As I mentioned in my previous blog, the Enneagram is a powerful personality typing system that reveals our core motivations and personal tendencies that drive thought patterns and behavior. So it goes without saying that when it comes to the practical details of our lives— like what we pack for a road trip, how we might plan a trip, or what defines our travel style—aspects of our personality type might also be involved.
Exploring the unique Enneagram travel type provides a lighthearted window into our distinct personalities. One helpful tip: While it may be tempting to speed to your type and read yours and yours alone, there might be some great insight gained learning about the habits of those you may potentially be traveling with, as well. As we collectively nod our heads yes, I suggest you read all 9 types. It may help you understand why one traveler shows up to the airport with one shoe half on and is freshly packed, while the other has been there waiting for 4 hours. And, have some fun with this! The nuances of personality and behavior can be a real hoot to dig into.
Type 1 – The Reformer
Ah. Where would we be without our organized, list-making and double-checking ones? You keep it together for us. Keep us on track. Make sure we haven’t missed anything, and you certainly haven’t. You have probably already packed for your next trip, even if it is 3 months away. And if you haven’t, you likely have everything planned out— for you and your entire family. You know where you are going, what time everyone needs to be there, and exactly how everything needs to be packed. And, we love that about you.
You are likely to:
- Be hyper-organized and prepared
- Have extensive checklists and first-aid kits
- Pack healthy snacks and reusable water bottles
- Detailed itineraries and backup plans
What’s wonderful about the Type 1 is your ability to go into “vacation mode” as you tend to pick up traits from the Type 7 in growth. Lean into that as much as you can beforehand. It’s okay if someone forgot the sunscreen. There’s a good chance you can grab it while you are there, and it will save you a lot of stress. Also, remember that things always have a way of working out, and so if things don’t go exactly according to plan, you are still making beautiful memories along the way.
Type 2 – The Helper
One thing we know for sure is that our Type 2s always have everyone in mind. Packed our favorite snacks? Check! Has stuff planned or thought-through that will surprise and delight every person on the trip? Check! This isn’t the least bit surprising with the name “The Helper,” though. You are sure to make the vacation feel custom-curated to each individual, and have made sure everyone feels comfortable and happy no matter where you go or what you do.
You are sure to:
- Focus on others’ needs over your own
- Load up on activities and entertainment for passengers
- Pack extra blankets, pillows, and comfort items
- Forget to pack essentials for yourself
As you tend to focus on the needs of others over your own (Ahem, again, aptly titled The Helper). Accommodating others feels so good to you, and people appreciate your willingness to consider them first or prioritize their needs. But, that can mean mayhem for you when you, you know, forgot to pack your own suitcase. There’s a reason airlines have people put their mask on first; you can’t truly help others until you take care of You. Give it a shot, you’ll thank yourself later when you have remembered to pack your bag.
Type 3 – The Achiever
Dress to impress no matter the situation? Done and done for the Type 3. You could be the poster-child for North Face and have the mountaineering look down just as much as you have the all-inclusive look nailed. You’re also super excited to see all of the coolest, most hip, insta-worthy places to share on your socials. Our Type 3s are also goal-oriented, and likely have a list of places to check out and check off.
As you get ready, you may be:
- Efficient and image-conscious when packing
- Minimalist, packing with versatile, wrinkle-free clothes
- Bringing tech accessories to stay productive on the road
- Neglecting downtime and self-care items
Just remember, while you are uber excited to show everyone what you have seen and experienced, this trip is about YOU. You get to have a great experience, and no one needs to know about it. As the efficient, driven Type 3, you also may find yourself going and going. And going. And going. You GET to rest, relax and restore. You are a human being, and not a human doing. Self-care is okay. Not checking work stuff is also okay. I promise. You deserve a break, take advantage of it with the same gusto that drives you.
Type 4 – The Individualist
If there is one thing that sets the Type 4 apart from others, it is the ability to experience the world in technicolor. Incredible travel partners, you know where to find the most authentic and creative experiences. And, you also possess the gift of attunement to other’s. There is no doubt you will ensure a genuine and individualized experience for yourself, and everyone involved.
Keep in mind that you tend to:
- Curate a unique, expressive travel wardrobe
- Pack sentimental items and creative supplies
- Forget practical necessities in pursuit of self-expression
- Struggle to pack light and streamlined
This is likely a no-brainer for you, but journaling your experience in whatever way feels comfortable will help keep your memories alive. As you communicate to yourself, make sure you keep the lines of communication open with those you travel with. You have a knack for articulation, using that will help everyone know what expectations are for the experience. Also, remember that though you may want to drink in every unique opportunity your destination may offer, not everyone wants that for their own. Find ways to get your needs met, while still finding delight with your travel partners.
Type 5 – The Investigator
Tour guide, schmour guide. Google Maps, schmoogle maps. Not necessary with our Type 5s. You have already researched it all and are ready to share your knowledge with us, or just take us there. You have such a hunger for learning and knowing about the intended destination, it will trickle down to your travel companions, and after the travel experience you will all be a little (or, a lot) more informed than when you got there. You’re also our North Star, rife with the important information and know-how that will surely keep us all safe. The Investigators in our lives thrive and feel most safe when armed to the brim with knowledge.
