This section was devised while kicking back with a few other travellers. Present at this "meeting" were an Aussie, an American, an Englishwoman, a Japanese fellow and an Argentinian woman. We found that the harshest comments came from those talking about their own countries, i.e. the American ripping on his own.
Thirteen archetypes, first catalogued in July 1999. Jump to one:
- The Yank (USA)
- The Pom (Prisoner of Mother England)
- The German
- The Aussie
- The Japanese
- The Israeli
- Kiwi's and Canadians
- The Independent Gigolo
- The Spiritual Guru
- The Contiki Traveller
- The Loud Mouth Know-It-All
- The Ideal Camper
- The Slobs
The Yank (USA)
You can usually hear this traveller before you see them. They are often talking about themselves or comparing where they are to "home", VERY LOUDLY. Often seen wearing Nike shoes, a baseball cap and name brand clothes. You will also hear quotes from "Seinfeld", "The Simpsons" and about which character from "Friends" they'd like to be/shag.
The Yank will often try to take control of the group that he/she is in, and if they don't get their way, can be heard complaining about how nothing is quite as big/quick/good as at home. Eats at McDonalds no matter what country he or she is in.
The Pom (Prisoner of Mother England)
Usually found in a pub, the male Pom is often working on last night's hangover. If he is not watching football (soccer), he's talking about it. When not in a pub, a Pom can easily be spotted by the pasty white or lobster red colour of their skin which is exposed at the slightest hint of sunshine. At this time you will also see the obligatory tattoo of the Union Jack, bulldog, or English Rose.
Popular spots for the Pom include Ibiza and Mallorca for the beach and club-life or a 6 month tour of India and Thailand sampling the local hemp products.
The German
Smartly dressed, well kept and wearing small glasses, the German traveller is usually quiet and reserved. They often speak more than two languages and their English is excellent. At resorts, they are the first ones out to put their towels by the pool to ensure a good spot. This really infuriates the Pom since he does not usually get to bed until 7am and the towels are already out there. The German male by the pool will always wear Speedos, commonly referred to as "shark shockers" or "meat safes".
The Aussie
Without fail, this traveller has been or is on the way to spending two years in the UK. Walking down the street in the Earl's Court or Shephard's Bush areas of London, you'll rarely hear an English accent. They live in 2 bedroom flats with 15 other Aussies, Kiwi's and South Africans and if you go to a pub in London, chances are extremely high that you will be served by someone from the Land Down Under. Having said this, however, you will meet an Aussie almost anywhere in the world; whether it be on a beach in Thailand or piled into a combi in Eastern Europe. Aussies are very proud of their nation's sporting prowess, notably in games introduced by the English (Rugby, Cricket). If you wish to antagonise an Aussie, mention two words...Yahoo Serious.
The Japanese
Tending to hang around in groups, Japanese travellers follow each other around like sheep. They will usually have some piece of hi-tech gadgetry on them. Although fairly quiet and very polite, they are known for being messy cooks and tend not to clean up after themselves in communal hostel kitchens. The female Japanese traveller is characterised by her Spice Girl shoes, brand name clothes and a fair amount of make-up. Their faces are lost in the guide book and they giggle a lot.
The Israeli
Straight out of military service, the Israeli traveller is trim and taut with a short back and sides. They tend to hang out in groups speaking Hebrew and yet are very sensitive to being from Israel. They are hyperactive travellers, preferring vodka to beer and get most of their travel wardrobe from their Army days. They will spend a long time away from their homeland and are experienced and crafty hagglers.
Kiwi's and Canadians
These travellers get lumped together simply because they will usually have a flag sewn onto their packs so they will not be confused with the stereotypes generated by their neighbours, the Aussie and the Yank. Canadians also differentiate themselves by saying "please" and "thank you" and getting very annoyed when asked what part of the States they are from. Canadians can usually be counted on to hold their booze and are always willing to try the local brew.
The Independent Gigolo
He is travelling the world collecting "flags". He's shagged more than 20 women from different countries and is very keen to tell you all about it. "I thought all Polish woman ate potatoes and had mustaches, but they walk a lot and have really hard butts" was an actual quote from one such IG. They will travel alone and for long periods and think they are very cool for doing so.
The Spiritual Guru
On a mission to find a higher being. Usually has some exotic herbs on their person. Often spend a lot of time in India, playing guitar and carrying their hammock. If you meet a spiritual guru on the way back from their travels, they will let you know that they have all the answers.
The Contiki Traveller
This traveller has been drunk in many different countries, hanging out with the same group for several weeks at a time, incestuously swapping partners. The only time they will interact with the local people is when they buy something. Their pictures tend to be of a large group of people standing in front of a tourist attraction or a bar. They promise to keep in touch with each other and some even organise reunions.
The Loud Mouth Know-It-All
Have been to 31 countries in 12 days. They know all the best sites to see and rely heavily on their guide book to take them there. They are eager to tell you how they "did" France by spending a day in Paris and will have pictures of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Catacombes to prove it.
The Ideal Camper
Also known as "Weekend Warriors", this person or group has a kitchen with shelves set-up, state-of-the-art tents in place, and has the ground completely swept within 5 seconds of arrival at their chosen campsite. They always have color-coded plastic totes for their stuff. The stuff consists of every fancy, solar-powered gadget known to mankind or sold at upscale camping/outdoor stores. None of said gadgets are utilized on the trip.
These ideal campers look at the neighboring campers disdainfully and always carry a solar-powered margarita maker. Often these campers have arrived at their chosen camp site in the latest model of minivan, couples and groups wear matching polo shirts, and always carpet the campsite area after sweeping.
The Slobs
Slob campers pull up to campsite in a 1969 VW bug. After opening the doors to let the beer cans and bottles come to a rest on the ground, we throw our hammocks up around trees. Dirty clothing (particularly underwear) is usually hung out across door jambs and on radio antennas. They cook with wood and eat from tin plates (usually only one - so they have to share). Upon arrival, slobs usually scope out the campsites, spy out the Ideal Campers, and ensure that they have a site nearest them - just to annoy.
Disclaimer: We at BootsnAll understand that stereotypes are oversimplified opinions of patterns within a particular group, lacking any individuality. We are not promoting these views or feel that every one of these patterns is always true. In fact, most of the travellers we have met do not fall into any of these categories, but dabble in all or some of them at one time or another. Just an unscientific count of observations from a group of travellers. Please do not take it personally and have a laugh at them.
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