With hundreds of vacation choices now on the market, how do you know what best suits your personality? To answer this question, the nonprofit United States Tour Operators Association in cooperation with consulting psychologists has developed an easy and entertaining self-test that helps travelers identify their travel type.
The 15-question quiz, which takes under ten minutes to complete, asks people to identify which of two statements best describes their personal preferences. Each statement is coded with an A, B, or C. Some of the questions are:
1)
___ I like to have things my way.
___ I'm willing to compromise with people.
2)
___ Bungee jumping or river rafting would be exciting.
___ I would never fall for bungee jumping or river rafting.
3)
___ I prefer to watch t.v.
___ I like to read.
Participants then add up the total number of answers corresponding to each letter. The scoring is divided into three categories: Escorted Group Traveler, Small Group Adventure Traveler, and Independent Traveler.
According to Bob Whitley, USTOA President, escorted group travelers enjoy traveling with a lot of people, and like the comfort of knowing that all the details are taken care of. "The Small Group Adventure Traveler likes vacations devoted to a specific theme or to places 'off the beaten track.' Since it can be more difficult to visit these places on your own, this traveler might want the expertise of professional guides and tour planners, as well as enjoy being with a small group of people who share common interests," he points out.
On the other hand, the independent traveler likes to be in control, notes Whitley. While open to new experiences, activities, and situations, he or she prefers to visit places on their own or with family and friends," he says. Whitley also underscores the fact that today, many vacation packages and tours may combine two types of travel, such as a themed tour for a small group, with free time for individual options.
Once travelers find their score, USTOA suggests they take the results to their local travel agent who can help find the right destination and vacation. Travelers are also invited to consult the USTOA web site www.ustoa.com for a listing of tours and vacation packages to satisfy almost every preference.
A Pioneering Effort
"To our knowledge, this is one of the first times that a travel industry group such as ours has developed a questionnaire that helps people make vacation choices based on emotional characteristics," observes Whitley. "Since vacations are important decisions, we felt this would help travelers better find vacations that can fulfill their desires. At the same time, we are exposing travelers to the huge variety of choices open to them," he points out.
The quiz was developed in conjunction with Jonathan Bricker, at the University of Washington, and Dr. Peter A. Wish, a nationally-known psychologist and author. Dr. Mark Koppel of Montclair State College, New Jersey also collaborated on the project.
How to Get It
To obtain a free copy of the quiz and USTOA's "Smart Traveler's Planning Kit," phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862). The quiz is also located on USTOA's web site: www.ustoa.com.
USTOA member companies move more than 10 million travelers yearly. Each of USTOA's more than 150 companies has met the travel industry's strictest standards for membership, including pariticipation in the USTOA $1 Million Consumer Protection Plan, the highest of its kind in the travel industry.
© copyright USTOA 2000. All rights reserved
Editor Note: Contributing psychologists and USTOA president,
Bob Whitley are available for interview. (9/8/00)
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
(For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.)
