How to Travel as an Introvert

Some might see it as counterintuitive for an introvert to travel. That doesn’t have to be the case; indeed, I have met countless self-labeled introverts on my adventures around the world. The main difference (and focus of this piece) is how introverts conduct their travels to make the most of their experiences.

Similarly, the state of being an extrovert or introvert is not a static one. Individuals can experience shifts between the 2 based on a variety of different factors that can move us in either direction. I myself have experienced gradual shifts in both directions over the past several years.

At this point, it is of extreme importance to note to others that being autistic does not equal being introverted. Far from it, many autistic people gain their energy from being around and spending time with others. The key difference is that many of us will noticeably stumble on social norms and expectations – as well as possibly struggling with sensory inputs. That should never be taken as a sign that autistics don’t want interactions with others.

Traveling can prove a challenge for someone who uses their time alone to recharge their energy levels. Conversely, traveling solo can also be challenging for people who struggle with routines and activities not spent with other people. Being autistic, it’s more than reasonable for individuals to fall into both these categories – especially those who are extroverted.

Again, it might sound like somewhat of a paradox that an autistic extrovert might gain their own energy from being around others, while simultaneously needing to be alone in order to recharge their energy stores. However, having experienced this myself, I can safely say that it is no absurdity. Knowing my limits, boundaries and how to balance the two in order to maintain my energy levels without experiencing burnout might be a convoluted juggling act, but it’s the best I’ve got at functioning daily when traveling as an extrovert.

Now for the Tips

• Choose your Accommodation Options Wisely

Hostels are the best way to travel within a location cheaply while also meeting other travelers at the same time. This does, of course, mean staying in a dorm, which isn’t for everyone.

Nevertheless, it takes little to no effort to meet and interact with others in a hostel (though the degree to which will depend on each hostel’s setup). Most of the friends and acquaintances I’ve made in recent years were made while staying in the same hostels as each other.

Consider staying in a private room if you want the social aspect of a hostel without having to share facilities in a dorm. This will also give you an exclusive recharge space to use whenever you need it.

My personal tip is to only book one or two nights initially to see if the hostel vibe is for you. There’s nothing worse than having paid to be in a hostel with others you don’t like, can’t relate to or generally just don’t want to be around. Unfortunately, this might lead to the accommodation being booked out during peak season, but that’s usually a risk I’m willing to take in order to avoid ruining my trip.

Otherwise, if you feel like hostels in general just aren’t for you, then don’t worry. Hotels, Airbnb’s and the likes of will always be an option.

Hotels will, of course, come at a higher cost, and meeting people will require more effort as you will have to find other ways to solicit encounters with others – which isn’t an easy feat for introverts. Naturally, this can feel a bit isolating for those traveling long term, particularly for those who previously spent their time in hostels.

Depending on where you sit on these points, it’s worth considering a mix of the two to avoid any burnouts or meltdowns during your journey.

• Consider a Tour

Tours are another great way to dive into various aspects of your travel destination while also giving you the opportunity to meet new people.

Almost all major cities now offer free walking tours around the city. However, if you need an extra push to get out there and become involved, then consider a paid tour. This will give you a little bit more incentive as you probably won’t want your money to go to waste. Doubt may weigh on your mind, but I personally find it better to not hold any expectations either way by trying not to think about how things will go. This motivates me to keep an open mind.

Exploring by yourself can be fun as well, but if you want to get some facts and information about your surroundings from the point of a host, or would like to spend your time exploring in the company of others, then guided tours are by far the best option.

If staying at a hotel or hostel, then be sure to check with the reception staff to discover if they have anything available. Many have partnerships with local businesses, so you can book directly with them (sometimes for a reduced rate).

• Find Somewhere to Spend Alone Time

I would recommend any green space for this one. The healing power of nature on the mind is something that cannot be topped (for me at least). Reconnecting with nature is very important for the soul in our highly industrialized world, so look up local parks, trails and nature reserves to explore during your stay. While it may not be the best place to connect with people, it is by far the best way you can hope for to rejuvenate yourself and just pause to focus on your own thoughts. How often you do this is in order to continue with your journey feeling fresh, it is for you yourself to decide.

• Know Yourself

I mentioned this previously, but to reiterate the point: invest in yourself. Know what matters. Be ready to push your boundaries, but not to the point of self-destruction. Endeavor in flexibility.

Be prepared to spend a little more to avoid extreme discomfort. For example, it might not be worth it to save cash by taking the bus if you can’t stand extremely long-distance journeys on them in a confined space with complete strangers – look into trains and planes to reach your destination if that will be a less mentally demanding experience for you.

I talk a lot about travel and how it forces you to push yourself and experience some discomfort. Seeking a constant sense of comfort will ultimately equal you missing out on a lot of new experiences and people on your adventure.

Knowing where to draw the line is important though. The power of intuition cannot be ignored. If something doesn’t feel right, then it is often best to go with that gut instinct. Giving yourself a hard time with your lack of resolve won’t do yourself any favors either. Look into alternative plans, tell yourself that there’s going to be other opportunities to do things, and always put yourself first.

All of this might sound a little vague and you’re probably wondering how on earth you can achieve this but, think of it as a process, things get easier with time and experience. Solo travel allowed me to test my limits. In doing so, I was better able to understand where not to overstep the mark. By facing constant uncertainty, I was able to become a more flexible and open-minded person.

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