15 Solo Travel Tips for Introverts

These solo travel tips for introverts are perfect for the traveler who loves to explore, but requires some time alone to recharge in between social events and activities.

Are you an introvert who has been thinking about traveling solo, but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve already taken the plunge, but could use a few more tips? This post is for you.

I’ll share some of my best tips for introverts who are looking to travel on their own. Whether you’re anxious about being by yourself in a new place or just want some ideas for how to make the most of your trip, keep reading.

I promise that with these tips, you’ll be ready to take on the world (or at least a new city) solo.

Continue reading for my Top 15 Solo Travel Tips for Introverts. 

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Solo Travel Tips for Introverts

Are you wondering what an introvert is and whether or not you should read this article? Check out what Psychology Today has to say about introverts.

 If you’re an introvert who’s been hesitant to travel solo, don’t worry – you’re not alone. But traveling solo can actually be a great experience for introverts, and there are plenty of ways to make the most of it.

As an introvert myself I’ve traveled to dozens of cities and over 25 countries on my own and have had incredible adventures each time.

I honestly think solo travel is made for introverts and I hope I can help inspire you to get out there and explore the world too.

1. Travel in the off-season

One of the best ways to avoid crowds in popular tourist destinations is to travel in the offseason. Whenever possible, try to plan your vacations around the opposite time that everybody else does.

For example, instead of visiting Venice in July, visit in March or April. Trust me, visiting Venice without the crowds will be much more enjoyable for you.

As an added bonus to traveling in the offseason, you’ll also be gifted with cheaper flights and hotel rooms and significantly shorter wait times at big attractions. 

I recently visited Sedona, Arizona in July and had a fantastic time. There were few other travelers out on the trails and I had many attractions all to myself.

2. Reserve the window seat

Always book yourself a window seat whenever possible. Having the window seat is like having your own corner of the plane.

Nobody enters into your space and nobody bothers you. Plus, you don’t have fellow travelers stepping over you or bumping into you. If that’s not reason enough, it’s also the only way you’ll get those incredible views during take-off and landing. 

This is one of my favorite solo travel tips for introverts. I’m a huge fan of the window seat and tend to find my flights very relaxing knowing I get so much time to myself. 

The exception to the window seat rule is if you’re on a long flight and will likely need to use the restroom. In that case I’ll generally book an aisle seat but will try to find a row to myself. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t.

3. Get up early

Another great way to avoid crowds in popular destinations is to arrive in the morning before everyone else wakes up.

Most people don’t want to get up early when they’re on vacation, so if you are willing to do this, you will be rewarded with empty streets and short lines.

Can you imagine having views of the Eiffel Tower at the Trocadero in Paris mostly to yourself? It’s amazing.

Early morning is also the best time of day to take pictures if you don’t want all those random people in your photos.  Sure you can always edit them out later, but sometimes that’s easier said than done.

Another added bonus to getting up early is that you’ll have more time in your day to see more of the place you’ve traveled so far to see. It’s really a win-win situation. 

4. Stay up late

If you’re not a morning person consider staying up late. Many large tourist attractions are far less crowded in the late afternoon or early evening.

Also, once attractions have closed at night the surrounding areas can become deserted, making this a perfect time to get those pictures.

I also love visiting bars and pubs in the early evening. Early enough that they’re not too crowded, but late enough that I’m not day drinking. This is also the perfect time of day for meeting people, especially locals.

I’ve often had great conversations with locals in local lounges or pubs just after their work day ends. This is the most common time you’ll find locals just sitting in one place relaxing. Well besides cafes and restaurants anyway.

I find people are more outgoing and chatty when they have a drink in their hand. Trust me on this one and just give it a try.

You can use online travel guides to find the best bars and pubs frequented by locals in your chosen destination. Then show up, grab a seat at the bar, and see what happens.

This is also a great way to meet other travelers as well.

5. Book your own room

If you’re traveling with a large group of friends or family, try to book your own room.

The benefits of having your own room are endless, but there’s nothing better than coming back to your own quiet space at the end of a long day of sightseeing.

Having your own room gives you your own time and place to get away when you need to. 

This can certainly make your trip more expensive, but sometimes the extra money is more than worth it. 

6. Visit less popular destinations

If you’re truly not a fan of crowds, look into visiting places that fewer people are traveling to.

Right now, everybody wants to go to Jordan, Bali, and Turkey. Instead, consider visiting Georgia or Wales. Instead of visiting New York try visiting Vermont. You get the picture.

The world is such a big place, you don’t have to go to the same places as everybody else.

Take a chance and try somewhere new that nobody else is talking about.

Besides, travel fads come and go. If you really want to visit Bali, just wait a year or two. There are plenty of places to visit in the meantime. 

7. Pay the single supplement

If you’ve decided to take a small group tour, pay the single supplement to have your own private room. This will give you a break from the group each night and some alone time.

This will also alleviate the challenges associated with sharing a room with a stranger you have just met.

