Solo travel for introverts – the best destinations and ideas, plus tips and advice
We’ve listed our favorite destinations for introverts. You’ll also find travel tips, coping strategies, and advice on gaining confidence, meeting new people, and more.
Many people mistakenly believe that being introverted is synonymous with being shy. Some introverts can indeed be shy. But most of the time, they like to spend their time alone, relaxing and recharging. How can you combine that mentality with something as chaotic and overwhelming as traveling? Here are some ideas.
Slovenia
Ljubljana, one of Europe’s small capitals, is walkable, friendly, and relaxed. In terms of its attitude towards life and even more mundane things such as food, it is somewhere between Slavic-Mediterranean. It is the same for the rest, dominated by mountains and national parks outside of the larger towns.
Public transportation lets you easily reach the beautiful Lake Bled and Novo Mesto. You could also spend weeks hiking and camping in the mountains. There’s a tiny sliver on the Adriatic coast to enjoy. Learn more about Slovenia with our comprehensive guide.
Myanmar
Myanmar is a good option for those who want to travel to Southeast Asia but would prefer something other than visiting popular tourist destinations like Bangkok and Bali. The friendly locals and the fact that Myanmar has fewer tourists than other countries in Southeast Asia mean that you can experience the country’s culture without being too outgoing.
English is only widely spoken in the cities. However, people are amiable and helpful. A few gestures and smiles will go a long way. The country is beautiful, with a fascinating history and culture. It doesn’t require much effort to become involved.
Switzerland
The Swiss are introverts who live in orderly, clean cities with fresh mountain air. The Swiss are only sometimes considered a destination for vacations, but the combination of city life with beautiful scenery makes it a great place to visit.
Zurich, Geneva, and Bern are modern cities with good museums, cafes, and parks. The mountains offer unspoiled nature and some of Europe’s most breathtaking views. Switzerland is a stereotypically European destination, mixing languages, cultures, and attitudes.
What are the positives of traveling alone?
Traveling solo allows you to go at your pace, see and do what you like, and say no if you feel overwhelmed. You wanted to visit that bar you read about but couldn’t handle the crowds. That’s fine. It’s your trip, your decision.
Next, you shouldn’t feel guilty for doing or not doing things. No one forces you to do something. You are in Barcelona. You’re tempted to do the things tourists do — walk on La Rambla, go to the beach — but you want to sit in a quiet park and read a book. It’s OK; you can do it.
Spending money on your trip is also OK to make it more enjoyable. You can’t handle a dorm room full of people. You can pay more for a room in a hotel or a good budget option. You’ll pay a little more, but it will stop you from feeling dread when you think of your accommodations.
How can I make friends on a solo vacation?
A free walking tour is one of the best and easiest ways to meet other travelers. These tours are offered in most major cities, and solo travelers love them. Your guide can recommend places that are not typical tourist traps because you all share the same experience.
You don’t have to make a clever comment to begin – simply asking the server, bartender, or hotel worker for directions can lead to interesting interactions and conversations.
You’ll be surprised at how open locals are, especially for solo travelers. You’ll find that locals are interested in you if you show genuine interest. They also like to share information about themselves and their city.
How can I overcome anxiety when traveling alone?
Stop worrying and start planning. It doesn’t matter if you only know where you will stay. Having a solid foundation from which to start is the first step. Plan your trip around it. You can use this tip with the previous one about choosing a pleasant place to stay. Once you are happy with your first choice, you will have more space to plan the rest of your trip.
Make sure to have a few essential things. These items are not expensive or huge but will give you peace of mind. These small, easy-to-pack items will provide you with less worry.
Solo travel is only for some. We can’t emphasize this enough. For your first solo trip, consider a weekend trip to Prague, London, or Rome if you live in a small French city.
Top tips for other top-notch services
Journalize your experience. You can look back at it and pass the time alone.
Participate in the culture. You’re no longer a tourist but a Traveler! Shop at local markets, learn a few phrases in the language, and discover where locals hang out.
You can go wherever you like (and whenever). You can wake up early and watch the sunrise on Montmartre’s steps before the crowds arrive. You can do whatever you want.
Do not blame yourself for pushing yourself. Try new things when you travel. But if something is not your thing, don’t berate yourself. Your trip is yours.
Take a rest. It’s a common refrain to say, “I need a vacation to recharge my batteries after my vacation!” Relax.