As avid travelers - here at JFC - we've realized that not all holidays are equal. Sure, we’re always looking forward to our next vacation, but sometimes it ends up feeling like a bad tinder date - much better in our heads than in reality.
So we asked ourselves, “what if there was a way to match your vacation to your personality type?” And that premise led us to analyze a travel preferences survey with over 20,000 responses done by 16 Personalities (you'll need to create a profile to view the results), which we then cross-matched to each personality’s “most ideal” vacation.
But, before we get started, here's a quick rundown of how the Myers-Briggs personality test works, and here's a quiz to determine your own MBTI personality.
We know, we know, it might sound a little bit...out there. But, if you're a fan of the Myers-Briggs personality test, read on.
Analysts
INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP
The personality types in the Analyst's roles are Architects (INTJ), Logician (INTP), Commanders (ENTJ), and Debaters (ENTP). Analysts are our world's thinkers - their main traits being an innate curiosity, a love for learning, and self-improvement with a knack for finding things out on their own. Mainly, they’re happy to be alone if they don't feel connected to the people around them.
Analysts enjoy places that hardly anyone visits, avoid tourist traps, and usually travel to a destination once - but that doesn’t mean they all want the same holiday. Each personality is unique in its own way, as we’ll see below:
INTJ - Architects
Architects are on a constant quest for knowledge - even holidays can't get in the way of learning.
As an Architect, you prefer to spend time planning your holidays rather than taking spontaneous trips. And true to your Analyst's roots - you enjoy ditching tourist traps for more thought-provoking activities. You'll take calming experiences over thrilling ones, but you're probably not too keen on resorts.
Ephesus, Turkey
Holiday Ideas: A solo trip to a historical destination offers you all the freedom to explore and learn on your own terms. Consider joining an adult study program at your destination of choice.
Add to your travel bucket list: Old world destinations like Athens, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey;
Where to start: Follow podcasts like Historyhit for travel inspiration.
INTP - Logicians
Logicians are the living embodiment of the thinker statue. You lose yourself in thought, and you’re often seen as pensive and reserved. You love analyzing patterns in almost everything and thinking through abstract ideas.
Travel-wise, we figure you enjoy melting into countries and cultures to get an idea of how other parts of the world function. You aren't keen on travel packages and need a push to try new things. But, like your Architect counterparts - you prefer calming trips that don't involve tourist traps.
Atacama, Chile
Holiday Idea: A nature retreat is a perfect holiday to muse about all the workings of the universe in peace. Don't forget to take a journal!
Place: Atacama, Chile; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, US national parks
Where to start: A nature retreat doesn't necessarily mean becoming the next Bear Grylls (unless that's what you're into). Instead, you can enjoy analyzing nature and your thoughts without the worries of ‘living in the wild‘ by staying at a luxury cabin.
ENTJ - Commander
It's no secret the commander loves a good challenge. "The less comfortable you are in your surroundings - the more you're forcing yourself to grow" if this quote strikes a chord, you're probably a Commander!
You don’t shy away from “tough sells” when choosing destinations and will most likely convince others to come along.
Merida, Mexico
Holiday Idea: A backpacking journey with just your necessities - across new countries and cultures. You’ll find an endless stream of challenges, opportunities, and new people to disarm with your charm.
Places: Mexico; Costa Rica; Morocco,
Where to start: Explore new cultures through startups like Dragons.
ENTP - Debater
“You travel not just to explore the world, but to deepen your understanding of it and to consider what you might have to learn from other cultures." - unknown wise netizen. True to form, Debater's travel preferences are contrary to other analysts' roles.
You seek out thrilling activities, love spontaneous travels, and you’ll go out of your way to find new experiences. But, you probably prefer to explore on your own and visit unpopular places, like a true Analyst.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Holiday idea: The name of the game for the Debater is new: new places, new people, new ideas, and new cultures. We reckon you enjoy taking trips to lively cities where you can meet up with new, exciting people or, for longer stays - dive into the inner workings of a place through a cultural trip.
Places: Gothenburg, Sweden; Madrid, Spain; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Where to start: Join culture-focused tour groups like Under30Experiences or Volunteer forever - we've written a guide on how to volunteer ethically.