Plus, you’ll be able to leave your things wherever you want and won’t have to worry about the possibility of an overly chatty roommate. 

This is one of my personal favorites from this list of solo travel tips for introverts.

There’s nothing like being able to go back to your own room for some me-time after a long day on a group tour. The single supplement has been worth it every single time in my opinion.

Plus, I like the balance that comes with small group tours. I get to hang out and be social if I want to during the day, but there’s certainly no obligation. Then at night, I have time to myself to recharge and relax.

I really like group tours because I think it’s nice to have the option to talk to others about traveling and their travel experiences.

It’s a wonderful way to connect with people, especially since you already have so much in common. I think all female travel groups are especially fun.

If looking for a good group tour I also recommend searching for travel deals for group trips around the holidays. This is often a great way to offset the single supplement.

8. Bring a book or magazine

Always, always, always, bring along a book or magazine when you’re traveling.

Having something to read will often deter strangers from approaching you or striking up a conversation if you are not open to conversation at the moment. 

Carrying a book is also a great way to enjoy the pleasures of dining alone.

I love checking out new restaurants and don’t mind at all if I have to go alone, but having a book with me usually makes the experience that much better. 

9. Don’t overbook your time

There’s nothing worse than having to run around from place to place, to place, when you’re supposed to be on vacation. All that running around is both stressful, and exhausting.

Pick a few things to see and do each day, but leave room in your schedule to accommodate the unexpected.

You never know if you’ll stumble across something fun and interesting, or if an activity will take longer than expected.

Don’t stress yourself out trying to keep to a ridiculous schedule. Leave gaps in between activities and slow down. Slow travel allows you to go at your own pace and not be rushed all the time. It’s a much more comfortable way to travel in my opinion.

10. Take advantage of city tours and food tours

If your introverted self prefers to travel solo, consider booking a local city tour or a group food tour with a guide at your destination.

This will give you the perfect opportunity to meet people and socialize without a long term commitment. Group tours are usually just a few hours, but provide a great opportunity to talk to people and socialize if you’ve been on a long trip and start to feel lonely.

11. Get out of your comfort zone

Part of the reason we travel is to have new experiences and try new things. That being said, don’t forget to put yourself in positions to meet new people, interact with locals and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

There are plenty of great adventures for introverts out there that you’re sure to enjoy.

I understand that constant socializing and large crowds can be draining, but take advantage of your opportunities as much as possible while you’re traveling, even if that means pushing yourself a bit more than usual.

For most of us, many of these trips are once in a lifetime experiences, try not to leave with regrets of things you wish you’d done or tried. 

12. Get out into nature

If you’re really looking for the best solo trips for introverts try exploring national parks and natural spaces.

The world is a beautiful place with plenty of inspiring destinations to explore. Getting out in nature is the perfect way to refresh and recharge and you don’t need anyone else with you to enjoy nature.

Even if you’ve selected a large city as your destination, chances are you’ll have the opportunity to get out into nature if you drive outside the city limits. Do a little research and see what’s nearby. 

13. Find the things you love at home

If you’re visiting a new destination, try to find a place or activity that will allow you to spend time doing something you love.

If you love to see live music at home, look for a show in the city you’re visiting. If you enjoy sporting events, consider attending a sporting event at your destination.

By continuing to enjoy your hobbies while traveling abroad, you’ll have a greater chance of meeting people with similar interests.

14. Communicate with your travel companions

Of all my solo travel tips for introverts, this one may be the most important.

If you’re traveling with a group, be sure to communicate that you might need your own time once in a while.

Most everyone will understand your need for some quiet time. In fact, they will probably be happy to get some too.

15. Don’t feel guilty

Above all else, don’t spend any time feeling guilty about the things you want to do or don’t want to do.

It can be challenging if others try to make you feel guilty about not wanting to participate in a certain activity.

Just remind your travel companions that it’s perfectly okay for people to have different travel styles and to want to do different things.

However, don’t forget that you need to be flexible too. There may be some activities that are not particularly exciting to you but may mean a lot to your travel companion.

The key to a great trip is making sure that everybody has a great time and gets to do the things they most wanted to do. 

Bonus Tip: Join a Group Tour

Just because you take a group tour does not mean you’re stuck socializing all day.

During my last group tour, I was able to socialize when I wanted to, but would just put my headphones on when I wanted to be alone. And you know what? All the other girls did exactly the same thing.

Female travel groups are an excellent way to visit destinations like the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Central America.

They take care of the logistics and planning, and you get to have an incredible travel experience. Plus, you’ll be meeting new people just like yourself.

For me, I think female group tours provide the perfect balance between solo travel and traveling with friends or family.

Unlike traveling with friends or family, there are no obligations. You’re going to have a great time whether you socialize or not.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these 15 Solo Travel Tips for Introverts and that I’ve given you some new ideas for your own travels.

If you’re looking for more great travel tips, check out my post on affordable off-season travel destinations.