Last Minute or Organised: What's Your Holiday Style?

When it comes to holidays, are you a last-minute Larry or a super organised sort, with your bags meticulously packed and itinerary written up weeks in advance?

It’s fair to say that we all have our different holiday styles, but is there one that’s better or are there lessons that we could learn from the other side?

We’ve narrowed it down to three different types of traveller – which one are you?

Late and Last Minute

Your lateness might drive your family and friends mad, but little do they know there may be some benefits to your last-minute approach.

This is you if…

You like to pack light and are quite happy running around on the morning of your flight finding essentials (i.e, your passport).
You know exactly what the weather’s going to be like, and have adjusted your holiday wardrobe accordingly.
You end up booking local excusions or trips when you’re abroad, and experiencing things you otherwise wouldn’t have.

Most likely to… be the last person onto the flight.

Doesn’t leave home without… winning smile, multi-purpose sarong, a travel iron.

Tip: if you’ve left your packing until the last minute and are trying desperately to cram everything in your case, considering rolling your clothes. This tip comes direct from flight attendants who know that rolled items take up far less space than folded items. It also prevents wrinkles too (the clothes, not your face).

Sorted and Super Organised

How many times have you ended up on holiday eating in McDonalds or devouring the set menu in a lacklustre tourist restaurant? This never happens to the super sorted, because they’ve planned their itinerary weeks in advance.

This is you if…

You know the best restaurants in the resort and have already made bookings in at least three places.
You’re aware of the days that local attractions are closed, and have planned activities around them.
You’ve mapped out the transport routes for every leg of the trip – getting lost isn’t an option.

Most likely to… know the hotel staff by name before checking in.

Doesn’t leave home without… several plastic wallets, money belt, phrase book.

Tip: Doing a bit of research before you go on holiday means you’ll often get the most our of your time abroad, but don’t forget to leave some time to chance – sometimes the best holiday memories are the unexpected ones.

Cool and Carefree

This holidaymaker goes with the flow. Your packing style is not regimented, but neither is it last minute. In fact, of all the holidaymakers you’re most likely to end up with a bizarre array of items packed and an urgent need to shop for basic essentials when you arrive at your destination. Depending on your holiday resort, this is not always a bad thing.

This is you if…

You know the cost of essentials such as suncream, toothpaste and shampoo is cheaper in Spain and Portugal than in the UK, as you’re always buying them there.
You’re open to having lots of different travel experiences with the people you meeet, such as sipping mint tea with locals in Marrakech or attending an impromptu salsa night in Spain.
You think Lonely Planet guides are only for the weak.

Most likely to…end up on a big night out with the local rugby team.

Doesn’t leave home without… a Spork.

Tip: While being carefree is great, remembering the basics like inoculations, travel insurance and some basic travel essentials means you’re always prepared should something go wrong away from the main resort.