What sort of person would rather travel alone?
Traveling with other people may be too exhausting if you are an introvert. Some people may like something other than the destination you are going to, food, transportation, and more.
But there are other reasons. Sometimes traveling with others makes the trip grueling because you cannot enjoy it alone.
For extroverts, it can be easier to be in places surrounded by people and go to parties in the place they are visiting. Traveling is one of the most amazing experiences in every person’s life. If you cannot enjoy it, what is the point?
Let’s jump straight to today’s tips.
Introversion Myths Busted
Before we go further, there are a lot of common misconceptions formed by the public about introverts based on our culture’s superficial portrayal of them.
Here are some myths about introverts that have been debunked:
Myth 1: Introverts Don’t Like people
Oftentimes, when you hear me saying “introvert” you really can’t think outside the idea of someone who doesn’t like people.
But what if I tell you that this is not the case?
Introverts don’t really dislike people, rather, their stimulation doesn’t depend on being around people all the time. They might be more selectively social than extroverts and prefer fewer yet deeper friendships.
Introverts are not awkward around expressing emotions, they take time to open up and trust, and they know how to build intimate friendships and loyal relationships.
Myth 2: Introverts Are Shy
Quietness and shyness are often associated with introversion.
Let me tell you right off the bat that Introverts are not shy, socially awkward, or even afraid of people; but the truth is that they always need a reason for interaction.
They hate small talk but if you bring up a topic they are interested in and you will watch them talking sometimes more than extroverts.
Myth 3: Introverts Hate Having Fun
They are not dull they are not adrenaline junkies. They can party and be seen at social events, but large crowds can sometimes exhaust them.
This is why you don’t see them doing all the talking. They don’t need to be there for too long or as often. Introverts can still be fun, crack jokes, or entertain you with interesting stories.
Myth 4: Introverts Are Alone All The Time
Introverts do not avoid people, and they need time to recharge. When they do a lot of socializing, introverts need to spend time on their own to return to themselves after being overstimulated in gatherings.
Introverts are perfectly fine with their own company. Still, they don’t mind the company of others, especially those they love and enjoy being around.
Myth 5: Introverts Need To Be Extroverted
Introversion is not a personality disorder that needs to be worked on. Introverts are the world’s daydreamers, writers, poets, and musicians.
The time they spend in solitude is what stimulates their creative minds. The world needs both introverts and extroverts equally.
12 Solo Travel Tips For Introverts (Explained)
Traveling can be easier and more enjoyable when you have a plan in place. Here are a few important travel tips for introverts for a perfect and comfortable trip:
1. Start with a Plan
As an introvert, having a plan before hitting the road can make the journey easier while on vacation. Knowing what activities to take part in and how much time to spend alone is key to making sure this method is employed successfully.
First, plan how much time will be spent relaxing and how many outings are preferred; the activities chosen should allow for plenty of personal space but also be entertaining enough to stay engaged and have fun.
Calculate time for eating meals as well – when planning venues, give preference to quieter places or fast service restaurants over overcrowded tourist spots.
An introvert’s travel can still offer loads of fun, from sun-filled beach days to relaxing spa treatments – being prepared with a plan can make it both stress-free and enjoyable.
2. Strategically Book Your Accommodations
Now, making the most of your time abroad and seizing more opportunities outside of your comfort zone doesn’t mean throwing away alone time and going couch surfing in various living rooms day after day.
As any introvert knows, nothing is more sacred than time away from others to recharge. After a long day figuring out how to travel the world alone, the real alone time starts when you’re no longer surrounded by people on the street, at the store, or anywhere else — accommodations included.
Whether you’re looking to study abroad for a summer or planning on galavanting Europe solo before a volunteer program starts, there are many options for where to stay. These include hostel dorms or single rooms, hotels, AirBnBs, homestays, and guest houses.
When choosing, opt for somewhere that still provides an introverted oasis, so you can tackle the next day feeling mentally well-rested.
Don’t break the bank, either! The right choice can even be a 16-person hostel dorm room with a curtain around your bunk for added privacy.
Another pro tip: Read hostel reviews before you book. They’ll explain whether you will stay in a “party” hostel. That way, you can dive in knowingly or avoid it altogether.
3. Break The Ice by Initiating Interactions
As an introvert, the idea of having a conversation with a stranger may seem daunting; however, traveling is meant to be an opportunity for exploration and connecting with new people. There are some great ways you can use to engage in conversations very easily.
One helpful method is to start small by commenting on something you both experience such as asking the person’s opinion on a current event or even on their choice of luggage.
Another way to break the ice is to range the tone up by finding a topic of shared interest such as local culture or a common hobby. It may even be helpful to carry around some interesting facts about your destination which can pique someone’s curiosity.
Furthermore, don’t forget to simply smile – it communicates warmth and acceptance – and ask relevant questions that allow you both to contribute equally to the conversation. By mastering these skills, initiating conversations when traveling as an introvert can seem like a breeze!
4. Opt For Day Tours Over Extended Group Trips
Let’s be real. One of the top concerns when traveling as an introvert is how to mingle with new people in a new setting. Every. Single. Day.
The solution? Take the exhausting parts of travel (like planning and booking) out of the equation with a tour or group travel.
It may sound counterintuitive, given that you’re signing up to surround yourself with others. But a more intimate travel group can work in an introvert’s favor, giving a much more manageable crowd to slowly get to know and build friendships with throughout your travel.
