Backpacking Tourist: Travel Tips for Introverts

Travelling for anyone is an excellent way to reflect and recharge. It is exciting to plan and pack for a vacation. However, for introverts, it could mean coming out of their comfort zone and overcoming the anxiety of being in unfamiliar territory. 

 It will depend on the nature of your travel if you are seeking solitude to have some alone time to reflect and recharge or looking to meet new people. How you choose to travel could mean if you will have an exhausting time or a rejuvenating trip. 

You could be traveling to see your family overseas, on a well-needed vacation, or because your friend RSVP’d you on their guests’ wedding checklist. Whichever the reason it is, there are some techniques that you can use, so you get to have a good travel experience.

Join Travel Introverts Online Groups         

If it is possible, you can join online groups for introverts and plan a trip together. It would be fun to travel with people who enjoy the same activities as you. The downside of these arrangements is that it can be risky to travel with strangers. Nevertheless, if you approach it with the caution it deserves, it would be a good platform to meet like-minded people.

When you travel with a group, it is okay to say no to activities that will make you feel awkward and uncomfortable. You can take a walk alone, sit and reflect. Others express themselves through writing or drawing. Take time to do what will make you happy.

Research Your Destination

Take time to choose where to stay. It will depend on how social you would like to get on your trip. You can search online websites, read their reviews to see if it is the appropriate place to go. Give them a call and ask questions to learn more to avoid being disappointed.  

Most introverts do not like getting into the action but rather observe. An ideal place for such a person would be to go for a quiet place, beautiful sceneries, and a lot of nature and wildlife. Somewhere you can calmly do your morning meditation or any reflective activity you may want.

A Solo Travel 

Traveling alone, especially when you are an introvert, can be pretty intimidating for the first time. If you feel overwhelmed, you can start with shorter vacations in a local peaceful place where you will be more comfortable. Avoid noisy and crowded areas that will drain your energy and leave you frustrated.

Another technique that helps ease anxiousness is to take a personal item with you. It could be a robe, a pillow, or a teddy bear. It should be something that will help to calm you and reduce the feeling of being lonely. 

When in a public place and you are not looking for a social experience like in a plane, a train, a lobby, or even in a park, you can use headphones, earplugs, a book, or a journal to keep you busy.

A Peaceful Adventure

Introverts enjoy being alone. Many like to stay at home to seek solitude and peace to escape exhaustion, rowdiness, or small talk, which drains their energy. But often enough, they like to engage in an adventure that is not too chaotic or adrenaline-rushing to avoid being burnt out and overwhelmed.  

Peaceful activities help reduce stress and anxiety. The ideal activities for introverts would be diving, swimming with dolphins and turtles, gentle boat rides, taking a nature walk, and cycling, among others.  

Go For an Introvert Friendly Tour

Not all tours are ideal for an introvert. Some people organize group excursions that are introvert-friendly. However, there are things to consider before you go for an introvert retreat. It is essential to make sure that the daily schedule is not packed with activities but leaves personal time to fill in with your activities.  

Smaller group retreats are ideal than larger ones, especially for beginners. Also, it is wise to check if they are only offering group meals or you can have your alone time with your meal. The type of activities carried out in the retreat also determines if you will go home disappointed or rejuvenated. Do thorough research before packing your bags and signing up for any retreat. It is better to travel on your terms than follow a group blindly.

Conclusion

When you are traveling with an extrovert, they may not understand that you want some time alone or just to sit in silence. It is okay to excuse yourself and politely request for a quiet time. When you remain silent and do not respond when others address you, it may come off as rude. You can also briefly and simply explain that you are an introvert and you do not talk a lot. Most people will understand, respect you and let you be. It is important always to be polite and more so when you are away from home. You may need that stranger, even if it is to ask for direction.