Essential Solo Travel Tips for Introverts to Thrive on Their Journeys

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Solo Travel Tips for Introverts: Know Thyself

The first rule of solo travel for introverts is: know thyself. Know what activities or situations drain you and those that give you energy. Choose travel destinations and book accommodations that match your preferences. For me, hostels fall in the “absolutely not” category. I know that at the end of a long day exploring a destination I need to have my own quiet, private space to recharge, so hotels and AirBNBs are my accommodations of choice.

Understanding personality types is crucial for introverts who want to travel solo. As an introvert, it’s essential to recognize your own preferences and needs when it comes to social interaction, personal space, and quiet time. Introverts tend to recharge their energy by spending time alone, while extroverts gain energy from social interactions. By acknowledging your personality type, you can create a travel experience that is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Solo trips can be a great way for introverts to engage in personal growth and self-discovery.

By choosing the right travel style, you can create a travel experience that is relaxing, rejuvenating, and tailored to your introverted needs. Embrace the adventure of being a peaceful adventurer, seeking unique experiences while still enjoying solitude.

Timing is Key

Choose the season for your trip wisely. Typically destinations are most crowded (and more expensive) during peak weather, so traveling in the off season can mean fewer crowds, but also less than desirable weather. Is that a compromise you’re willing to make? Consider the in-between shoulder seasons as a good compromise.

Timing is also key when going to restaurants and attractions like museums. Online research is helpful in determining what time of day places are most crowded. I especially love the feature in Google Maps that tells you the crowd levels of a place and popular times to visit. I use it at home for places like the grocery store, but it works anywhere!

Go Slow: Embrace Slow Travel

I realize that not everyone has unlimited PTO and unlimited funds, but slow travel tends to be more introvert-friendly. Slow travel is an excellent option for introverts, as it allows for a deeper connection with the destination and its people. Trying to see all of Paris in three days is exhausting (and honestly, impractical) but staying in Paris for two weeks lets you see more and do it at a pace that won’t wipe you out. Taking moments to rest can enhance your enjoyment and help you manage the trip better. Rushing from one place to another may lead to missed opportunities for deeper connections and personal enrichment.

Perfect Planning

This is going to sound a bit contradictory but stick with me. You want to have a well-planned itinerary so you don’t end up with decision fatigue leaving you stressed and giving up exploring in favor of staying at your hotel eating room service. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good hotel room service meal, but you came to see the place you’re visiting, right?

That being said, I like to plan an activity in the morning and leave the afternoon free (or vice versa) to wander and do chill things, like reading or journaling at a local cafe. Putting down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can also help you deeply connect with your experiences.

While you’re planning your itinerary, plan a few small things outside your comfort zone. Don’t overdo it, because that’s a recipe for burnout, but one or two things during a weeklong trip can be an amazing way to discover new things about yourself while enjoying your destination.

Additionally, understanding the schedules and potential stressors of public transportation can help you plan better. So be sure to include that in your pre-trip research and itinerary planning!

Take a Tour

Week-long group tours are not my thing. But I love a good city walking tour, food tour, or local cooking class while I’m traveling. These experiences, which can be anywhere from an hour to half a day are a fun way to socialize with fellow travelers as well as locals for a finite amount of time. Additionally, choosing tours with small groups, often capped at 12 participants, can lead to a more intimate and less overwhelming experience.

Pack the Necessities

Headphones, a journal, a book, and a camera are the solo travel survival kit. Block out the noise with noise-canceling headphones (pro tip: you don’t even have to actually be listening to anything!) and cozy up in a cafe and spend some time journaling or reading. A camera is your friend while traveling because you can “hide” behind it, and taking pics gives you something to do while you explore. Plus you end up with great keepsakes from your travels!

Introvert Solo Travel Accommodations

Book accommodations in a place that suits you. Want a bustling and noisy area to get lost in the crowd and blend in? Or do you prefer a quiet and peaceful locale to recharge? Once you decide what type of area you want to stay in you can choose from hostels, hotels, and AirBNBs. Consider how many nights you plan to stay, as longer stays in shared environments like hostels might be less suitable for introverts. Additionally, prioritize accommodations that offer solitude, allowing you to find moments of retreat and recharge your emotional energy.

Spend More

Spend more (if you can) to have a private experience. Whether it’s a hotel instead of a hostel or a solo safari, some of the best money I’ve spent as an introverted solo traveler has been on choosing the private experience that allows me the time and space I need to recharge and enjoy my trip. These private experiences offer a perfect escape from the overwhelming nature of social interactions, providing peace and solitude.

Foreign is Fabulous

I’ve heard fellow introverted solo travelers say they’re intimidated by foreign countries. But I think foreign countries are fabulous! If you don’t speak the language there’s no pressure to make small talk!

Endless Opportunities

From renting a bike or going to a museum to going shopping or to a local ballet, there are endless activities that are solo traveler-friendly. Check sites like Get Your Guide for self-guided audio tours of popular locations (don’t forget your headphones!). These adventures can include cultural explorations or outdoor activities, offering meaningful travel experiences that resonate with your preferences for solitude and authenticity.

Stay Connected (If You Want)

If you’re craving connection send a text to someone back home and share a photo or two. I have a friend who also solo travels quite frequently and we’re always sending each other photos of the stray cats we encounter during our travels. Silly things like that (which aren’t bragging about how amazing your trip is) can connect you with a friend back home if you need a little connection. Two caveats: be aware of time zones when texting and know what your phone’s international plan is so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises!

Dining Dilemma

Going out to eat alone is one of the biggest things I hear solo travelers struggle with. And I get it, it can feel uncomfortable! Start by going out to eat solo in your own hometown and you’ll eventually feel more at ease with solo dining.

My solo dining strategy is to eat at off hours. Late lunch, early lunch, whichever, I just try to avoid peak hours when restaurants are at their most crowded. Often times I’ll eat at the bar, which can be quicker and feel less awkward than taking up a table at a popular restaurant. If I’m really not feeling like eating out and about, I might order takeaway or stop at a local market and have a grocery store picnic. It’s a more affordable option than room service and it’s fun to explore local foods at the store!

Be Open to the Possibilities

For as much as you feel comfortable, smile, make eye contact, and say hi to people. Unexpected social interactions can happen, so being prepared can make a big difference.

When I was in Tanzania I took a hot air balloon flight and during the champagne brunch that followed, I had an amazing chat with our pilot and some fellow travelers that’s one of my favorite memories of the trip! These moments of connection can be incredibly enriching. Even though interacting with strangers can sometimes be challenging, it can also lead to unforgettable experiences.

Engaging with new people during your travels can also provide a sense of connection and enrich your experience. Additionally, fostering meaningful connections with locals or fellow travelers can help combat feelings of loneliness and enhance your emotional well-being.

Solo Safety

And it goes without saying, but be sure to exercise the safety precautions every time you travel! Use good judgement, don’t overindulge in alcohol, listen to your gut, and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip.

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