If you're an introvert, you needn't be intimidated by travel, even solo travel. If you do it the right way, it can be a rewarding experience. By stepping outside of your comfort zone a little and connecting with strangers from a different culture, you develop better communication skills and you may make a few friends along the way. Here are some good tips for introvert travelers.
1. Find the Right Accommodations
Different accommodations have different levels of social interaction, so pick accommodations that are right for you. Smaller boutique inns or B&B's may have communal breakfast. Some beach resorts cater to younger party goers. If you're not ready to socialize first thing in the morning or just want to have a quiet stay, you'll want to plan accordingly.
2. Develop an Itinerary
Make a travel plan and stick to it. Having a plan for an activity or two during the day relieves stress and anxiety from travel. But don't make it too busy, give yourself some room to breathe and allow for flexibility.
3. Schedule Some Alone Time
If you're in a destination with a beach or a destination known for its natural beauty, take some time out, go for a hike perhaps, and commune with nature. Even if you're in a place not known for natural beauty, take some alone time, a walk along a river or in a park maybe. Alone time is important for an introvert, especially away from home. Be sure to include some alone time in your itinerary.
4. Write in a Journal
Introverts are thinkers, and what better way to record your thoughts on a trip than by keeping a journal. You can share the journal online if you like and it will always be a keepsake of your travel experience.
5. Sign Up for Small Group Tours
It is easy to feel lost on a large group tour, crowded on a large bus, being driven around in a strange place, hopping on and hopping off busses, and racing to see as many tourist attractions as possible. But small group tours are usually readily available and they can be a great way to bond with fellow travelers with similar interests. If you're an art lover, maybe take a small group tour of a museum. History lovers can take a small group history tour around a city. The larger the city the more diverse the type of group tours offered.
6. Take a Class
In addition to small group tours, a small group class is a good way to bond with some fellow travelers. A cooking class in the local cuisine is always a popular choice, and the hands on experience may make you a better chef at home as well. Arts & crafts classes are popular as well.
7. Hire a Greeter
For an even more personal experience than a small group tour, you may want to hire a greeter, a local volunteer who will show a small group, usually no more than six, around town. Though not as readily available as small group tours or classes, greeters are passionate about where they live and having a greeter show you around town can be a great way to see a city for a few hours. And because they are volunteers, it can save you a little money too.
8. Travel Slow and Get to Know the Locals
Introverted does not mean anti-social. Slow travel encourages connection with local people, culture, food, history, and the environment. Most destinations offer classes, activities, tours, or even dinners with locals. And depending on the location, you can further immerse yourself in the local culture by staying in an old castle or a buddhist temple. Travel is the most rewarding when you can take a little piece of your destination home with you.
