How To Find The Top Travel Destination For You
find the Best Destination Based on Your Travel Personality
Not sure where to go next? The best travel destination might depend more on who you are than on where you’ve been. Are you someone who seeks adrenaline-pumping thrills, deep self-reflection, or long, leisurely lunches by the water? This guide helps you match your travel personality to a perfect destination—with helpful links to book experiences and shop smart before you go.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, you can check out my Ultimate Guide to 9 Best 10-Day Road Trips for some epic ideas in the U.S.
For a festive winter city experience, see our full itinerary for 3 days in New York at Christmas Time.
Take the Quiz First: What Type of Traveler Are You?
1. What’s your ideal way to spend a free afternoon?
A. Exploring a charming city alone, wandering streets and soaking up culture
B. Taking on thrilling outdoor adventures that get your heart racing
C. Relaxing by the sea, soaking up sun, and enjoying slow meals
D. Hunting down the best local food and drinks in bustling markets or restaurants
E. Discovering ancient sites and rich history in vibrant cities
F. Finding quiet spots for meditation, yoga, or personal reflection
G. Roaming colorful neighborhoods, soaking up street art and local life
2. What do you want to feel after your trip?
A. Confident and connected to yourself
B. Exhilarated and proud
C. Rested and peaceful
D. Inspired and delighted by new flavors
E. Enriched and enlightened
F. Renewed and grounded
G. Curious and adventurous
3. Your ideal vacation includes:
A. Quiet walks, cozy cafés, and friendly locals
B. Whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, or ziplining
C. Sunset cruises, beach lounging, and wine tastings
D. Food tours, cooking classes, and lively markets
E. Museums, ancient architecture, and cultural rituals
F. Wellness retreats, yoga sessions, and spiritual ceremonies
G. Street art tours, vibrant markets, and getting lost on purpose
4. Which would you least want to do?
A. Travel with a big group or tour bus
B. Sit still or do something too tame
C. Rush through your days without downtime
D. Eat the same food every day
E. Skip the history and culture of a place
F. Party late into the night
G. Stick to a strict schedule
5. Pack your must-have travel item:
A. A journal or sketchbook
B. Waterproof shoes and a GoPro
C. Sunglasses and a sunhat
D. Portable wine opener or snack kit
E. Guidebook or language app
F. Yoga mat or meditation cushion
G. Camera and comfortable walking shoes
6. Pick a quote that speaks to you most:
A. “Travel teaches tolerance and independence.”
B. “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”
C. “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”
D. “Food is the ingredient that binds us together.”
E. “To know a culture is to understand its history.”
F. “Travel is a journey within.”
G. “Wandering redefines your world.”
Your Result: Which Traveler Are You?
Count which letter you chose most, then jump to the matching section below:
Mostly A → The Solo Traveler – Lisbon, Portugal
Mostly B → The Adventure Seeker – Auckland, New Zealand
Mostly C → The Relaxer – Santorini, Greece
Mostly D → The Foodie – Tokyo, Japan
Mostly E → The Culture Adventurer – Istanbul, Turkey
Mostly F → The Self-Discovery Seeker – Bali, Indonesia
Mostly G → The Explorer – Mexico City, Mexico
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn commission if you purchase from my links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps me continue creating free and valuable content. Thank you!
The Solo Traveler – Lisbon, Portugal
Who you are: You crave independence, meaningful moments, and beautiful places you can explore at your own pace. You’re confident (or learning to be), and you love the flexibility of doing what you want, when you want.
Why you’ll love Lisbon: Safe, scenic, and filled with charm, Lisbon is a top travel destination that offers solo travelers cobblestone streets, friendly locals, and jaw-dropping viewpoints. Whether you’re wandering the Alfama district or riding the iconic Tram 28, Lisbon makes it easy to feel connected and inspired.
Worried about solo travel? These safety and sanity tips are a must-read before you go.
Planning a Portugal trip? Don’t miss my Ultimate Lisbon Travel Guide — packed with 10 smart tips every first-timer should know.
Top things to do:
- Take a guided walking tour of Alfama and sample ginjinha (local cherry liquor)
- Book a Fado dinner show and enjoy traditional Portuguese music
- Ride a tuk-tuk up the city’s seven hills for panoramic views
Viator experience to book: Sunset Sailing Tour on the Tagus River
Check out my curated list of ideas for Lisbon.
The Adventure Seeker – Auckland, New Zealand
Who you are: You live for the rush—your idea of travel is pushing limits, trying things that scare you (in a good way), and telling epic stories after.
Yes, you read that right. The Kaituna River’s 7-meter Tutea Falls is no joke. My husband and I did this one together — and I cried before we even hit the water. It was that intense. One woman in our group bailed at the last minute, and a guy broke his finger on the drop. It’s not for the faint of heart. But it’s an experience I’ll never forget. Another great top travel destination.
Top things to do:
- White-water raft the Kaituna River (yes, there’s a 21-ft waterfall)
- Walk the edge of the Sky Tower or bungee jump off Auckland Bridge
- Day trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves or black water raft inside them
- Hobbiton! Yes, you must visit and do the tour.
