Most people assume that being an introvert means that you are antisocial. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Being an introvert means enjoying your own company and drawing your energy from being alone. Introverts may love seeing friends and even attending parties but retreat to their spaces to recharge their batteries.
That said, traveling as an introvert doesn’t have to sound scary. Solo travel, if done right, can be exhilarating and rewarding for introverts. Traveling on your own means planning how interactive you would like to be. You can mingle or be social as much as you like with the knowledge that you can control how sociable you can get.
However, doing it alone can be somewhat scary for some, especially if you have no one to rely on to plan out your trip. It can easily turn out into a trip where you interact with no one else. But not to worry, this article today gives tips on avoiding the challenges of traveling alone as an introvert and ensuring you get the most out of your trip.
Figure out the type of trip you want
If you plan to go on a camp in the wilderness all alone with no one around, you can do that. If you want to go on a trip around the city, you can also do that.
However, you don’t need to stick to one or the other. Numerous destinations offer lovely countryside where you can go and have an awesome time in the outdoors. While also visiting a city bustling with activities and enjoying some time there. You can start with the city’s activities and then retreat to the quiet of nature to recharge.
So before packing your bag from Birdling, ensure you have planned out how you want your trip to be.
Push your boundaries but ensure you are flexible
A significant part of traveling is pushing your boundaries beyond your comfort zone. It’s tempting to go on a trip, book yourself a room in a hotel using a website like Priceline.com, and spend time alone, but there are so many things you can try doing when you visit a new place that it would be a shame not to try.
With that said, you control whatever activities you choose to partake in. Remember, listening to what your mind is telling you is essential. For example, if you planned on going out to a music festival or concert, but when you wake up and don’t feel like being in a crowd, don’t force yourself to go to the show.
There are numerous alternatives. You can also try and go for something more comfortable. This way, you can always leave if you start feeling overwhelmed and need some time to yourself.
Invest in what you love most
If you are looking for peace and comfort, don’t book and stay in a dorm. If you don’t enjoy being couped for long hours journey with the same people, invest in flying or a long-distance train ticket.
It may sound expensive or extravagant, but spending more to have that peace of mind and positive energy to enjoy the rest of your trip is worth it.
Focus on the interactions you enjoy most.
Going on a trip is a great way to meet and interact with different people. You never know; you may even form quality relationships and lasting friendships. However, give a lot of thought to the kind of interactions you enjoy. This applies to both introverts and extroverts.
Do you enjoy spending a lot of your time interacting with different people? Then you should consider renting a private apartment or hotel room where you can interact and meet different people as you go about your day. Then, you can retreat into your room at the end of the day.
Alternatively, you should consider a farm stay or homestay if you would rather see fewer people but would like to connect and forge deeper relationships with them. These options allow you to see how people live, and you can interact with them and get to know them even better.
Travel how you like
Traveling is supposed to be the best time to have fun and experience new things. But sometimes, you feel like you have to do things a certain way. For example, while on vacation you don’t have to visit big sights, or meet many new people from all over. Take loads of pictures, post them online, and ensure every minute of your vacation time is filled with some activity to indulge in. however, if this is not something you like to do, it is not a must.
Similarly, traveling alone can feel intimidating, and it brings out the picture that you are strong and independent while not being afraid of any situation. However, that image is not realistic because doing everything alone can be overwhelming and stressful, even as a solo traveler. So it’s essential to do whatever you need to do to relax, be confident and enjoy your trip.
If your definition of a good time is bringing a book to lunch while enjoying food alone, then do that. If you are the kind of person, who enjoys taking lots of pictures when on a trip, carry your camera.
The essential thing to remember is that you don’t have to travel or do the things that most people do on trips if you don’t enjoy doing that. Keep it real, and do you, this is your trip, and that’s one of the joys of traveling alone, getting to control your schedule.
Traveling alone as an introvert doesn’t have to sound like a boring affair. If you work on what you enjoy most, you can make your trip one of the most enjoyable things to do this year. If you like making friends, do it, or if you enjoy time alone watching the sunset or something, do that. Don’t conform to what others deem like having a good time on vacation.
Featured Image by congerdesign from Pixabay