Diplomats
INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP
Diplomat's personality types are Advocates (INFJ), Mediators (INFP), Protagonists (ENFJ), and Campaigners (ENFP). Marked by intuition (I) and feeling (F) - Diplomats are known to be caring, empathetic, and usually have deep insights into human nature.
Diplomats are more likely to seek thrilling activities and new cultures when traveling. They enjoy spontaneous trips but won't mind visiting the same place again and again.
INFJ - Advocates
Advocates are known for being conscientious. You've got a deep desire to find your life’s purpose, which usually resolves around changing the world (or an aspect of it) for the better.
Advocates are a 10, but you tend to forgo self-care since you’re busy caring for everyone else. That's why the perfect vacation for you involves relaxation.
Rio Celeste, Costa Rica
Vacation Idea:
- Turn your phone off.
- Soak in a tub overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
- Take a weekend spa getaway.
Self-care vacations can take many forms, so long as they're in a relaxing environment.
Places: Guanacaste, Costa Rica; Myrdalshrrerppur, Iceland; Jurmala, Latvia
Where to start: Check out our list of introvert-friendly countries and try these self-care vacation ideas.
INFP - Mediators
Similar to Advocates, Mediators are centered around helping others - you’re an idealist and probably the creative one in your friend group.
For vacations, you’re most likely okay with visiting the same place multiple times. However, while traveling in trains, for example, you prefer short, direct routes rather than scenic ones.
New York
Vacation Idea: Spice up your vacation with your loved ones by sprinkling in some creative magic pixie dust. Sip and paints and cooking classes where you learn to cook the local cuisine are just a few ways to get creative while traveling.
Places: New York City, New York; Mexico City, Mexico; Basel, Switzerland;
ENFJ - Protagonist
You've probably noticed this pattern among Diplomats: altruistic, idealistic, and emphatic. The difference between the Protagonist vs. other Diplomats is your greatest strength - you’re naturally charismatic and have an impressive ability to lead.
You’re prone to seeking out new thrilling activities, love making new friends when traveling, and you’re keen on traveling to exotic (less-visited) locations.
Alberobello, Italy
Vacation Idea: Take a trip off the beaten path. This doesn't have to cost a fortune. You’ll enjoy finding undiscovered places in well-traveled destinations.
Places: Portland, Oregon; Slab City, California; Alberobello, Italy
Where to start: Look out for our *rare* deals when you sign up for JFC alerts.
ENFP - Campaigners
"Campaigners are free-spirited, joy-seekers who have no reason to make or follow travel plans." - probably a Campaigner.
You love spontaneous trips, trying new things, making new friends, and exploring destinations on your own.
New Orleans
Vacation idea: Go carnival chasing - they usually involve lots of parties, spontaneous plans, and new connections, which all play to your strengths. You may also be able to turn it into a riveting career, like these other high-paying ways to make money while traveling.
Places: New Orleans, Ibiza, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where to start: Check out sites like Carnivaland to find out where’s the next carnival - and remember to book far in advance because flights and hotel prices skyrocket during carnival season.
Explorers
ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP
Virtuosos (ISTP), Adventurers (ISFP), Entrepreneurs (ESTP), and Entertainers (ESFP) make up the Explorer role, and all share the observant (S) and prospecting (P) traits. They're known to be dexterous and quick thinkers who thrive in uncertainty.
When traveling, they enjoy spontaneity, don't mind tourist attractions, and will take the more scenic route when possible.
ESFP - Entertainers
Entertainers are outgoing, adventurous, and love to live life to the fullest. You’re probably the life of the party, with a good eye for aesthetics and luxury.
We see this trait show up in travel preferences as well. Entertainers are spontaneous, love visiting popular destinations and tourist attractions, and tend to make friends on trips.
St. Lucia, West Indies
Vacation idea: Luxury getaways to match your taste for finer things.
Places: Austin, Texas; St. Lucia, West Indies; Lugano, Switzerland
Where to start: Just because it's luxurious doesn't mean it should cost an arm and a leg - here are a few budget-friendly luxury travel ideas to get the ball rolling.
