While we can’t have a sorting hat decide our Hogwarts fate, that hasn’t stopped us from furiously debating which house we think we belong to. With numerous online quizzes, (including Rowling-made Pottermore itself) and sometimes generally just trying to understand our personalities, we’ve usually got a bit of an idea which house – or houses – we belong to.
And because each house comes with its own unique set of traits, it surely comes with its own set of travel desires. There’d be no stopping our travels with the power to apparate (sorry, airline industry) so where will you go next? Here’s our guide on where you should travel based on your Hogwarts house.
Gryffindor: New Zealand and South Africa
“You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart.
Their daring nerve and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart”
Everyone knows that Gryffindors are brave and daring, so it’s only right that they’d be thrill seekers on the road. And where’s the capital for adrenaline junkies? New Zealand. Here, you can laugh in the face of danger and show your reckless trait (classic Gryffindor!) by skydiving, canyon swinging and bungee jumping – what’s more, you’ll do this against the backdrop of mountains and the ocean. Perfect for a Gryffindor as extreme landscapes appeal to your passionate, fiery nature.
You’re not likely to want to relax too much on your vacations – you like a challenge, and you’re a determined person, so while you’re not opposed to relaxing, you’d get a bit bored if that’s all you did so you’re happiest when you’ve earned it with a good hike or a morning surf session.
Sure, you can also do this in New Zealand too, but how about South Africa? We can’t forget that your house symbol is a lion and resembles fire, so couple the activities with the glorious feeling of sun on your skin and take a safari to channel the strength and bravery of your house first-hand.
Hufflepuff: Sri Lanka and Ireland
“You might belong in Hufflepuff,
Where they are just and loyal,
Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,
And unafraid of toil”
Hufflepuff is the house that gets the most stick out of the four – and for what? Because you’re nice? Don’t let the haters bring you down, because being nice is a good thing, and so are many of the other qualities you have that make you not only a wonderful person, but an adventurous traveller. Being able to talk to locals, trust their suggestions and head off the beaten path is how you like to make the most of your travels.
We suggest visiting Sri Lanka, a trending destination at the moment with its endless beaches and impressive ruins, and yet, a place where there’s so much more to discover than the usual travel route. And if anyone’s going to find those secret gems, it’s you; Hufflepuffs will love immersing themselves in Sri Lanka’s culture this way. Out of all of the houses, you know most how important balance is to lead a fulfilling life, so you’re able to go equal parts full throttle adventure and blissful relaxation.
We’ve already mentioned how you like to talk to people and how nice you are. You’re a good person through and through, and people enjoy your company. Where’s best to take advantage of that? Ireland, where you will hit it off with the people you meet in this notoriously friendly nation and engage in the joyful atmosphere, from the green cliffs to the lively pubs.
Ravenclaw: Italy and Iran
“Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,
If you’ve a ready mind,
Where those of wit and learning,
Will always find their kind”
Oh, clever Ravenclaw. Everyone knows you’re smart, witty and love learning, and so if you’re travelling, it’s bound to be an original idea or somewhere you know you’ll get the most intellectual stimulation. For an original idea, head to Iran. Not many people think to go here, but you are fascinated by expanding your horizons and educating yourself on parts of the world most overlook.
Iran is not only historically and culturally brimming, with echoes of ancient civilisations everywhere, but it’s stunning and its people diverse. There’s no end to the intriguing conversations and sites you’ll have that will leave its mark on your curious mind.
Another destination that will tick all the boxes for a Ravenclaw is Italy. In the same vein as Iran, it has an overwhelming history and Rome is the building block of modern civilisation, so you’ll be soaking in the facts, ready to whack them out at your local trivia night when you’re back home.
Italy isn’t only perfect for you because of its history, however. The country is beautiful and sophisticated, just like you, so you’ll revel in the hills of Tuscany and engaging in the Italian’s energetic lifestyle and conversation, which keeps up with your sharp wit.
Slytherin: Maldives and Iceland
“Or perhaps in Slytherin,
You’ll make your real friends.
Those cunning folk use any means
To achieve their ends”
If anyone likes a trip of luxury, it’s a Slytherin. That’s not a bad thing, it’s simply that Slytherins are confident enough in themselves to know that they enjoy the finer things in life and they have the ambition to land themselves on a truly first-class vacation. That might manifest itself in a beautiful beach setting with all the amazing amenities you’d usually only dream of, like the Maldives, in an overwater bungalow. You can spend your days sipping out of a coconut in your personal hammock or swimming with manta rays.
Or you might want to experience the things most people wish for but never do – you’re happy to go all out for the perfect adventure. It’s a vacation, right? In that case, Iceland is for you, where you can indulge in unique things like exploring ice tunnels, heading inside a (dormant) volcano, staying in a luxury hotel while watching the Northern Lights and taking helicopter rides over the beautiful landscape. Your pictures will be the envy of all your friends.
Featured image by ZhaoAngela
