10 Valuable Tips For Introvert Travelers

Usually, I am content with all things mundane. As a creature of habit, I shy away from anything that veers off the beaten path….my beaten path. I always play it safe. I am not adventurous, and I like to know what to expect in every situation. Some may say that’s boring. Maybe, but I prefer it that way. Lately, however, I’ve been bitten by a bug that is anything but mundane: the travel bug, and it has taken quite a hold of me! Through my travels, while not yet extensive by any means, I have gained a unique perspective on travel as an introvert, and as a result, I would love to share some valuable tips for introvert travelers.

Over the past few years, my travel bucket list has grown exponentially. I admit it may be slightly unrealistic, but a girl can dream, right? There is much to see right here in the USA and even more across the oceans and plains. In the words of Gustave Flaubert, “Travel makes one modest; you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” Traveling to me is like taking each tiny place you venture to and merging it with your own tiny place, creating a new space for unity, diversity, acceptance, tolerance, and understanding. So, as long as my health and circumstances allow, I will try to check destinations off my travel bucket list.

An unexpected trip to India and then Qatar

My most recent trip was to India and then Qatar. It was totally unplanned, but those trips are the best kind, aren’t they? When my husband presented me with the idea, I had all the usual excuses moms make. How could I possibly leave my two kids and travel halfway across the world? What if they need me and I’m not there? How will they manage without us? Fair questions, right? But are they even applicable if both kids are off at college and only come home during breaks? As a mom, it’s only natural to have these concerns, but if they have been doing okay while away at college, chances are they will be okay while you’re gone.

Once I was done wrestling with the idea that I was a terrible mom for even entertaining the idea of going on this journey, I said yes to the trip, and the rest is history. The kids did just fine, and so did I.

A dream come true

It was my father’s dream to visit India, the birthplace of his parents. He passed away without having the opportunity to realize his dream. So, in a way, this trip was as much for him as it was for me. It didn’t matter that I was not traveling to the city from which his parents hailed because, in his eyes, just setting foot on Indian soil would have been more than enough.

The highlight of my trip to India would have to be our visit to the Taj Mahal. On the wall of my childhood bedroom was a picture of the Taj Mahal in all its glory. As a child, I went to sleep at night looking at it, and when I woke up every morning, it was the first thing I saw.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would get the chance to see it in person, so needless to say, when I caught a glimpse of its magnificent grandeur in person for the first time, my eyes welled up with tears. They were happy tears, but sad ones, too, as memories of my dad came flooding back, memories of an incredible man who gave all to his family and who would have loved nothing more than to witness such beauty in person.

Photos, before I dive into my tips for introvert travelers

Here are some pictures from our trip to India before I get into the crux of things: tips for introvert travelers:

We also went to Qatar for two days so I could visit my cousin and her family. She gave us a magnificent whirlwind tour.

Here are some photos we captured:

Valuable Tips For Introvert Travelers

1. Do some destination research

A little research will go a long way toward minimizing introvert overwhelm. While I agree that the element of surprise can be exciting, I wouldn’t, as an introvert, dive headfirst into a new adventure totally unprepared. Researching the destination allows you to develop a viable plan that aligns with your introvert preferences and comfort levels.

The first order of business is to find a comfortable place to stay that is not too busy. After a long day of sightseeing, your room should serve as the perfect escape to recharge and recuperate.

When crafting a list of places you want to visit, figure out how crowded these places get, what hours of the day are busiest, and when off-peak season is. Then, make a plan of action. Failure to do this may result in an unpleasant experience that forces you to cut the outing short.

Learn about the culture and traditions of your travel destination. What do they wear, and what are some things that are not socially acceptable? Knowing these things beforehand allows the introvert to make informed decisions about what to wear and how to act when out and about. Honestly, for me, it’s all about blending in to feel at ease and relaxed. That way, I can truly enjoy the experience.

2. Choose introvert-friendly accommodations

As mentioned in the previous point, it is crucial to choose the right accommodations. This may be a quiet hotel or another type of place like a boutique hotel, a cabin, or an Airbnb. Whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your introvert needs.

