Introverted travelers are so misunderstood.
- “So your perfect vacation is renting a cabin in the wilderness, right?” No, I like company—just in small doses.
- “What do you do when you have to talk to someone on your trip? Um, I just talk to them.
- “We should travel together! I’m super extroverted, so I can do all the talking for both of us!” That’s kind of my nightmare.
Traveling as an introvert doesn’t mean you’re antisocial or anxious. It just means that social interactions require a lot of energy, and so you need solitude and quiet to recharge.
It’s possible to plan a vacation that leaves you refreshed, not drained. You just have to do it on your terms. Put these introvert travel tips to work.
Navigating air travel: Tips for introverts
The airport isn’t as bad as you think it is. Yes, people might try to engage you in small talk in the security line. But overall, airports, train stations, and other in-between places are introvert-friendly. Most people, like you, just want to get where they’re going.
If you’re traveling alone, you can find a quiet corner to read, scroll, or just zone out. If you have chatty travel companions, you can excuse yourself to take a walk, or even shut yourself into one of those quiet nap pods.
On board the plane, things are a little different. What if your seatmate wants to have a long conversation about their recent gallbladder surgery, and they just won’t take a hint? One strategy: Make the first move. As soon as you fasten your seatbelts, say, “I’m going to finish my audiobook,” and put on your noise-canceling headphones. If the person won’t take a hint, try candor: “Well, it was nice chatting with you. I’m going to rest for a bit.”
Group travel tips for introverts
Whether you’re with family, friends, or strangers, a group trip can be uniquely challenging. Here’s your survival plan:
- Choose your tour wisely. A fast-paced, budget-priced tour of Eastern Europe is probably going to attract young and energetic travelers who want to mingle. A birding and wildflower tour of the Scottish Highlands will probably draw an older, quieter group. In general, tours organized around an activity—such as cycling, hiking, fly fishing, etc.—may be a better fit for introverts.
- Have a strategy before the trip even begins. If you’re going on an organized tour, contact the company ahead of time and ask questions about the itinerary. How much downtime is built in? Can you opt out of certain parts?
If you’re staying at a resort or a vacation rental, plan activities ahead of time that will give you a convenient escape from forced fun. Oh darn, I already booked a massage that afternoon, so I can’t do the boozy catamaran cruise!
- Recruit an ally. When vacationing with family or friends, it helps to have at least one other person on Team Introvert. If you disappear during board game night, your ally can say, “Oh, I think they just needed some down time.” If you’re exhausted by a long breakfast conversation, your ally might grab you for a quiet walk on the beach.
- Defend your personal space. Renting a beach house with a crowd? Act fast to claim the room you want, or risk getting stuck with a bunk bed in a room with three other people. You may have to pay more, but it’s worth it to maintain your mental health. Read more: How To Split Family Vacation Rental Costs (Without a Fight).
Solo travel tips for introverts
Traveling solo is a blissful experience for many introverts. You get to just do what you feel like: no discussions, no compromises. If you’re worried about feeling lonely, build in a few group activities or classes during your trip.
- Match your accommodations to your travel style. A city hotel that hosts conventions may be a little too loud and crowded. A bed-and-breakfast may require a little too much early morning conversation with other guests. But you know yourself best! Maybe you like the anonymity of a large hotel, or friendly chats with the staff at a small inn.
- Connect with a local, one-on-one. Want to get to know a place without hopping on a tour bus or joining a big group? The International Greeter Association introduces travelers to a volunteer greeter in 140 cities and regions. Greeters welcome visitors and take them on a two- to three-hour walk that reveals city life beyond the tourist sites.
- Linger at one destination. A slow travel approach fits introverts well. When you spend several days in one place, you begin to make genuine connections with the people around you. You learn and adapt to the rhythms of life in another culture.
- Trade your phone for a journal. Pulling out your phone is an introvert’s favorite defense. It’s a great way to prevent people from talking to you or fend off boredom. However, you’re denying yourself a chance to step out of your comfort zone. Try writing or sketching instead. Be fully present in the place where you are.
The best places to travel for introverts
First, we should say that there are no rules about where introverted people can or should travel. You can go to Disney World, or Las Vegas, or anywhere you want. But if you prefer a quieter destination, we have a few ideas.
These are a few countries that are a good cultural fit for introverted travelers.
- Japan: It’s perfectly normal and accepted to do things alone in Japan. You’ll find individual seats or cubicles at restaurants and hotels that welcome solo travelers.
- Sweden: Swedes actually have a word for “forced socializing”: tvångssocialisering. Unlike in the U.S., extroversion is not perceived as a virtue, and most people are friendly but not overly outgoing.
- Finland: Finnish people are kind and polite, but typically avoid small talk.
- Switzerland: Switzerland is a favorite destination for introverts. In general, people are open to conversation, but they tend to keep to themselves.
- New Zealand is known for extensive trail networks, beautiful parks, and tiny (but friendly) towns.
- South Korea offers the ideal mix of big-city attractions and serene experiences in nature. Consider a temple stay for a brief taste of the monastic life.
Or, identify the type of trip you want to take:
- Eco-resorts are a good match for an introvert’s vibe, particularly the smaller ones tucked away in the rainforest of Costa Rica, the mountains of Jamaica, or the wetlands of Sri Lanka.
- Small islands promise perfect solitude: the Portuguese Azores, Vieques in Puerto Rico, Monhegan Island in Maine.
- River cruises appeal because you can socialize aboard the boat, then do your own thing in each port.
One last piece of advice: Protect your trip as soon as you book it. With Allianz Travel Insurance, you can enjoy your perfect introvert vacation while knowing you’re never traveling alone. Get a quote.
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