Cohen (1972), a sociologist of tourism, classifies tourists into four types, based on the degree to which they seek familiarity and novelty: the drifter, the explorer, the individual mass tourist, and the organized mass tourist.

Sociologist Erik Cohen (1972) classified tourists into four roles based on their desire for familiarity versus novelty. 1. The Organized Mass Tourist: The least adventurous, they travel in a highly controlled "environmental bubble," usually on a fixed-itinerary group tour with a guide. 2. The Individual Mass Tourist: Similar to the organized type, but they travel independently and have some control over their time, though they still stick to well-trodden tourist paths. 3. The Explorer: They arrange their own trips and seek out unusual locations but still rely on comfortable accommodations and "familiar" safety standards. 4. The Drifter: The most adventurous, they shun the traditional tourism industry entirely, living with locals and often taking odd jobs to fund their travel, seeking total immersion in a new culture. In 2026, these classifications help travel marketers understand how to target different segments, from those wanting the security of a luxury resort to those seeking the "raw" authenticity of a nomadic lifestyle.