Can you solo travel as an introvert?
This is a question I see a lot online and something that I wondered before my first solo trip. I would classify myself as a true introvert- I love spending time alone, my social battery gets drained quickly, and I don’t make friends as easily as others. Although I have become more outgoing as I’ve gotten older and more confident, I still struggle to walk up to people and start a conversation. At the same time, I usually don’t want to start a conversation with someone, because I am content with being by myself! If this sounds anything like you, keep reading…
I think solo travel is PERFECT for introverts like me because you can choose how social you are and how much time you spend by yourself. If you want to spend a whole day by yourself, you can. If you want to spend the day exploring with others, you can join a tour or ask what the people in your hostel dorm are doing that day. The best part of solo travel is that you are dictating your plans for each day, and that includes your social activity.
Here are my tips for solo traveling as an introvert!
Book a hostel that aligns with what you want for your trip. If you don’t like to stay up late and party, don’t book a party hostel. If you know you want privacy, make sure the beds have curtains. Most major cities will have 10+ hostels to choose from, all with different amenities and offerings. I love using HostelWorld to get as much information I can about each hostel. Read the reviews to see what others say!
I usually avoid party hostels, but I make sure there are opportunities to socialize with others, whether it be in a communal area, a walking tour or a pub crawl. That way, if I feel like making friends, I can, but if I want to be a hermit and go to sleep early every night, I can.
Book a private room! Although hostels are great for solo travelers, they’re not for everyone. If you want to stay at a hostel but don’t want to share a room with strangers, most have private rooms. This will allow you to take advantage of the hostel’s social events, while still having privacy when you need it.
Even if it’s not every night, booking a private room every few nights of a long trip is what helps me stay sane! It allows me to recharge my social battery and fully relax.
Be friendly and get to know people, but don’t pressure yourself to spend a whole day with others if you know you’d rather be by yourself. Say yes to *almost* everything.
Personally, I have some travel days where I know exactly what I want to do and where I want to eat, and tagging along with a group of people would throw a wrench in my plans. However, when I do say yes to hanging out with others, I end up making the BEST connections with people from all over the world, and I make memories that I would have never otherwise made if I was by myself. So find a balance between spending time by yourself and saying yes to social opportunities.
Join group tours. If making the first move in a social interaction feels daunting, group tours are a fantastic way to meet people without the pressure. You’ll naturally end up chatting with others in the group, and who knows, you might find a travel buddy for the day! I’ve found that sharing an experience, like a cooking class or a city tour, often leads to easy and enjoyable conversations. Use GetYourGuide t
Find time to recharge. Whether your on a short solo trip or you’re a long term traveler, finding a balance between explore, socializing and resting is challenging. Even if you’re not hanging out with friends everyday, exploring new places on your own means encountering and interacting with others all day, sometimes in a foreign language. This can be exhausting for anyone, but especially solo travelers. Make sure you carve out moments for true relaxation and alone time.
Even if you’re in a social hostel, it’s ok to call it a night before everyone else. Get into bed, watch a movie or just go to sleep early if that’s what you need. This is why I LOVE hostel beds with curtains. If your social battery is drained, just close your curtain and it’s like you’re in a private room (almost).
Don’t compare yourself to other travelers. Some people make friends & connect with others really easily, and for others it takes time. Personally, I’m not one to go up to a stranger and strike up a conversation, so it’s harder for me to make friends while traveling. But that’s ok! I’m still able to meet people, and if I’m not, I always have a great time on my own.
Embrace your differences, and use solo travel as an opportunity to understand yourself and your needs as an introverted person. Many people consider being an introvert to be a weakness, but in the case of solo travel, I think its an advantage!
Remember, solo travel is your adventure—embrace it in a way that suits your personality. Whether you’re making lifelong friends or enjoying peaceful solitude, the journey is yours to shape. So pack your bags, trust your instincts, and happy solo travels!
