11 Solo Travel Tips for Introverts (my best advice)
I usually balance my travels with a little bit of introversion and extroversion. But while I love meeting new people and doing social stuff too, some of my greatest memories abroad are from exploring alone.
So these are my top solo travel tips for introverts.
Let’s get to it!
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Travel for Introverts (pros + cons)
Introvert travel is focussed on personal whims, private exploring, comfort and less social traveling.
It (usually) involves solo traveling and doing more solo things.
And there’s definitely nothing wrong with introverted travel. In fact, it’s perfect for more carefreeness and relaxing – so I think everyone should do it more.
But let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons.
Pros of Solo Traveling for Introverts
You get a strong sense of achievement and fulfillment
Introvert travel tends to be slower pace and more relaxed
Solo travel means doing whatever you want, when you want
More time for personal self reflection and growth
Cons of Solo Traveling for Introverts
Solo travel can be more stressful (you push your comfort zones alone)
Traveling alone can be more dangerous in some countries or areas
Travel always requires some extroversion (talking to locals, going to restaurants, etc.)
You need to handle everything on your own (planning, costs, exploring, eating, renting, etc.)
10 Solo Travel Tips for Introverts
Ready to plan an epic solo trip for introverted awesomeness? Nice.
Here are my top tips.
1. Have A Creative Travel Project or Purpose
My favorite way to do introverted solo travel is creatively.
I always have a creative travel project. Usually, it’s a mixture of music, writing (on this blog) and content (like videos and photos).
I get lost in these things and it makes my traveling way more engaging and purposeful. Plus, it’s just fun – and a perfect way to pass the time as a solo traveler.
Here are some examples of creative projects you could try while traveling:
Travel blogging
Photography
Creating social media content
Songwriting
Filmmaking
A language project (learning, translating, etc.)
Recommended: How to Create Travel Projects
2. Practice ‘Positive Solitude’
Positive solitude is the ability to feel fulfilled and happy while alone.
It’s enjoying your own company and not needing to have any external stuff or people.
As an introvert, you’re likely already quite good at this. But solitude can feel a bit different when traveling. So it helps to practice and sharpen your solitude skills outside of your home and city.
Some examples of positive solitude are:
Enjoying self entertainment
Indulging in your guilty pleasures
Journaling
Reading
Writing
Creative projects (I love to write music while traveling, for example)
Exploring nature and parks
3. Book Smart
Solo travel for introverts gets awkward when it comes to popular accommodations like hostels.
Luckily, there are plenty more (still affordable) options that offer more privacy and a low-key stay.
Renting an AirBnB with easy self check-in instructions is a solid choice, but personally, I love to stay in share houses.
These are perfect for solo travelers and offer the best of both worlds. You can rent a private room but you also get to meet people in a chill, low-stress environment (often in a small house).
So it’s privacy, but with community.
I actually wrote a whole share house guide if you’re keen to learn more about these accommodations.
4. Choose Good Solo Travel Destinations
Some places are just better for introversion and solo travel.
So planning ahead and choosing the right destination(s) makes sense. Luckily though, most big cities will have options for everyone.
But cultural nuance can also play a role. For example, Japan is an awesome place for introverts since the society tends to be more quiet and laid-back.
You could also opt for places that have lots of nature, a laid-back lifestyle or the quieter regions to enjoy. Parts of Bali, Hawaii and Norway all come to mind here.
Recommended: My Top Travel Tips for Visiting Tokyo
5. Travel During Shoulder Season
Better deals, more availability for hotels and attractions and less crowds? Sign me up!
Shoulder season means traveling during off-peak times for a destination. And it’s perfect for introvert travel.
Just be sure to also double check weather during this time and if certain things are closed. But even so, it may be worth it to avoid people, relax more and save some loot.
6. Go Slow Traveling
Slow traveling is more easygoing and intentional travel. There’s a keen focus on being present and taking in the experiences more deeply.
It’s part of a more sustainable travel paradigm – the opposite of fast-paced or busy tourism type of wandering.
The name says it all though – it’s a slower-paced, patient travel.
As an introvert, keeping things laid-back (by traveling slow) is a great way to stay present and avoid hectic experiences.
So don’t stress about planning and trying to control your experiences – just go with the flow and take things as they come.
It’s intuitive and it’s stress-free travel. Enjoy it. :]
Recommended: How I Slow Travel (8 moves)
7. Create Solo Trip Goals
I love unplanned, spontaneous travel, but having some goals can help.
Travel goals are specific objectives that add more purpose and direction to your adventures.
When you’re traveling solo (and introverted), goals can help reduce anxiety for the unknown and make your trip more purpose-driven.
So here are few examples of introvert travel goals to consider:
Have a creative project (like making a short travel film)
Learn the local language
Visit as many temples as you can (“goshuincho” in Japan)
Start/grow a travel blog and write about your destination
Explore the country by bike or motorbike across Asia
Visit every state in the US
Recommended: The Best Travel Goals (+ how to choose)
8. Keep Things Carefree + Easy
For me, carefreeness is the ultimate goal in life. And for introverted travel, it helps a lot too.
Whether it’s avoiding the stress of busy crowds or opting out of unwanted socializing, a carefree trip is one that prioritizes you, your goals and your comfort. It’s better traveling.
Here are some ways to keep your traveling chill:
Practice chill living and thinking
Plan ahead — make your trip as smooth and easy as possible
Carefreeness makes your trips easier and more laid-back — perfect for introvert travel.
9. Consider Group Solo Tours (yep, it’s a thing)
Solo traveling doesn’t have to mean alone traveling.
Luckily, there are lots of companies that offer solo traveler group tours. While this type of traveling isn’t for everyone, it may be worth exploring.
A simple Google search should point you in the right direction, but a few places to get you started include:
10. Book A Local Greeter or Guide
Local greeters are local residents who meet with travelers to help them explore the city or get situated.
While I’ve never personally worked with a local greeter before, it does sound like a nice (low-key) way to be introduced to a new culture.
Especially if group tours aren’t your thing (but you still like the idea of having some local help), then a smaller, more private meeting with a local may be perfect for you.
Organizations like the International Greeter Association arrange (free) meetups with local residents to show you around and get you set up for your travels.
Another company to look into is ToursByLocals — you can book tours or private guides with them.
Even if you’ll mainly be exploring your destination alone, it’s nice to know you have a local resource to get started with or hit up for important questions.
11. Start Small With Local Trips
If you’re new to solo travel, your first trip doesn’t need to be halfway across the world.
It’s okay (and smart) to take smaller steps – especially if you’re more introverted.
Traveling should be both relaxing and exciting. And stretching your comfort zone sustainably by taking mini trips first is a great way to get better at solo traveling.
So don’t feel bad if you’re not booking a one-way ticket to Tokyo for your first trip.
You’ll get there, there’s no rush.
Later ✌️
Solo traveling was made for introverts. But it’s not always easy to get started.
It’s inherently uncomfortable and requires at least some extroversion (like talking with locals or going to restaurants alone).
But by doing things like practicing positive solitude, slow traveling, having a creative project and planning ahead by picking solid destinations and accommodations, your solo trip can be a carefree and epic time.
So have fun with it – and happy travels!
Want More? Okay. Here’s More.
