Living There
Creating a truly bipartisan suitcase seems like an impossible task. Sure, we all love to read a good book on vacation, but whose biography do we pack: Ronald Reagan or John F. Kennedy? Republicans and democrats usually disagree on who should be president but we weren’t expecting how different they are when it comes to travel, too.
We surveyed both republicans and democrats about their dream vacations. Then we used that data to create custom packing lists for the republican or democrat in your life, including some common elements that are sure to please. Maybe we really can all get along…
The Bag:
Republicans
Our survey showed that on average, republicans prefer to be lying by the pool or chilling out on the beach. No matter how the get their gear the airport, republicans bring a light tote bag or beach bag for those glorious days down by the water inside their leather valise or high tech rolling suitcase.
Democrats
While their republican counterparts are tanning beachside, democrats are more likely to take in the sights on walking tours of urban environments and populous cities. They opt for a small, light, and durable bag with a comfortable strap. After all, it’s impossible to tell what the elements will bring on a long walk or what local delicacies will call out. Leather may be the standard, but Dems looking for a vegan option pack an extra bag made of heavy denim or weather-ready waxed cotton.
The Shoes:
Republicans
While en route, republicans opt for sturdy Italian loafers with their roll-n-go suitcase, but they also bring a pair of espadrilles or boat shoes when they venture out for a night on the town. Flip-flops are a beach go-to, but they might not cut it for a nice dinner.
Democrats
If the data is right and walking is on the agenda, Dems wear a comfortable pair of sneakers or a philanthropic pair of TOMS. But as with most shoes, they need at least a couple wears before they break in. Wearing a new pair of shoes on a long walk is a sure way to get a blister or three, regardless of political affiliation!
The Accessories:
Republicans
Nothing is more necessary for vacation than a great pair of sunglasses. And beach-loving republicans turn up the protection by packing a pair of UV-treated lenses. Polarized lens may also be an added expense, but they’ll tone down the sun glare so reading material — a book, tablet, the latest polls — comes through clear.
Democrats
Even if they’re not lying by a pool, urban-escape democrats can still get sunburn. And when picking out a tube of protection, they opt for SPF 30 or higher. Environmentally conscious Dems also bring along a reusable water bottle to help stay hydrated during a walk (without wasting plastic bottles along the way).
Bi-Partisan Hits:
E-Reader:
They may not agree on the exact reading material, but both republicans and democrats claim their number one packing essential is a great read. And while republicans are slightly more inclined to bring an ink-and-paper book, e-readers are popular between both parties. These portable tablets make it possible to download and read dozens of books, magazines, and online articles with a simple swipe. (According to our survey, republicans are more in the mood for The Hunger Games, whereas democrats like to stick their heads in the Harry Potter series.)
Noise-Canceling Headphones:
Both republicans and democrats specifically call out the beautiful silence of noise-canceling headphones as a travel must-have. For those times when a little peace and quiet is just what the doctor ordered — like inter-family political debates — noise-canceling headphones can be the perfect fix.
Leave It at Home: The Selfie Stick
Pictures may be worth a thousand words, but of folks we surveyed, less than 1% say the selfie stick is a travel must-have. Need something almost everyone agrees one? If you’re going to take photos, settle for arm’s length.
