Vacation Time Brings Out a Different You, According to Our Recent Poll
Unleashing Your Vacation Avatar: How Americans Transform on Travel
Luggage loaded, out-of-office activated, and off we go - only to metamorphose into a completely different being, apparently? That's what 45% of American travelers believe! A recent survey reveals that almost half of us feel we become a new persona when we jet-set.
From sampling everything on the menu to striking up conversations with strangers, or even bending the truth a tad about our whereabouts, travel seems to bring out the bolder, more adventurous side of us all.
Travelers: Swap Baggage for Brand New Identities
- 45% assert they transform their behavior while traveling
- 40% feel they morph into a completely distinct person
- Among those adopting a travel persona, 60% regard it as the truest manifestation of themselves
Eager to know who you'll morph into? Here are the travel personas most of us adopt:
The Freewheeling Explorer (19%)
Our most popular persona. Always on the hunt for hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path spots, and unexpected thrills. If there's a detour, they'll take it!
The Reflective Observer (12%)
Content to unwind, they relish people-watching, scenic strolls, and absorbing the vibe without yearning for the limelight.
The Independent Wanderer (8%)
Self-assured, self-reliant, and unburdened by schedules or companions - they're free to explore at their own pace.
The Highbrow Glutton (8%)
All about the lavish lifestyle - five-star hotels, champagne greetings, and rooftop pools. Count them among the first in line for anything VIP!
The Culinary Connoisseur (8%)
Motivated solely by their taste buds, they're all about savoring local delicacies, street food, and area specialties.
What Else Changes When We Travel?
Turns out, our alter ego is way more fun (and daredevil) than our daily selves. Among those who agree they evolve when traveling:
- 52% splurge more liberally
- 48% try foods they'd never ordinarily consider
- 47% indulge more in food and drink
- 45% experiment with activities they wouldn't usually attempt
- 44% feel more spontaneous
- 43% feel calmer or more introspective
- 42% become friendlier
- 40% profess feeling more confident
And, the White Lies...
49% of travelers cop to fibbing it up while on holiday. The most common fibs include:
- things they've accomplished in the past (33%)
- their age (29%)
- where they originate from (29%)
- their occupation (29%)
- their name (26%)
Gen Z and Millennials reign as the fib masters, with a whopping 60% of them confessing to telling a white lie on their vacay, particularly when it comes to their hometown or name.
But, like vacations, our travel personas don't last forever...
- 63% with a travel alter ego claim it fades within a day of returning
- 22% say it lingers for a week
- Just 3% say it persists longer than a month
Reasons?
- Work responsibilities (34%)
- Routine/structure (34%)
- Financial constraints (27%)
- Family dynamics (24%)
- Social expectations (21%)
For some, travel does inspire real-life changes, even if our vacation-mode persona dissipates. Among those embracing a travel persona:
- 25% say it boosted their confidence or made them more extroverted
- 24% say it helped them reevaluate their priorities
- 21% say it fostered a newfound appreciation for spontaneity
- 21% made lifelong friends
- 17% took up a new hobby or passion
Who Will You Be on Your Next Trip?
So, just who will you morph into? Whether you're an intrepid explorer, a food-first enthusiast, or a chronic fibber, Travel Insurance has got your back. Travel freely, fearlessly, and peacefully - after all, you've got a whole new you to show off to the world!
Protect my trip
- Travelers often transform their behavior while traveling, with 40% feeling they morph into a completely distinct person, and 60% among those adopting a travel persona regarding it as the truest manifestation of themselves.
- Among those who evolve when traveling, 42% become friendlier, 44% feel more spontaneous, and 47% indulge more in food and drink, indicating a bolder and more adventurous side to their lifestyle.
