Why Introverts Can and Should Solo Travel: Adventure, Your Way.

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Get out your head

Introverts are naturally inward looking – we draw our energy from within as opposed to external stimuli. This can mean we spend a lot of time deep in our own heads not really engaging with the outside world.

Of course this is who we are – introverts will always be introverts and we are wonderful! However, I personally find myself wondering – am I doing this living thing right, am I daydreaming my life away? So sometimes it is good to challenge ourselves and experience a different mode of being – if only for a moment. Often it helps us appreciate our life the way it is more – you need a little chaos to love the calm.

This is where solo travel comes in. Travel gives us a burst of external everything – so much to see and do you cannot help but be drawn out from the womb of your mind. The best thing about travel is the way it opens up your eyes and makes you more receptive and open to the world around you. Introverts do not have to miss out on life! If you want adventure you can have it! Solo travel means you can have it your way.

Set your own pace

So why is solo travel the way to go, as opposed to regular travel? For introverts travel can be overwhelming but going it alone means you can take everything at your own pace and do exactly as you please! There is nothing an introvert hates more than being rushed! We like to take our time, gather our thoughts and reflect deeply on things we’ve seen.

Be Anonymous

Introverts were born to be the anonymous wanderer! We are very independent and, being a tiny percentage of the population compared to extroverts, we have already got that ‘different and I like it’ thing down! There is nothing more freeing to an introvert than being surrounded by people and not having to interact with any of them! Just observe, people-watch to your hearts content – bliss!

Meet new people

Yes you heard me – people! I know I know – ugh people! Small talk? No thank you! But meeting new people on your travels is the best way to meet people as an introvert. Even we yearn for human connection sometimes! For starters it’s easy to skip small talk and go straight to fascinating, passionate topics, like oh wow you’re a solo traveller? I could talk endlessly about the places I’ve been and how much I love solo travelling. Solo travel makes you a more interesting person, it gives you so many unique experiences to talk about. And the best part? These connections can be a brief and fleeting as you like. You are under no obligation to stay and chat or be best friends with anyone you meet. You will probably never see them again anyway!

The Best Ways to Enjoy Solo Travel as an Introvert

As incredible as solo travel is it is a big challenge for anyone, but particularly for shy introverts. As one of those lucky creatures myself these are my quick top tips for enjoying solo travel to the full.

• Plan well – key to not getting stressed, overwhelmed or anxious!
• Learn the language. Yup this is for the shy ones, it’s hard enough being confident in your own language!
• Book accomodation in a quiet area away from tourist hotspots
• Carry a book at all times for those emergency reality escapes!
• Book train/plane tickets in advance to get your preferred seat (for me, train: window, plane: aisle – I’m more scared of flying than people!)
• Plan rest breaks into your itinerary. Don’t try to cram too much in or stick to it too rigidly – the most important thing is to enjoy your travels not tick things off a list! (I’m still trying to learn this lesson – I just want to see everything!)
• Travel on short breaks – get your dose of excitement/reality and then go home to re-charge for your next adventure!
• Take baby steps – if you do want to travel longer, or full time it might be worth starting out with shorter trips and build up. Start with short-haul, familiar languages, maybe even organised tours if you’re really anxious! For example, before I travelled solo I was in a long-distance relationship so I got used to doing the airport/flying bit by myself so it was easy to take things up a notch to full solo adventures! So perhaps if you have relatives/friends abroad you could plan trips to see them as a starting point – or you know get yourself a far flung lover which is much more fun!

Introverts are made for solo travel:

• Independent
• Excellent planners (over-think everything)
• Enjoy our own company
• Enjoy going at our own pace
• Different in a good way

So if like me you love staying in and curling up with a book but you start to get itchy feet every now and then solo travel is the antidote.

Get out there and enjoy this wonderful world, no chitchat required!

So you’re ready to start an adventure – where to? Read my Perfect Barcelona Itinerary and Find Out if Venice Lived up to my Expectations to get inspired!

How has solo travel changed your life as an introvert? What do you love about it? What’s the biggest challenges for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!