Travelling as an Introvert

The beautiful and sometimes complex idiosyncrasies of the introverted personality type can be magnified while travelling. The unfamiliar environments, changes in routine and potential crowds that often infiltrate the exploration of foreign lands create specific challenges for introverts. Here are some of the most beneficial strategies that I have utilized to improve my travel experience while honouring my need for calm and keeping my sensitive spirit intact:

  • Allow for sufficient down time

It is so important while travelling as an introvert to not over-plan your time away; by doing so, you will feel exhausted and depleted within a few days. Make a list of the most important things that you would like to do or see, and then allow for flexibility in your schedule to just peacefully stroll, explore and get lost in your own thoughts. It can be tempting, especially if you have a limited amount of time in a destination, to pack in as much as possible but some of the greatest memories I have from my travels are the days where I just wandered at my own pace and stumbled across hidden treasures. This will help you to maintain energy levels from day-to-day.

A slow and peaceful day spent wandering the streets of Rome
  • Travel in the shoulder/off season

In addition to saving you some money, travelling in the off-season can be a dream for an introvert- fewer crowds, less chaos, shorter lines and in many cases a more unique and intimate experience. While summer is often the most tempting time of year to travel, nothing is more off-putting to this introvert than overly crowded tourist attractions mixed with suffocating heat. Autumn has become my preferred season for travel and I highly recommend planning your next trip during this magical and serene time of year.

The beauty of Autumn in Paris
  • Stay at an Airbnb vs. a Hotel

Last year I travelled to Iceland with a friend (and fellow introvert) who prefers using the Airbnb service to hotels. We searched for a whole home or apartment for rent- as opposed to booking rooms in a shared space- with the cozy, minimalist, Nordic aesthetic that we were drawn to. Arriving at our Airbnb, we felt an immediate sense of belonging and sanctuary. We were able to purchase groceries and make some meals at ‘home’ after a day of sightseeing or to linger over breakfast with no time constraints before venturing out. We could retreat to our own separate bedrooms every night and have ample quiet, peaceful time to process our experiences. In addition- our local host provided a wealth of insider knowledge and recommendations for exploration in our destination.

Our cozy home in the heart of Reykjavik
  • Travel solo

Given the amount of alone time I need to recharge, I have learned to genuinely love and enjoy my own company and travelling alone as an introvert can be incredibly liberating. Need an early night? Go for it. Want to ditch that planned museum visit and find a restful spot to people-watch all afternoon? Done. Nothing is more freeing than having every day to yourself to follow your unique rhythm, without having to worry or stress about the desires of others or how your wants and decisions may affect them. The first solo trip I ever took felt like a languid dream compared to the large group tour through Europe I had previously been on.

Taking in the charming skyline of Prague on a solo venture
  • Spend more time in one location if possible

The discomfort that is unearthed from the unfamiliarity of foreign countries can become magnified for an introvert as we are often very married to our routines and home environments. I have found that the more time I spend in one specific destination the more comfortable I feel and I begin to establish a regimen of my own that allows me to open myself up to a new city or country in a way that is not possible if I am constantly on the move.

Feeling right at home on the banks of the Seine
  • Create intimate opportunities for connection

Just because you are an introvert, does not mean that you don’t want to interact and connect with others while travelling. The important consideration is to ensure that opportunities for socialization are specific to your unique interests and in small groups. While in Paris solo, I attended several cooking classes which allowed me to connect with fellow travellers in an intimate environment while bonding over a shared interest. Themed walking tours are also a great option and spending a little bit extra for tours that are designated as ‘small-group’ is absolutely well worth it. I found that balancing these types of activities with ample solo exploration created the perfect travel experience.

The heavenly (although a bit misshapen) outcome of a baking class at La Cuisine Paris