ESTP - Entrepreneurs
Entertainers are high-energy, hands-on, and go-getters. You don't enjoy rigid plans or structure. Instead, you're okay with taking risks and figuring things out as they go, so no need for a super-detailed itinerary.
You’re likely to enjoy new and thrilling activities on vacations and skip out on package tours and all-inclusive resorts.
Nepal
Vacation idea: High adrenaline adventures - find a destination with lots of outdoor activities, like rock climbing, surfing, and kayaking, that will push your limits and keep the adrenaline pumping.
Places: Aspen, Pokhara, Nepal; Chamonix, France
Where to start: Add these ultimate adventure trips to your travel bucket list.
ISFP - Adventurers
As the name implies, you love a good adventure. Like other Explorers, you prefer spontaneous trips to detailed travel plans. And since close connections are important to you, finding trips that involve loved ones will be right up your alley.
Kenai Peninsula
Vacation ideas: Grab a few close friends and go on a spontaneous road trip - you can spice things up by adding a few challenges along the way.
Places: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, Route 66, United States; North Coast 500, Scotland
ISTP - Virtuoso
Virtuosos are big on spontaneous trips. You’re naturally curious and enjoy taking a hands-on mechanical approach to life.
You love exploring on your own and taking the more scenic route when on vacation.
Tokyo, Japan
Vacation idea: To get the most out of a vacation, look into hands-on opportunities to get to know other cultures - try learning a native art form, eat a traditional meal, or explore different time periods e.g., Festival Medieval de Sedan.
Places: Tokyo, Japan; Maasai, Kenya
Where to start: Dive into new cultures while saving the world with startups like Adventure.Travel.
Sentinels
ISTJ, ISFJ, ESTJ, ESFJ
Sentinels share the Observant (S) and Judging (J) traits, which are held by Logisticians (ISTJ), Defenders (ISFJ), Executives (ESTJ), and Consuls (ESFJ). The key characteristics of Sentinels are a need for order, security, and stability. They love clear sets of rules and thrive in well-planned and meticulous environments.
Travel-wise, they're more likely to pick out organized package tours and resorts than any other role. They enjoy planning in detail for their vacation and will take steps to avoid unnecessary risks.
ESFJ - Consul
The Consul's defining trait is service to others and close commitment to loved ones. Your love for planning and ensuring "everything is just right" often leads you to host parties and care for everyone else.
You enjoy organized tours, packaged holidays, tourist attractions, and resorts when traveling.
California, Los Angeles
Vacation idea: Live it up at a music festival with close friends, or wind down in a picturesque, scenic location surrounded by family.
Places: Los Angeles, Paris, Switzerland.
ESTJ - Executives
ESTJs are big-time organizers. "You love to take on new projects and adventures, push people to their limits, and are very result-driven. When you make plans, you like to implement them immediately: just lounging around and "relaxing" is your visual representation of hell!"
You most likely enjoy visiting popular destinations and enjoy taking long, scenic routes when traveling.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Vacation ideas: Large multi-city group tours or backpacking their way through popular top 10 lists.
Places: Copenhagen, Denmark; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Argentina
Where to start: The bigger the group, the better - here's a guide to planning big group travels.
ISFJ - Defenders
Defenders enjoy hard work and planning like their Sentinel peers. You may enjoy resorts, package tours, and tourist attractions but prefer less adrenaline-pumping activities - bungee jumping and skydiving are probably a no-no in your book.
Alberta, Canada
Vacation idea: Being surrounded by a close-knit group of friends and taking in the views after a hike is an excellent way for you to get the downtime you deserve.
Places: Alberta, Canada; Sardinia, Italy
ISTJ – Logistician
Logisticians love detailed itineraries. Planning is your first priority when traveling. You organize your days to get to see and do everything on your list, and you’re happy to travel alone just so your plans aren’t disrupted.
Egypt
Vacation idea: Like the Architect, you may enjoy touring old-world countries but with a twist - you prefer organized history-packed excursions rather than exploring on your own.
Places: Boston, Massachusetts; Prague, Czech Republic; Alexandria, Egypt
Where to start: Use apps and travel guides to plan itineraries so you don't miss out on the best bits.
There you have it, 16 personalities with 16 vacation ideas to try. Were these spot on, or did they miss the mark? Let us know!
