5 Tips For Travelling As An Introvert
Get ready for your introvert travelling survival guide.
Are you like me?
I’m an introvert, INFJ, Enneagram 6, sensitive soul and HSP. All things quiet, sensitive and introverted.
If you are like me you’ll know that travelling to another country where there are new people and things, especially if you’re travelling with other people or even a group, can be daunting and challenging and ultimately draining.
But if you create a great plan that allows for some flexibility, while also taking care of your needs, then you’ll have the trip of a lifetime every time!
Here are 5 tips for having a great time travelling as an introvert:
Always have an escape route
If you are travelling with a group or in a place that is typically a really social place such as an all-inclusive somewhere having an escape plan for activities or wherever you’re going is key.
Research the city, place or activity you’re planning on doing that day and see what is around. Green spaces and nature work best sometimes even just having a couple of minutes of a breather in the street can help. Popping into a library, museum or coffee shop can also help. Even though a coffee shop is typically full of people you can still find quieter ones.
Even if you don’t use your escape route sometimes it helps your brain to simply know that you have one, that you’re willing to take care of yourself if you need it. But I highly recommend having one.
Sarah wandering through Santorini for a break
Photo taken on iPhone 14 Pro2. Build quiet time into your day
Plan ahead and build this in as a proactive tip. Try to add this into the middle of your day if you can.
This can include sightseeing by yourself in quieter sections of the town you’re in, going to the beach and decompressing if you’re in a place where there’s a beach nearby, grabbing a book, podcast, audiobook, etc. and spending an hour reading on your own either in your accommodation or in a green space, including meditation or mindfulness activities, etc.
But build it into the day. It can be tough with a group or other person but if you are upfront about your needs most of the time the other person will understand and may even want to do it with you. My husband always agrees to include downtime in our day and even as an extrovert he enjoys a quieter moment.
Sarah relaxing in Santorini reading a book
Photo taken on iPhone 14 Pro3. Bring your escape item with you
An escape item is a comfort item, something you can use to escape from the world for a few minutes such as a book or headphones, etc.
Keep those items close to you wherever you go. Even if you don’t think you’ll need them or have time to use them, trust me. Bring them with you. Sometimes having it nearby helps you feel better but it can also work if you find time to execute your escape route.
You might wander into a cafe or find a park for a couple of minutes and reading some pages of your book or plugging into a good playlist or podcast can be enough to help your energy last through the rest of the day. You might also use the headphones to do a quick meditation if you can find the space to do that but don’t get stuck without your escape item. They can also provide a great photo op!
Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire posing in the Elephant House cafe with Edinburgh Castle in the background
Photo taken on iPhone XR4. Try choosing vacays where you don’t have to be social all the time
This is always nice to throw into your travel schedule. Mix things up. If you’re always going with a group or a particular person try out solo travelling. If you’re always going to bigger cities with a lot of sightseeing try going somewhere smaller or more relaxing.
You can even add smaller/less social trips into your travel schedule. Tropical places are often nice for this. All-inclusive’s do tend to be pretty busy but you can find smaller ones, go during less busy times or find a nice Airbnb of your own.
These vacations often allow you to decompress and fill your introvert cup up!
Sarah having a relaxing/anti-social tropical vacation
Photo taken on iPhone 65. Be okay with exploring on your own
Honestly, I love exploring on my own. And I am considered an anxious traveller (funny hey, since I love travelling so much I created a travel blog and vlog!). But in the right setting, this can be great.
You need to know the location you’re travelling to. If you’re going to a place that isn’t safe to be alone then make sure you take that into consideration but if you’re heading to a safe place definitely do this.
Plan activities you can do on your own. Take your time, don’t go by anyone’s timing but yours, do what you want when you want. I guarantee you’ll have a great time!
You don’t have to spend an entire trip doing this but have a day in the middle or a couple of days and watch how you transform the rest of the trip. Do what you need to do to keep your energy high!
Sarah posing by the Beheading Stone in Stirling, Scotland
Photo taken on early 2000’s digital cameraAs an introvert, your energy decreases when you’re around people. It doesn’t mean you don’t like people or don’t enjoy spending time with people, it just means you’ll need a bit of alone time to bring yourself back up.
Spending some time alone on your vacation can be exactly what you need to feel relaxed and fulfilled. As introverts, we often notice the small things that most people miss. This can provide us with a deeper way of experiencing the world. Travelling can allow you to learn more about who you are so you come back with vigour and a deeper love for yourself and the world.
Happy travels!
