What Each Enneagram Type Packs for a Road Trip

Some believe that road trips should be planned, itinerized and run like a well-oiled machine, while others have a more go-with-the-flow style. And these differences appear before you even hit the road, with very different attitudes about what to pack and why. 

Here’s what we think each Enneagram type will pack for their road trip. Read on to find out what’s in store for you and your travel companions!

Type 1: The Perfectionist

Beware: your Type 1 travel companion is going to be fastidious in their preparation. Travel wallet? Check. Map with the best route to your destination? You bet. Extra pair of underwear in the glove compartment? Probably.

Ones strive to not only be right but to be beyond criticism. In a road trip scenario, this might come across as over-prepared or controlling. However, it all stems from a want to be practical, hence all of the extra “what ifs” that are accounted for. On the plus side, a Type 1 travel companion can induce incredibly stimulating and inspiring road trip conversations with their passion and forethought. 

Type 2: The Helper 

Twos are the type most likely to pack a backpack, chock full of medicines and extra clothes (just in case). And don’t be surprised if they 1) remember what your favorite snack is and 2) pack a few helpings of said snack in their trusty backpack. 

Twos see helping others as the richest, most genuine way to live. They do care about being appreciated, but a healthy two is serving for more than the status it brings them. Your Type 2 travel companion will generally be easy-going, considerate, and just as aware of your needs as they are their own. You’ll love traveling with a Two for their go-with-the-flow attitude and willingness to let you take the lead on your trip.

Type 3: The Achiever

A Type 3 will pack a unique road trip accessory: a tool of their trade. Whether that’s an impressive business card holder or a musical instrument they intend to practice while on your trip, a Three is not likely to let their skills slip while on an adventure. 

Threes learned at an early age that the more they achieve, the more attention and encouragement they receive; two things everyone needs, but are somehow more vital to the wellbeing of a Type 3. The Three will use different mechanisms to gain attention, yet all are united by a single principle – distinguishing themselves from others to the end that their lives are considered a ‘success’. 

A Type 3 will likely motivate and inspire their companion to set goals and try harder to reach your version of a successful life. 

Type 4: The Individualist 

Ever the expressive romantic, a Type 4 is most likely to bring their favorite medium of indulging in their inner world. I picture a notebook or a laptop, but all Fours will have their own way of engaging with themselves. 

Fours are constantly balancing their outer interactions with their inner dialogue. Past experiences, analyzing their personality through yet another lens, living out a fantasy life present only in the six inches between their ears – all of these and more pull the four inward.

Each Four feels the pull of these inklings and the need to process these feelings doesn’t stop on a road trip. 

Don’t be put off by the melodramatic tone. A Type 4 is a wonderful travel companion if you’re looking for deep conversations and philosophical musings. 

Type 5: The Investigator

Type Fives are always learning and thus most likely to bring along whatever sparks their ideas the most: a new book perhaps (or better yet, their e-reader FULL of new books!), or an empty box to collect treasures of whatever they fancy. 

Yet your Type 5 travel companion more than likely will forget to pack an extra pair of underwear. 

The Type 5 is constantly asking questions. And not the “are we there yet” type of questions – questions about the cosmos, about online marketing, about anthills, about the unspoken unifying nature of music. Whatever niche the Five adopts, they dive deeply into the information and never look back. In fact, it is likely that your Type 5 travel companion speaks very little and entertains these new ideas solely in their head. Fives, even at an average healthiness level, tend to neglect relationships around them. 

So if you’re looking for a quiet, unassuming road trip companion, the Type 5 might be exactly who you want in your passenger seat!

Type 6: The Loyalist

The Six in your vehicle is most likely to have thought of (and packed) everything that could be helpful in supporting you on your trip. An extra prepaid card just in case you end up in a bind? Absolutely. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if a Type 6 travel companion thought about upgrading their phone plan if need be, just in case. 

Sixes thrive on giving support and feeling like they themselves can be supported, though not in a “tit for tat” way. The presence of security and support helps the Six combat the inherent anxiety and insecurity found in this type. 

A Type 6 is the best travel companion for you if you’re a little nervous about traveling in the first place, as they will fiercely back you up and provide support for any details that slipped through the cracks. 

Type 7: The Enthusiast 

A Type 7 enthusiast in your passenger seat looks like one big ball of endless energy and fun! A Seven is most likely to bring a pump-you-up playlist of music and a proclivity towards impulsive detours. Be prepared to stop at a random pie stand and pump your fists to Queen. You’re in for an epic road trip! 

The excitement and novelty of a road trip is going to bring out the best of this optimistic and impulsive type. A Seven travel companion will be versatile to a fault and keen on following wherever the wind may take you. If you’re the type that needs an itinerary and a plan (I’m looking at you, Ones) then a pow-wow about expectations might be in order before you undertake a road trip with a Type 7.  

Type 8: The Challenger

Type Eights are all about control, but don’t be fooled! A Type 8 travel companion likely planned your trip and offered their car as the transportation. Not out of a need to be domineering, but born out of their charismatic, “I got this!” attitude. 

A Type 8 is a fantastic travel companion if you need someone to help drive (literally and figuratively) your trip forward. They’ll bring a grounded common sense to your conversations and decisions as well as a passion for your trip and activities. Plus, if you’re with a group and would rather opt out of an activity, I happen to know that Eights will take the heat for an unpopular decision. Their individuality makes the Eight an easily enjoyable road trip companion. 

Type 9: The Peacemaker

The Type 9 Peacemaker, ever driven towards understanding others, is the most likely to have looked up local traditions, languages, or customs before your trip begins and will have packed the guidebook to prove it. If you’re road tripping to an area that communicates with a different language, the Nine probably knows the basics of asking for a restroom. 

The Type 9 is most concerned about harmony and this will manifest most in your passenger seat. A Nine is going to ask questions about your viewpoints and likely won’t voice a strong opposition if they hold a different perspective. While they’re likely to bring multiple maps and travel guides for the external road trip, they’re also inclined to bring conversation topics and entertainment that you’re both likely to enjoy. 

Your turn! Post your best road trip story below and let us know what Enneagram types were present. And if you want to know what your road trip personality type is – this time based on the Big Five, not Enneagram – take our fun test here.