Here are Steve’s Seven Levels of the Progression of Travelers
| I am entering my fourth decade in the travel industry this year, and over the years, I have identified a Progression of Travel that highlights the evolution of a traveler’s interests and experiences as they grow more adventurous and globally focused. I have put together seven levels of travelers, with each one stair-stepping into the next level after they build confidence conquering the last one. I am amazed at how many times this progression has held true. Let me know what you think. Level 1: The Home Explorer – These travelers primarily stick to driving trips, visiting friends and family, or exploring nearby destinations. Their comfort zone is firmly rooted in familiar settings, with minimal logistical complexity. Level 2: The Domestic Adventurer – These travelers venture further afield within the U.S., exploring popular destinations like Disney, national parks, sporting events, or cities for family vacations or work trips. They’re comfortable with domestic flights and road trips. Level 3: The Gateway Globetrotter – These travelers are ready to cross borders and explore tropical getaways in Hawaii, Mexico, or the Caribbean via cruises and resort vacations. They’ve taken their first steps into international travel. These travelers enjoy the bragging rights of tropical destinations and often post on social media their enjoyment. Level 4: The European Pioneer – With a passport in hand, these travelers are eager to explore Europe, including iconic destinations like the UK, Ireland, Iceland, and European cruises or river cruises. They’re comfortable with international flights and cultural differences in familiar Western settings. Level 5: The Cultural Connoisseur – These travelers deepen their love for Europe by exploring countries like Italy, Greece, Germany, France, and Spain. They embrace unique modes of transportation like European trains and expand their horizons to Scandinavia, Croatia, Portugal, and beyond. They enjoy food and wine and want to step deeper into the culture and people of Europe. These travelers have discovered business class and first class airfares and 5-star hotels. They enjoy traveling in style. Level 6: The Global Pathfinder – Beyond Europe, these travelers seek destinations with distinctive cultures and landscapes, including Dubai, Israel, Australia, and South America. They are confident in navigating diverse global regions. These travelers are very confident and become very independent in their travelers. They want to reach many destinations around the world that only the top 5% of travelers touch. If they can’t travel business class or first class they won’t travel at all. They want to taste, touch, and see the best the world has to offer. They find their favorite restaurants, wines, and spirits and build relationships with those owners and operators. Level 7: The Exotic Voyager –These seasoned travelers take on the most exotic and adventurous destinations, including African safaris, India, Vietnam, and China, and edgy new areas that many travelers have never heard about. They are motivated by cultural immersion, wildlife, and life-changing experiences. This is the top 1% of travelers. Steve Glenn, Chairman of Executive Travel has documented this Progression of Travel in his 39 years of serving travelers worldwide. This Progression of travel serves as a roadmap for travelers at every stage, encouraging them to expand their horizons while recognizing the growth in their adventurous spirit. Each level builds upon the last, culminating in transformative global experiences. |
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