As you prepare, remember that you might:
- Be hyper-focused on information gathering and learning
- Load up on guidebooks, maps, and tech gadgets
- Pack minimal clothing, prioritizing comfort over style
- Forget basics like toiletries and first-aid
Many Type 5s can tend to be overwhelmed in the presence of others, wanting to withdraw into the safest place to The Investigator—the mind. While it’s important to prioritize your energy, see how you can stay open and fully present in your experience. You have incredible insight to share with others. Connection, especially in new places, can bring us all together. It feels good to offer insight and experience to others, and it sure feels good to be on the other end of that shared knowledge.
Type 6 – The Loyalist
If the saying “always prepared” had a face, it’d be yours. You have plans just in case for bad weather, road construction, bathroom breaks, and everything in betwixt. And you likely have more than three alternatives for every potential obstacle. You are also one to make a list, and check it thrice. You, dear Type 6, get everyone from point A to point B, alive, and in one piece.
When it comes to preparing, though you were quite literally made for it. Keep in mind, you might:
- Be anxious about being prepared for anything
- Overpack with many backup options and safety gear
- Struggle to pare down, fearing you’ll need it all
- Neglect enjoyment items in pursuit of security
Listen. No one likes to be unprepared, especially in unfamiliar places. Though it might be your superpower to be thinking ahead, any one of us can take it too far, where it becomes a blindspot for us. Your version of having enough plans, backups, and feeling safe can easily bog you and your companions down.
It’s okay to ease up a little. Notice when things go right, instead of worrying about everything that could go wrong. Travel is our space to open up to the universe and let things unfold without having to worry so much. Lean into the excitement and wonderment and know that everything will be alright.
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
As the Type 7, travel is what you were born to do. Anything adventurous. Likely one to be down for anything, you are the person to buy a last-minute flight across the world “just because.” You are also the person who might use the same three things at home on a regular basis, but also wonder, having never played, if you need four french horns for the trip or five.
Exuberant, willing to try most things and always “here for it,” you may find yourself:
- Excited about new experiences and adventure
- Packing a vibrant, eclectic wardrobe along with tons of activities
- Forgetting essentials in the thrill of planning
- Overpacking in pursuit of variety and fun
In order to have The Best Trip Possible, it’s important for our dear 7s to slow down. Slow down when packing, and slow down during the trip. Presence is a gift. Be here now. When you slow down, you can think everything through, and slow the spin in your mind. This will mean you are less likely to forget something, and truly pack what’s needed (who likes overweight baggage fees anyway?) As for the trip itself, remember, it really is about the journey and not the destination. What happens in the moment is just as amazing as what’s to come.
Type 8 – The Challenger
Who wouldn’t want to navigate a trip with the Type 8? There’s nothing better than feeling safe and protected when exploring new uncharted territory. That is exactly how people feel with you. Some travels take people out of their comfort zones, which can feel squishy, but to you, “Pffffff,” your Bring It On attitude allows you and others to see and experience things that maybe aren’t so out of reach after all.
With that, you may find yourself:
- Focused on control, and practicality
- Packing minimally, but with durable, high-quality items
- Tending to skimp on comfort and self-care
- May neglect niceties and indulgences
Every trip can be the trip of a lifetime, if you allow it. Give yourself space to experience the wonderment that is in front of you at each moment. Also, try letting someone else take the wheel figuratively and literally here and there. Having to be in control of each turn can be exhausting. You deserve a break to lean in, relax, indulge and enjoy the fruits of your everyday labor. You deserve it, and I promise it will be worth it.
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
It’s inevitable that travel brings on stress, where stress may not have existed. Among so many other things, that is the beauty of the Type 9. You have this innate ability to make everyone feel heard, to mediate and harmonize—important qualities when you are stuck in a car for hours or days on end. You, amazing Type 9, are literally the glue that holds everyone together. Just as much as you keep everyone copacetic, you have to put yourself into the equation, and you matter.
As you prepare for your trip, keep in mind that you tend to:
- Be laidback and low-maintenance
- Pack basic essentials and little else
- Defer to others’ preferences to avoid conflict
- Sometimes forget personal items in an effort to go with the flow
Say it with me. This is YOUR TRIP, TOO. Really reflect on what “once in a lifetime” may mean to you. You deserve and will be respected when you say where you want to go and what you want for dinner. Advocate for yourself. And, you may come up with ideas or places to check out that no one else thought of. Try it and see for yourself that it really is okay to assert yourself. Then, pat yourself on the back the way you would someone else to for doing the dang thang.
Understanding Your Enneagram Type & Travel Style
First and foremost, thank you for reading. These are all generalizations of each type and the habits we tend to exhibit when in our “average” levels of mental and emotional health. I hope you had fun checking this out, and know that not all applies to one and not one applies to all. With that said, our travel superpowers, packing choices, and blind spots reveal deep truths about our personalities.
Recognizing these patterns can help us grow and better meet our needs. Appreciating the diversity of approaches is as much about making travel together enjoyable as it means we all make it to and from our destination in one piece, and can still be friends.
Discover your Enneagram type and how it shapes your travel style. Use this knowledge to plan your next epic road trip adventure!
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