1 in 2 Koreans say quality of travel depends on items they pack

By Jun Ji-hye

Choi Joo-na, a 32-year-old office worker in Seoul, never forgets to pack her Polaroid camera and instant film into her luggage whenever going on a trip. For her, the Polaroid camera is a medium that records the moments and joy of her trip as well as being an inanimate travel companion.

“I want to capture my enjoyment of the trip through instant analog photography as I believe this heightens the experience and moments during my trip,” she said.

Like Choi, 55 percent of Korean millennial travelers believe that the quality of their experiences during the trip can vary depending on the travel items they pack with them, according to a recent survey conducted by global online travel agency Expedia.

The company surveyed 300 Koreans aged between 20 and 39 from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, focusing on what they considered “essential” items for their travel and the reasons behind this.

In the survey, nine out of 10 respondents said they have their own special travel items they always pack with them, and nearly 30 percent have felt these items to be like actual travel companions.

The respondents can be categorized into five types based on travel essentials they cited, according to Expedia.

Record-keepers of five senses

Some travelers believe scented candles are essential items for their trip, using the scent as a powerful memory agent to relive moments. / Courtesy of Expedia

Those who are delicate and sensitive recall travel memories differently. Travel essentials of these people include perfume, scented candles and headphones.

Some people bring perfume or scented candles that suit their intended mood and travel destination, and use the scent as a powerful memory agent to relive moments of the trip.

Others put together personal playlists of their favorite music to use as a travel soundtrack boosting happy vibes. It is a widely known fact that sensory association has a positive effect on memory.

Photographers

Cameras are essential items for some travelers as they think a trip is all about the pictures they take. / Courtesy of Expedia

For photographers, travel photos are more than just capturing scenes with their smartphones. Digital, film, Polaroids, action cameras and even drones are brought into play.

Often they bring advanced equipment to fully capture the emotions and essence of the travel destination in a photo. This type of traveler packs separate costumes for shooting, or prepares props such as figurines and dolls to take photos of at the destinations with them.

Habit keepers

Some tourists always put sportswear in their luggage as they want to go for a run or exercise at a gym as usual during their trip. / Courtesy of Expedia

This type of traveler wants to stick to their daily routine while they are away, like going for a run every morning nearby the hotel, or continuing to read the book they are in the middle of, at the destination.

Some bring their own favorite pillow they use in order to get that good night's sleep as if they were at home, while others bring their diary to record their day as they do at home at the end of the day.

Entertainment seekers

Board games are essential items for some travelers who want to stay amused throughout the trip. / Courtesy of Expedia

The biggest concern for this type of travelers is on how to avoid wasting time and stay amused throughout the trip.

In addition to pursuing fascinating in-trip experiences, they have at hand a variety of stuff for fun such as Bluetooth speakers, board games, game consoles and portable projectors to make the most of their time at the accommodation or while in transit.

Minimalists

Travel-related apps on their smartphones, along with pajamas and toiletries, are enough for minimalist travelers. / Courtesy of Expedia

This type of traveler thinks no more is needed than pajamas and toiletries in their bag.

In contrast to the lightweight luggage, these travel minimalists carry a powerful array of travel-related apps on their smartphones, including map, translation, restaurant review and music streaming apps.

The mobile world empowers them with all they need. A portable charger is a must to keep their smartphones at full power.