Brits Abroad - What Kind of Tourist Are You?

MANCHESTER, England, February 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Leading psychologist says Brit travellers can be easily categorised

The millions of Britons due to set off for holidays abroad this year can all be categorised under eight personality types, according to a leading psychologist.

But though the destinations favoured by Brits holidaying abroad may differ considerably, the personality types of those travelling are almost certain to be trackable to just eight different classifications, according to the report by luxury escorted tours operator Journeys of Distinction.

The report comes on the back of new consumer trends research from ABTA* which has revealed that 80% of UK residents are set to take a holiday this year and that more than half (53%) will enjoy that break abroad in 2015.

Journeys of Distinction commissioned renowned psychologist Dr Dimitrios Tsivrikos to assess and track the personality traits of British tourists.

Dr Dimitrios said: "Britain has been a nation of travel enthusiasts since the dawn of time. Brits have an in-built need to leave home and explore and experience the many wonders the world holds beyond the borders of the UK.

"But though there are diverse groups of travel enthusiasts in the UK they are all easily definable under eight simple categories."

Karen Gee, Journeys of Distinction managing director, said: "There are traits which we've known for years are common to many segments of British traveller. We use them to design our trips and holiday experiences with these people very firmly front of mind."

BRITS' TRAVEL PEN PORTRAIT

Adventurers:

Adventurers are most likely to be sporting a hand-made cowboy hat and are certain to take holidays that are to somewhere a bit different. Most likely to be found in unusual destinations like Transylvania or the Antarctic.

Explorers:

Explorers refuse to wear any pair of trousers that ends below the knee. They are likely to take tours that allow them to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of different locations and countries.

Gastronomes:

Gastronomes feel a magnetic pull towards the world's most celebrated foodie nations. Most likely to be found in Paris, Provence and the Cote d'Azur and knee-deep in vino at wine tasting sessions.

Culture Vultures:

Find a UNESCO World Heritage site and a culture vulture will be somewhere nearby. Their thirst for knowledge is insatiable and they have extra bookshelves just for all their guide books. They'll be the ones who opt for trips where they can see the real country, people and life.

Sun Loungers:

Sun Loungers scour the world in pursuit of global relaxation. If there's a beach and a sunset, they'll be on it or under it. Take a trip across the beaches of the Cote d'Azur and they'll be positioned perfectly to soak up the solar rays.

Hyperactive Travellers:

Hyperactive Travellers are most likely to wear travel belts to store everything. They'll be the ones opting for tours and cruises, which have the biggest country-count.

Thread Counters:

These tourists want to enjoy a huge variety of different places and varied and different experiences but will only go if the quality and service levels meet their needs. Most likely to be found living the high life on a Classic Splendours of Italian Treasures tour, or indulging in serious retail therapy in Paris.

Full Restorers:

Full Restorers are people who are looking for a holiday that offers them total R&R. Their other half regularly goes off on all the trips whilst they enjoy the pool, the spa, reading and an occasional glass of wine. Most likely found on a Burma Discovery Cruise.

The study was commissioned to celebrate the launch of the new Slow Travel category - a whole new way of holidaying.

The new Slow Travel brochure offers a perfect mix of group tours escorted by a Journeys of Distinction Tour Manager, and private tours escorted by local guides. All of which offer the very best available accommodation in the best locations, luxury trains and cruises, all at a slower pace with less unpacking and repacking.

* ABTA Consumer Trends Report: http://abta.com/resource-zone/publication/the-consumer-holiday-trends-report-2014

Notes to editors

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For more info visit:http://www.jod.uk.com

For more information, brochures, images, interviews with Karen or Dr Dimitrios or to arrange a press trip, please contact the Journeys of Distinction PR team at Brazen, Jade and Emma by E: [e-mail] or T: [phone].