10 Helpful Tips For Introvert Travelers

Specialists around the world have mentioned that we should all go on a solo trip at least once. It's a fantastic way to test ourselves with the comfortability of doing things alone. While traveling in groups, many of us do things we don't want to do for the better of the group. Instead of spending the day wandering through museums, the group may want to bar hop or skip the museum lines. Everyone's different but we all have an introverted side to us at times.

When planning a trip alone, there are a few things to keep in mind, so we found some tips to remember to make your solo adventure a memorable one. Traveling alone can be extremely therapeutic, cathartic, and enriching for the soul and there's no shame in doing it. Before you book that trip, take a look at these ten things to keep in mind!

10 SKIP THE GROUP TOURS

Group tours for introverts can go one of two ways. You may want to join a group tour because it'll give you a group of paper to feel safe around while learning new things about your particular destination.

Or you may want to skip the group tours and do your own solo tour. Download the history of the city or area on to your phone so you can learn while you roam at your leisure. This way, the tour will be on your time and you can stop and go as you please.

9 CHOOSE A LOW-KEY PLACE TO REST INSTEAD OF A HOSTEL

Travelers love hostels because they tend to be cheap and you meet some interesting people along the way. However, hostels may also give introverted travelers anxiety because you may have to share a room with strangers or feel unsafe in the environment you're in. Instead of a hostel, look into bed and breakfasts, Air BnBs, or screw it all and opt for a cozy hotel! Either way, having your own space (and your own room) will mean a lot to you after a long day of walking.

8 ROOM SERVICE IS THE WAY TO GO IF YOU'D RATHER DITCH FLASHY RESTAURANTS

Eating alone in a restaurant can be intimidating for some solo travelers. So many of us are used to having someone to talk to or have our heads in our phones, making it odd to simply sit there and just be.

If eating alone at a restaurant is a scene right out of a horror movie, then skip it all and order room service to your hotel room or order your meal to-go! It's your vacation where your days are all about y-o-u. If eating in bed sounds like a comfortable plan, do it!

7 BRING SOMETHING THAT REMINDS YOU OF HOME

Sometimes it's the small things that bring us down to earth and calm down. Is there anything more comforting than the smell of your own laundry detergent on your pillow before you lay down your head at night? Traveling solo can bring a level of anxiety along with it; knick that bad energy and bring a pillow, blanket, stuffed animal, or even a picture so that your adventure feels a little more like home.

6 CHOOSE A HIKING DESTINATION

There are thousands of benefits from getting outside and breathing in the great outdoors. The sunshine can boost your energy levels, the feeling of the grass on your bare feet can help with mental clarity, and being in an atmosphere that's not connected to the Internet in any sense is refreshing.

If traveling to big cities or small towns doesn't sound fun or relaxing for you, opt for a hiking trip. The great Midwest in America is a fantastic place to find hiking trails, as is Western Canada, and the mountains in Switzerland. There's no shortage of outdoor adventures and you can learn so much about the way of the land while you're hiking.

5 OR CHOOSE AN ACTIVE ACTIVITY WHERE IT'S YOU AND NATURE

Following on the point above, maybe shopping through old towns or hiking in the woods doesn't sound like an ideal vacation for you. Maybe you need more adventure in your solo trip! When in doubt, try outdoor activities that you've never done before that can easily be done alone. Take a surfing lesson and then spend the day harnessing in on your skills. Or better yet, take a skiing or snowboarding lesson and hit the slopes. Winter sports and surfing are ideal for introverts because you can meet likeminded people while also having the space to do your own thing.

4 HEAD TO THE BAR

Perhaps you've had enough alone time and are looking to experience some local cuisine. After all, there are so many fantastic restaurants and cafes in the world, you'd be remiss to miss out on such a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you'd like to eat out but don't feel comfortable asking for a table for one, ask for a seat at the bar. Bartops are a great place to meet solo travelers or just being able to eat casually without being judged. You can also have friendly banter with the bartenders who can give you some fantastic tips and ideas for your travels.

3 PACK LIGHTLY

There's nothing more awkward than packing too much for a short trip. You have to carry it all on your way through the airport and then need to lug it along as you find your hotel, hostel, or BnB. There's no point in sweating and lugging around all those bags because you'll be so consumed in carrying everything that you're missing out on the world around you. People will also stop you and ask if you need help, which is very thoughtful and sweet but may seem annoying to some introverts. Pack lightly and be less stressed.

2 DON'T FORGET YOUR HEADPHONES

Headphones truly are amazing and they really come in handy as a solo traveler. With headphones, you can watch movies or listen to music on the airplane—which can make the time go by quicker—but you can also wear them while roaming. Just imagine roaming through the streets of Prague or islands of Spain while listening to a lecture about the area or a book on tape. You'll learn so much and never feel truly alone. Plus, people don't tend to bother those who have earphones in. Score!

1 BRING BOOKS AND JOURNALS

As an introverted, solo traveler, your time is yours. You can sleep in as late as you want, you can see as many museums as you'd like — the world is your oyster! Just in case you're not really sure of how you want to spend your day, keep a book or journal in your bag. You can lazily read or write while taking a breather in the park or you can read a quick chapter while waiting for your coffee. You'll be swept into this fictional world while being in a new and exciting land.

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