If you are traveling in a group, it is wise to choose separate rooms. Having your own space allows you to have quiet time whenever you need it.

3. Create an itinerary with sufficient rest periods

Incorporate periods of downtime into your itinerary. You can set aside time to return to your room or even set aside whole days without sightseeing if your vacation length allows.

But downtime can be elsewhere, too. Find quiet spots like parks, hiking trails, or botanical gardens that you can go to to unwind and relax. Being surrounded by nature has a way of calming the mind, body, and soul.

4. Find a quiet spot at each location you visit

Even if we plan our visits around busy hours to avoid the crowds, the places we visit can sometimes become unexpectedly busy. If the crowds become too overwhelming, try to find a quiet area to escape to. Sometimes, even the restroom will do!

5. Be flexible with your plans

When you visit a new place, you want to see as much of it as possible. Having done the research, you probably compiled a comprehensive list of places to visit and when to do so. But as an introvert, I can tell you with absolute certainty that plans sometimes fall apart because of our intrinsic need to self-preserve. And that’s okay! Be flexible with your plans and be okay with the possibility that you may not check every item off your list.

6. Pack noise-canceling gear everywhere you go

Earbuds have become an essential item in my to-go bag. I prefer them over headphones because they are less bulky to carry around. But noise-canceling headphones like this one are an excellent option when drowning out the noise around you is incredibly important because there’s nowhere quiet to escape to.

7. Choose private transport

Public transportation can oftentimes be too much for some introverts. So, book a private car for you and your travel companions when traveling to different locations on vacation. But of course, if you don’t mind public transportation as an introvert and want to have the whole experience, go for it! As with everything we have discussed so far, do things that align with your needs and comfort level.

8. Choose private tours

In the past, my hubby and I always chose to explore wherever we were visiting on our own, with no tour guide. But over time, we have come to the conclusion that we weren’t getting the full experience by doing that. So, we decided to book some tours on our last few trips and were glad we did. We felt more focused and learned so much more!

Doing anything in large groups takes me way out of my comfort zone, so we always book private, more personalized tours. That way, I can focus all my energy on the experience rather than trying to find ways to escape!

Being in a large group with complete strangers can be very overwhelming, so in order to conserve your energy and preserve your inner peace, avoid tours that aren’t private.

9. Pack quiet time essentials

Alone time is not a luxury for introverts but an absolute necessity. It is during these tranquil moments that we regain our energy and recharge our social batteries. Sometimes, I like to spend my alone time doing absolutely nothing. Most of the time, however, I choose an activity I enjoy, such as reading, writing, doing puzzles, or listening to music and audiobooks. So, when packing for any trip, I always pack a book and earbuds.

During a trip with my husband by my side, I’m not actually alone. But, he respects my need to disengage and fills his time watching TV or sitting at his computer. What a guy! I love him to the moon and back.

10. Make entries in a travel journal

Journaling is a powerful tool for introverts and serves as an excellent alone time activity. So, take a travel journal with you on your next trip, and don’t forget to use it!

I make an entry every day of each trip that we take. I usually record what we did that day, what I liked and disliked, and how I could improve the next day’s experience.

Keeping a travel journal allows you to record special moments, reflect on the journey at hand, and express your feelings. Whatever you jot down in your travel journal is entirely up to you! Record your memories and experiences, and by all means, vent if you have to!

In conclusion

Travel is one of the greatest experiences anyone can have. While introverts love being at home, we also like seeing different places and having new experiences. We can be adventurous sometimes! Travel is fun, but it can take a toll if not done right. For introverts, preparing and planning for any trip will go a long way toward maintaining peace of mind.

I hope that you found something useful to take away from this blog post. The more I travel, the easier it becomes because I can apply these simple measures, which have proven immensely helpful.

If you have any thoughts you would like to share, please do so in the comments. I would love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading.

Much peace and love to you all!