©Arlene Taylor PhD

Vacations can be categorized as eustress (by-choice stress), mistress (hidden stress), or distress (undesirable stress). The latter can be especially true when vacations involve individuals whose innate brain preferences differ dramatically.

Sometimes just by recognizing and identifying the way in which each individual is likely to approach vacation experiences, travelers can make different choices related to travel companions and/or minimize the potential for experiencing negative outcomes.

brain lead Left Frontal Lobe

  • Wants to accomplish something on vacation
  • Deliberate spender
  • Not looking for fun
  • May choose to continue to work and send the family on a vacation

 

brain lead Right Frontal Lobe

  • Wants adventure and entertainment on vacation
  • Impulsive spender
  • Likes a minimum of advance planning
  • Prefers to avoid tight schedules so can take advantage of spontaneous ideas

brain lead Left Posterior Lobes

  • Wants to plan vacation in minute detail and then follow the itinerary carefully
  • Conservative spender
  • Is pleased if plans and outcomes match
  • Prefers packaged tours and one-price-includes-all group excursions

 

brain lead Right Posterior Lobes

  • Wants to connect with family and friends on vacation
  • Tends to bring children and pets
  • Extravagant spender
  • Collects souvenirs, memorabilia, and brings home gifts for everyone