KEY POINTS:
We've got ideas on how you can enjoy travel whether you're a backpacker or posh as, adventurer or trendsetter, comfort-loving culture-seeker or firmly family focused.
Today's bonus issue of the Herald Travel section is a little different from usual, being based around our quiz and the insights it offers to help characterise your travel style.
We know we said last week's section was the last of the year, but then we decided that just because Travel Editor Jim Eagles had packed up to head off again, there was no reason we at home shouldn't indulge in another round of armchair travel.
Take the quiz, then turn inside to find out what kind of travel suits you best. We have the inside word on the hot new destinations for all kinds of travellers and we've packaged them up with some stunning pictures. There's bound to be something that catches your eye and suits your lifestyle.
There are no right or wrong answers to the quiz and you may find you're like most people - you want the best of all worlds. So don't be put off if you think backpacking travel isn't for you, or that luxury is out of your price bracket. All of the categories reflect some key trends going on in the travel market: among them the need to mix pampering and authentic experiences, delivered with growing environmental and social consciousness.
So whether you're an armchair traveller, or planning on taking off in the New Year, we hope you'll find ideas and inspiration aplenty. After all, there's a world of choice out there, waiting to be explored.
TO THE TRAVEL TEST
1. How will you book accommodation at your destination?
a On the Internet, using the hotel's own website.
b The travel agent will do it.
c How am I supposed to know? Somebody else organises all that.
d I get a package deal on the airline's website that includes accommodation.
e Actually I'm hoping to find a local family who'll let me hang out at their place for a few days.
2. Which description best fits your luggage most of the time?
a A giant but incredibly organised pile of bags and paraphernalia that makes me feel as though I am moving house every time I go on holiday.
b Louis Vuitton, darling.
c Mandarina Duck, babe.
d A very small backpack and a self- righteous smirk as I watch the people who answered "a" struggle at the airport.
e A couple of those suitcases on wheels that are always well within the airline's weight restrictions.
3. You're sitting by the water and a scantily clad, very hot individual in swimwear climbs on to your lap. They open a bottle of champagne and pour it all over themselves and, inadvertently, you, while writhing excitedly on your knees. What do you do?
a Push them off. It's kind of embarrassing.
b Tell the nanny that this isn't really acceptable behaviour at the Kids Club.
c Pull out your diving knife and tell them to get off. Because this isn't really acceptable behaviour in a Laotian fishing village, even if they are the local prostitute. And anyway the sweet alcohol might attract those fire ants again.
d Lie back and enjoy the show.
e Lie back and enjoy the show. Then tip them afterwards.
4. How do you prefer to get around your travel destination?
a Hire a car.
b Hire a limo.
c Hire a moped.
d Hire a donkey.
e Catch a taxi.
5. You're surrounded by a group of the indigenous people in war paint. They have spears, they look agitated and they seem to be threatening you. What do you do?
a Get your bodyguards to hold them off while you escape in the helicopter.
b Leave the tent and pack behind and run. Really fast.
c Try and communicate with them to find out what they want. What we see as threatening and hostile may in fact be a form of greeting.
d Think to yourself that these rides at Disneyland are getting awfully realistic and you hope that nobody - including yourself - has nightmares afterwards.
e Clap. You love alternative street theatre.
6. While on holiday you're likely to spend the most money on:
a Wine and food.
b Getting around.
c Babysitters.
d Shopping.
7. You'd be really annoyed if you forgot this at home ...
a Sexy lingerie.
b Pamol.
c Compass.
d The relevant Lonely Planet guide.
e A map of the city.
8. Who is Ian Schrager?
a Isn't he a corrupt dictator in one of the poorest African countries?
b Isn't he the guy who started the first hip boutique hotel ever?
c Isn't he the guy who ran Studio 54, that disco in the 70s?
d Isn't he our neighbour at the New York townhouse?
e He's related to Grace's friend from daycare, Sam Schrager, isn't he?
9. Your travel wardrobe consists mainly of the following
a Whatever you bought at the shops there.
b Black T-shirts and army pants.
c Black T-shirts and sarongs.
d The same things you wear at home, but suited to the climate.
e The latest resortwear.
10. While on holiday you know you're most in danger of:
a Being injured. Or eaten by wild animals.
b Being robbed.
c Being bored.
d Being driven insane.
e Being kidnapped. Or having Naomi Campbell throw her cellphone at your head.
11. While on holiday, you wander into a stunning minimalist art gallery-cum-boutique. The walls are lined with great paintings and the shelves are filled with sculpture and fantastic vintage curiosities. What will you say to the black-clad glamorista, who turns from polishing the art glass, to greet you?
a "Thank you, we're just looking."
b "Hi babe, it's been so long. And wow, what an awesome place to work!"
c "I'm really sorry, we're lost."
d "I've come to pick up the painting."
12. Your main goal while travelling is:
a To relax. And to have someone else clean the bedroom.
b To explore new cultures and see the sights.
c To meet the locals and maybe even smoke a peace pipe with them.
d To do cool things that you can't do at home. And to come home with cool things you can't get at home.
e To get away from the paparazzi at the townhouse.
Happy travels
Quiz profile
Marks
1. a-4, b-2, c-5, d-1, e-3.
2. a-1, b-5, c-4, d-3, e-2.
3. a-4, b-1, c-3, d-5, e-2.
4. a-1, b-5, c-4, d-3, e-2.
5. a-5, b-3, c-2, d-1, e-4.
6. a-2, b-3, c-1, d-6.
7. a-5, b-1, c-3, d-2, e-4.
8. a-3, b-4, c-2, d-5, e-1.
9. a-4, b-2, c-3, d-1, e-5.
10. a-3, b-2, c-4, d-1, e-5.
11. a-2, b-4, c-1, d- 6.
12. a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4, e-5.
Results
0-12 points: Family Focused
13-24 points: Culture & Comfort seeker
25-36 points: The Individualistic Adventurer
37-48 points: The Hipster
48 points and above: The Luxury Traveller
