Solo Travel For Introverts

Introverts can be viewed as quiet, reserved, and sometimes shy people. In reality, being an introvert doesn't mean you are always defined by those characteristics. Introverts can be exciting people who enjoy many different experiences. Is travel something that introverts can enjoy?

Introverts can enjoy travelling. Since travelling can take many forms, it's easy for an introvert to find a way to travel that they not only enjoy but can also be comfortable with!

Introvert vs Extrovert

I think it's important to lay down some foundations before we continue. There are two types of "_____verts". Well, more like 2.5. Introverts, extroverts, and ambiverts. Let's take a look at them so we can understand what the rest of this post means.

Introverts are the opposite of extroverts. Introverts are commonly characterized by being quiet, reserved, and sometimes shy. They often need alone time to recharge. They prefer alone time to self-reflect as opposed to external processing.

Extroverts are the opposite of introverts. They are typically outgoing, loud, adventurous, and social. Unlike introverts, they don't often need alone time to feel energized as they get everything they need from socialization and being outgoing. They do not typically enjoy solitude.

Somewhere in the middle of the two lies the ambivert. This personality type has attributes from introversion and extraversion. Generally, it depends on the situation for them to show either side of their "_____version".

It's fine to be in any of those categories. It doesn't mean you need to change to travel successfully. Just do what makes you happy. If you find yourself tired from meeting too many new people, take a break. If you feel lonely, make an effort to find people to have coffee with.

Introverts can choose what kind of travel they do.

International travel is very much something an introvert can enjoy. Just because someone travels abroad doesn't mean you need to meet everyone you encounter or make friends with everyone at the hostel. Solo travel can be an incredible experience. You become your own support network and become more self-reliant. It also allows you to do what you want, when you want to, at the pace you want to. That's an incredibly freeing experience if you're used to being stuck with groups who spend an hour in one spot trying to take the perfect Instagram photo.

Camping can be done solo. One of the biggest concerns might be safety, but there exists tools to keep you in contact with others (and some tools might be more valuable than your friends). Even with groups, you can take some time to yourself by bringing your own tent to read at night or lying there in silence recounting how many times your partner complained about their pack being too heavy from the 5 lbs of carrots they brought.

Van life is also a great way for an introvert to travel. Not only do they get to be where they want, but they also have the option of not needing to share accommodations with others like in a hostel. However, Walmarts can have a large semblance to hostels at times so being alone in the woods might be a better option. This style of travel allows someone to choose how much they engage with the external world. It also provides a safe place to reflect and spend time with themselves.

The great thing about travel is that it helps with dopamine production. In the past, I've stated in the past that I LOVE novel sights. It occurred to me after reading this blog that it's no coincidence that I sometimes feel more extroverted after experiences like that. Despite the knowledge that putting yourself out there can give you dopamine rushes, you should also be aware that it's okay to not force yourself to do something you don't want to.

All of that being said, there are so many ways to travel and enjoy new places as an introvert. They don't always need to meet new people every day, continue their travels with a new partner, or have dinner with someone to talk about their days. Thriving while solo travelling is a strength an introvert may possess that others might not!

Introvert interests could surprise you

While some people may view introverts as anti-social beings, that is not the entire truth. Introverts can enjoy meeting new people and being around who they want to be. However, there is likely a limit to this type of socializing that an introvert would enjoy. When they reach that limit, they may need to take a break from socializing until they feel prepared to do it again.

Introverts could also be swayed to do extraverted things if it interests them enough. While some things like climbing are possible to do alone, getting on the ropes with a partner is a lot of fun too. Doing activities like this could help an introvert feel like they are meeting their socialization quota.

Despite my frequent desire to be alone and self-sufficient, there are times I want to feel like I'm part of a community. For example, when I'm deep in the woods camping out of my van for a week, it's nice to know other people are nearby in case I need help. The same goes for international travel. I feel safer knowing I'm in an area that is accepting of travellers by seeing that other foreigners are around.

In my experience, I enjoy meeting new people. Sometimes grabbing a few drinks is much more fun with others (and skirts around the issue of alcoholism). I love meeting up with my close friends for climbing and skiing and hiking. It ensures I get to enjoy something I could enjoy alone, but I sneak in some time with friends too!

Not everything is black and white. Sometimes introverts can have tendencies that lean more towards ambiverts or even extroverts. Socialization isn't only reserved for extroverts. Introverts have friends and can make new ones too. As long as they can self-reflect, recharge with some alone time, and enjoy themselves, they'll be able to continue to travel as they please.

The world is set up for introverts

It seems to be more and more common to come across solo travellers nowadays. While things like guided tours can sometimes be made for groups of two or more, you can work with the company and see if they can do something for a solo traveller. Travel doesn't need to be done with someone else.

Taking breaks is easy. Finding a quiet corner of a coffee shop and plugging in your headphones can be viewed as an international symbol of "Do not disturb". Many accommodations now have some type of desk setup where someone could avoid being out in public. It is possible to see movies alone, eat out alone, and grab a drink alone. And remember, if it makes you feel good, it's completely fine to spend a day alone watching movies and eating your comfort food (In moderation, of course). Introverts can find many ways to take a break if they feel overwhelmed.

Many restaurants now have ways to not need to interact with others, no small talk is required with computers or apps. It's possible to order food through a kiosk, or even by scanning a QR code. Mobile orders at Starbucks can help with skipping busy and crowded lines and snagging that perfectly quiet, low-traffic corner of the shop. Similarly, some transportation apps allow you to request a "quiet" ride, where the driver won't make small talk.

People have called me brave for travelling alone when in actuality, it's simply my reality. Not everyone can take the time to travel long-term. So, why not do it solo? Realistically, it's a type of travel I believe best suits my desires.

Times are changing, and solo travel is becoming more and more popular. We shouldn't be surprised, as travel is something everyone should try and experience whether they do it alone or not. It's easy to find ways to recharge as an introvert with so many things that can be done alone. Even technology has progressed to cater to introverts through contactless delivery, mobile pickup, and kiosk orders.

Conclusion

Whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, travelling can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. There are ways to exist in whatever personality trait you have and feel energized. As an introvert, travelling can ensure you feel comfortable in your pursuit, but it also provides an opportunity to branch out and push yourself - if you choose.

There are many ways for an introvert to enjoy travelling. They can create plans to stay in private rooms, or even order to go on solo tours or trips. Despite some of the needs of an introvert, it might surprise you to know that it's not always black and white. Sometimes they enjoy socialization, even in a small way. Luckily, the world is evolving and seems to accommodate the type of travel an introvert might enjoy. So, don't let some personality type hold you back from chasing what you desire!