Viator experience to book: Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
If you’re the type who craves adventure and wildlife, a South Africa safari might be your perfect match.
The Relaxer – Santorini, Greece
Who you are: You seek beauty, serenity, and indulgence. Whether it’s a perfect sunrise or a long nap by the sea, you value stillness and the art of doing nothing well.
Why you’ll love Santorini: Few places match Santorini’s power to calm the soul. Whitewashed buildings, endless sea views, and slow, satisfying meals make this a haven for rest and recharge. This top travel destination is on my bucket list this year!
Top things to do:
- Book a catamaran cruise around the caldera
- Enjoy wine tasting at sunset with views of the Aegean
- Lounge on the black sand beaches in Perissa
Viator experience to book: Santorini Sunset Cruise with BBQ & Drinks
The Foodie – Tokyo, Japan
Who you are: You travel with your senses. Your joy is in flavor, presentation, and the ritual of meals. You’re curious, bold, and happiest where the food scene is rich, diverse, and local.
Why you’ll love Tokyo: From Michelin-starred sushi counters to late-night ramen joints, Tokyo is a food-lover’s dream. Even convenience store snacks are next-level. You’ll never stop discovering something delicious at this top travel destination.
Top things to do:
- Take a guided Tsukiji fish market food tour
- Try your hand at a sushi-making class with a chef
- Explore izakayas and ramen alleys in Shinjuku
Viator experience to book: Tokyo Food Tour: Flavors of Japan
The Culture Adventurer – Istanbul, Turkey
Who you are: You’re fascinated by history, stories, and rituals. You want to walk in the footsteps of empires, explore hidden corners, and come home with stories layered in context.
Why you’ll love Istanbul: East meets West in this vibrant, complex city. Every neighborhood tells a story. From grand mosques to bustling bazaars, Istanbul is alive with art, religion, and cultural intersections. I had the privilege to fly through the Istanbul airport and I can tell you the airport alone is quite the cultural experience. This would be a top travel destination that should be on everybody’s bucket list.
Top things to do:
- Take a guided tour of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Shop the Grand Bazaar and spice markets with a local
- Experience a traditional Turkish hammam bath
Viator experience to book: Istanbul Classics: Half-Day Small-Group Tour
The Self-Discovery Seeker – Bali, Indonesia
Who you are: You travel to find yourself again—or for the first time. You crave time for reflection, transformation, and a connection to something bigger than your daily life.
Why you’ll love Bali: With yoga retreats, healing rituals, and rice field walks, Bali is a sanctuary for the soul. The energy here invites renewal and quiet clarity. We all know, Julia Roberts thinks this is a top travel, destination!
Top things to do:
- Attend a multi-day wellness retreat in Ubud
- Try a traditional Balinese water purification ceremony
- Take a sunrise hike up Mt. Batur
Viator experience to book: Bali Spiritual Cleansing and Temple Tour
The Explorer – Mexico City, Mexico
Who you are: You love to roam, wander, and get lost—in the best way. You crave stimulation and immersion, with layers of color, culture, and energy around every corner.
Why you’ll love Mexico City: One of the most dynamic urban destinations in the world, CDMX is a whirlwind of art, history, street life, and architectural contrast. It’s vibrant, friendly, and full of surprises. And while you’re visiting this top travel destination, be sure and enjoy the fresh guacamole and
Top things to do:
- Explore Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul
- Take a street art walking tour in Roma or Condesa
- Taste your way through the Mercado de San Juan
Viator experience to book: Mexico City Mural Tour
Essentials for any top travel destination
Here are a few must-haves I always bring on trips to save money and stay comfortable—with affiliate links to support the blog at no extra cost to you.
- Cooling Hat – For summer travel to keep your head cool.
- Compression Packing Cubes – Keep your things organized.
- Expandable Travel Tote – I could have used this when in Tenerife for all the shopping I did!
- Quiet Loop 2 Ear Plugs – Great for the airplane!
- Travel Charger – A must have and I love the size of this one!
- Swiss International Luggage Set – Get a solid luggage set that is tested and proven!
Shop my full travel essentials!
Additional Posts You Might Like
- Need a warm weekend escape that won’t break the bank? Try one of these 5 surprisingly affordable US getaways.
- Hate flying? These flight hacks make airports smoother and upgrades more likely.
- Think travel has to be expensive? These 7 budget tricks will change your mind.
- Struggling with the plan? This guide to building the perfect itinerary will save you hours.
- Avoid the 12 most common travel scams.
- Think you’ve packed it all? Check out these 15 unusual essentials seasoned travelers always bring.
- Spend 3 Magical Days in Tbilisi, Georgia
Wherever you’re headed next, let your personality lead the way—and let travel help you become even more of who you already are.
Looking for more ideas? Follow My Wine Walk @mywinewalk on Instagram for personal stories, travel tips, and wine-inspired destinations.
