: Carries an array of essentials.
- Try Hard Tourist: Captures photos at every landmark.
- Lost Cause: Frequent directional mishaps.
- Stubborn Mule: Self-reliant, refrains from asking for help or directions.
TOP 10 DESIRED CITIES FOR UK ADULTS TO VISIT:
- Venice, Italy
- Florence, Italy
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Barcelona, Spain
- Vienna, Austria
- Athens, Greece
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Paris, France
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Budapest, Hungary