The tradeoff of spending your travels with a small group is that you don’t have to make any calls or strike up conversations to set up accommodations, cultural excursions, educational workshops, and transportation. Any excuse to skip a phone call is a relief.
For a few short weeks, adventure travel, study abroad, and even volunteer programs are great options. Longer trips could benefit from all the above, as well as gap years, language school, and sometimes even organized internships and jobs abroad.
5. Keep A Good Book Or Journal On Hand
There are other ways to explore and process your travel experiences than through conversation.
A good book to read can be an introvert’s ideal companion during an unaccompanied cafe lunch or a cross-country train ride. Better yet, find some reading material on your current destination to further engage with your new environment.
Journaling can also be a wonderful way to understand and capture your internal experience. Be sure to jot down positive encounters or places that profoundly affect you as a way to preserve those memories for life.
As an introverted, solo traveler, your time is yours. You can sleep in as late as you want and see as many museums as you’d like — the world is your oyster! If you’re unsure how you want to spend your day, keep a book or journal in your bag.
You can lazily read or write while taking a breather in the park or read a quick chapter while waiting for your coffee. You’ll be swept into this fictional world while being in a new and exciting land.
6. Explore Outside Your Comfort Zone
What else can you do with a global internet connection? Make use of it before and during your trip, of course!
When you meet new people abroad and expand their social horizons, introverts need more time than the chattier, extroverted side of the population.
Ease into new friendships by joining Facebook groups for your target destination, Meetup.com groups for travelers and ex-pats, and other social media channels.
Through these groups, you might discover local meetups in person with people you’re already acquainted with, fun things to do, and hidden gems you don’t yet know about once you arrive.
7. Get Global Data Or A Local Phone Plan
While WiFi is readily available in most large cities, having internet access with you at all times eliminates the additional hassle and small talk needed to ask for directions and WiFi passwords.
Suppose you’re traveling completely on your own. In that case, global data is also a lifeline in case of emergencies, quick translations, maps, and anything else you need.
For shorter trips, buying a local SIM card with limited data or a monthly plan to use with your phone may be more affordable.
8. Don’t Forget Your Headphones
Headphones are amazing, and they come in handy as a solo traveler.
With headphones, you can watch movies or listen to music on the airplane—which can make the time go by quicker—but you can also wear them while roaming.
Just imagine roaming through the streets of Prague or the islands of Spain while listening to a lecture about the area or a book on tape.
You’ll learn so much and never feel truly alone. Plus, people don’t tend to bother those who have earphones in.
To learn more, I recommend you check out my previous article where I shared some of the best self-care travel tips.
9. Pack Lightly
Packing too much for a short trip is the most awkward. You must carry it all on your way through the airport and then lug it along as you find your hotel, hostel, or BnB.
There’s no point in sweating and lugging around all those bags because you’ll be so consumed in carrying everything you’re missing out on the world.
People will also stop you and ask if you need help, which is very thoughtful and sweet but may seem annoying to some introverts.
Pack lightly and be less stressed.
10. Go On A Hiking Adventure
There are thousands of benefits from getting outside and breathing in the great outdoors.
The sunshine can boost your energy levels, the feeling of the grass on your bare feet can help with mental clarity, and being in an atmosphere that’s not connected to the Internet is refreshing.
If traveling to big cities or small towns sounds like it could be more fun or relaxing, opt for a hiking trip. The great Midwest in America is a fantastic place to find hiking trails, as is Western Canada and the mountains in Switzerland.
11. Bring Something That Reminds You Of Home
Sometimes the small things bring us down to earth and calm down.
Is there anything that makes you relaxed and more comfortable than the smell of laundry detergent on your pillow before you lay your head at night?
Traveling solo can bring a level of anxiety; knick that bad energy and bring a pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, or even a picture so that your adventure feels a little more like home.
12. Choose Your Destination Carefully
When planning a holiday, introverts should choose their destinations carefully as certain types of locations may overwhelm them with unfamiliar people and activities.
Introverts can still have an enjoyable holiday if they plan thoroughly, taking into consideration the size of crowds and the amount of available alone time. It is important to search for quiet places to relax one’s mind, such as secluded beaches or peaceful trails.
Activities that require little social interaction are a great way to find exciting entertainment while staying in one’s comfort zone. It might even be wise to book a hotel room near a tranquil area instead of a bustling city center.
This gives the freedom an introvert to explore the destination yet provides respite when feeling overwhelmed by new people and surroundings.
With proper planning, even subtle activities such as bird watching or photography can become an extraordinary experience filled with discoveries and much-needed moments of inner growth.
Final Thoughts
In summary, introverts aren’t necessarily loners or even shy. They’re more bothered by travel hassles like crowds, intense together time, and interacting with strangers.
So if you are introverted, choose the right time to go on vacation. You can go to places with a medium to small population density in the low season. Of course, sometimes, to visit the site you want to see, you have to accept that there will be many people.
However, if you will visit a place that is already crowded, choose the dates with less influx of tourists. It will help you feel less anxious, and you can enjoy the whole process of traveling.
The good thing about choosing a place that is not very touristy and with a small population is that you can choose certain dates. You will also know that there will be fewer distractions, anxiety, and other unpleasant feelings
Hope you found those travel tips helpful.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers!
