Ways to Travel: Find What Works for You
After years of traveling through Ireland, the United Kingdom, and across Europe, I have found that the most meaningful trips are not built around ticking off landmarks. They come from choosing a travel style that shapes how you move through a place and what you take from it.
I have spent the past decade living and traveling across Europe, with Ireland as my home base. I am a voracious reader with a background in cultural anthropology, and that perspective shapes how I approach travel. My work is informed by a feminist lens, with a focus on culture, history, and the realities of everyday life.
This guide brings together the travel styles I return to again and again, so you can plan a trip that feels clear, grounded, and genuinely your own.
Travel Styles
Accessible Travel
What it is
Accessible travel focuses on making trips easier to navigate. This can include step-free routes, walkable areas, or choosing destinations that are less physically demanding.
Why it matters
- Makes travel more realistic and inclusive
- Reduces stress during planning and while traveling
- Helps avoid unexpected barriers
My approach
I focus on how a place works in practice. This includes how easy it is to get around, how walkable it is, and what the experience feels like day to day.
Best for
- Travelers with mobility considerations
- Older travelers
- Anyone who prefers a more comfortable pace
Housesitting
Housesitting is a way of traveling that allows you to stay in a home in exchange for caring for it, and often for pets. It offers a more grounded experience than traditional travel, with the chance to settle into a place and live at a slower, more local pace.
It works especially well for longer stays, giving you time to understand a destination beyond its main sights.
👉 Beginners guide to housesitting in Europe
👉 Housesitting a cautionary tale
Film and Literary Travel
What it is
This style explores destinations through stories. It includes visiting filming locations, literary landmarks, and places connected to books and film.
Why it works
- Adds meaning and context to what you see
- Turns places into experiences rather than simple stops
- Combines culture with storytelling
My experience
In Ireland and the UK, places connected to literature and film offer a different perspective. You are not just visiting a location. You are stepping into a story.
Best for
- Book lovers
- Film fans
- Travelers looking for a themed trip
👉 Explore: Film and Literary Travel
Global Food Travel
What it is
Food travel centres your trip around local cuisine. This includes traditional dishes, markets, and everyday eating experiences.
Why it works
- Food creates a strong connection to place
- It leads to memorable and sensory experiences
- Every destination offers something unique
My experience
Some of the most memorable travel moments happen around food. This might be a simple pub meal in Ireland or discovering local dishes abroad.
Best for
- Curious eaters
- Culture-focused travelers
- Anyone who plans their day around meals
👉 Explore: The Global Food Guide
Living Abroad or Long-Term Travel
What it is
This style focuses on staying in one place for an extended period. This could be weeks or months, with the goal of experiencing daily life rather than visiting briefly.
Why it works
- You develop routines and familiarity
- You see beyond typical tourist experiences
- It creates a deeper understanding of a place
My experience
Spending longer periods in one place changes how you travel. You move from observing to actually living in the environment.
Best for
- Remote workers
- Long-term travelers
- Anyone considering relocation
👉 Explore: Living Abroad Guide
How to Choose the Right Travel Style
Not sure which approach suits you. Start here:
- Want a clear and structured trip → Destination-Based Travel
- Want something easier to navigate → Accessible Travel
- Love stories and meaning behind places → Film and Literary Travel
- Plan your trips around meals → Global Food Travel
- Want to stay longer and go deeper → Living Abroad
Most trips combine more than one style. That combination is often what makes a trip feel complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of travel styles
Travel styles vary, but common approaches include destination-based travel, food-focused travel, accessible travel, and themed travel such as film or literary exploration.
How do I choose the right travel style
Start by deciding what matters most to you. This could be ease, structure, food, storytelling, or depth of experience. Build your trip around that priority.
Can you combine travel styles
Yes. Most trips naturally combine multiple styles, such as destination-based planning with food or film-focused experiences.
Which travel style is best for Ireland
Ireland works especially well for destination-based travel, accessible travel, and film and literary exploration.
Start Planning Your Trip
Now that you have a clearer idea of your travel style, the next step is choosing where to go.
👉 Start here: Ireland Travel Guide or Northern Ireland Travel Guide
👉 Or explore: United Kingdom travel, Europe travel guides