TAKE THE PERSONALITY QUIZ, DISCOVER YOUR TRAVEL TYPE
USTOA'S Newly Revised Personality Quiz Offers Multiple-Choice Options to Help You Choose the Right Vacation

Do you enjoy socializing in large groups, or being with just a few close friends?

Are you up for a big physical challenge?

Would you rather watch TV, go to a concert, or read a book?

Answers to these and other questions about your personal preferences can help you discover the right type of vacation for your personality, according to the United States Tour Operators Association, whose member companies package travel arrangements and tours for more than 10 million people yearly.

NEW VERSION OFFERS MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

USTOA originally commissioned psychologists Jonathan Bricker of the University of Washington and Dr. Peter A. Wish, a nationally known authority, to develop an entertaining and informative dual-choice quiz that would help travelers find the right vacation for their personality type. The new, revised 2001 USTOA Vacation Personality Quiz offers an expanded, multiple-choice format allowing people to better identify which of three groups they most readily fall into: Escorted Tour Traveler, Special Interest/Adventure Traveler, or Independent Package Traveler.

Each question asks people to choose which of three statements best describes them; responses determine their travel personality. Some of the questions include:

__ I prefer people who share my special interests.
__ I can relate to most kinds of people.
__ I prefer people who know me very well.

__ I try to solve problems myself.
__ There is little I can do to deal with life's difficulties.
__ With a little help I can do almost anything.

GREATER ACCURACY

"The new multiple choice format provides more flexibility for people to determine what kind of vacation might fit their individual preferences," Bricker points out. "People today have less time, more demands and higher expectations, so it's more important than ever to try to customize the vacation choice," notes Dr. Wish. "With three answers to each question instead of two the new multiple-choice quiz is more accurate, allowing you to better pinpoint your personal needs," he adds.

WHAT IT REVEALS

"If you're an Escorted Tour Traveler, you enjoy discovering new parts of North America and the world, along with a group of other people and a guide," says Bob Whitley, USTOA president. These travelers like sharing their vacations with others and are more comfortable having the details arranged for them.

The Special Interest or Adventure Traveler likes more intellectual or physical pursuits that focus on special niches, such as wine tours, and/or include active pursuits like safaris or wilderness adventures in out-of-the-way places. "This traveler would enjoy a professional guide's expertise, as well as being with a small group that shares a particular interest," notes Whitley.

Finally, Independent Package Travelers prefer to have more control over their time and vacation experiences. "They want to visit places on their own or with family and friends, and they are open to new situations and experiences," he adds.

SEE YOUR TRAVEL COUNSELOR

Once they know their vacation personality type, travelers should visit a Certified Travel Counselor, Certified Travel Associate (CTC/CTA ), or a travel agent who can help them find the right destination and package. CTCs and CTAs must fulfill a number of standards, including ongoing training, and at least 18 months of full-time industry work experience. Log onto www.icta.com for a copy of the quiz or to find a CTC or CTA in your area. Travelers can also log onto USTOA's Web site - www.ustoa.com - for a list of vacation packages of all types.

USTOA numbers some 160 companies that package destinations domestically and worldwide. Members have met strict industry standards, including participation in the USTOA $1 Million Consumer Protection Plan, the highest protection plan in the travel industry.

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USTOA is dedicated to protecting the world's treasures for future generations of travelers. Visit the Tourism Cares website for more information.