HOW TO TRAVEL SOLO IF YOU’RE SHY AND AN INTROVERT

You certainly don’t have to be all a-singing and a-dancing to travel solo. I’m actually quite shy when I meet new people.

According to psychologist Jonathan Cheek, there are 4 kinds of introvert. The social, the thinking, the anxious and the restrained. Taking the first letter of each, he named his research model STAR.

SOCIAL

The social introvert has a preference for solitude with a good book but is happy to attend small gatherings as opposed to large group meet ups.

THINKING

The thinking introvert is self reflective and thoughtful.

ANXIOUS

The anxious introvert feels anxious and awkward in social situations which can also trigger lack of self confidence issues.

RESTRAINED

The restrained introvert counts to 10 before they think . Ok that might be a bit too literal but hey they think before they speak or take action. Being restrained they might not be the first to volunteer or leap into something either.

Either way, if you’re an introvert it’s great if you go travelling solo. Why? You’re happy with your own company and for some alone time. The local cafe for a drink. To the beach or park to read or to the cinema to immerse yourself in some big screen action.

Back to restrained leaping. You don’t need to leap on a plane, boat or train and head abroad for your first solo outing. Oh no siree.

It could be that you dip your toes in by booking a hotel for a solo weekend away or join a small group mini tour close to home.

As great as it is to meet other travellers, local or international, as an introvert, you need to

BE PREPARED

May I suggest …

Load up your kindle or a.n.other reading device with your favourite authors or, you know, those books you’ve been meaning to read.

Love the feel of a paperback? Me too. Squeeze a book or two in with your packing. If it’s a mini trip that should do you, unless of course it’s such a page turner that you look like Penelope the Panda in the morning. Either way, there’s bound to be the opportunity of swapsies along the way.

Belong to a movie subscription service? Come on down Apple TV, Prime, Sky et al. Get those movies downloaded pronto. Great for those long journeys as well as hotel room chilling.

Make sure you have your listening device of choice, raring to go with your music and podcasts. May I also recommend noise-cancelling headphones.

So now you’re ready to hit the road.

SOME SUGGESTIONS

You could ease yourself in gently and start with a small group tour. Whether you are looking at specific destinations or certain passions, be it opera in Italy or photography with National Geographic, sleuth to find something that ticks all your boxes.

As for small adventure tours, I have heard great things about Intrepid and Explore (average group size 10 and 12 respectively).

Decision criteria? Well as, dare I say, the norm of reviews, age range and group size, don’t forget the importance of asking how much free time you have. That’s your zen and recharge space. Ommm.

There’s generally always an option to have your own room for a supplement.

Looking for something that’s a bit more of a treat and hidden gems a-plenty? Italian Fix specializes in the Cinque Terre and Sicily. They provide the coolest private experiences, be it outdoor dining, private boat excursions or visits to private homes. Oh yes please. Who doesn’t like a peek at a private home? They also offer a choice of women only tours.

ACCOMMODATION

If a group, will-you-or-won’t-you-get-on, tour really isn’t your thing, then have a look at exploring and travelling solo combined with a hotel or Airbnb.

For the latter you could rent the entire accommodation or accommodation with the host in residence. Be that a private room, annex or separate dwelling at the end of the garden.

If opting for accommodation that includes the host in residence, then you’re not stuck out somewhere on your own. Hey there’s introvert and introvert, plus there’s exploring to be done.

By having a local in situ there’s insight and potential (small scale) socializing to be had. You can always make your excuses and retreat to your abode for updating your travel journal if you’re not feeling chatty.

If you want to give hostels a try, it’s a great way to meet fellow travellers in a relaxed environment, be that in the kitchen making a meal or chilling in the lounge area reading a book.

Single rooms or doubles for sole occupancy are up for grabs. YHA hostels generally have a good age range thus also avoiding staying in party central.

Generator Hostels are design-led hostels offering affordable luxury rooms for travellers and locals of Europe’s coolest cities. Current cool city locations are Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, London, Rome, Stockholm, Venice, Paris and Washington D.C.

Opt for your own room for your personal space and continued zen.

DAY TRIPS

Whatever your accommodation, it’s good to book a day trip here or there.

It might just be group transport to get you to a ‘must see’ attraction that is off the beaten track. Then it’s the best of both worlds. Company and hassle free transport and time alone to explore once you’re there. Or perhaps it’s with a local guide sharing their knowledge with a small group.

On the flip side, if you find yourself on organised tour after tour then look into renting a driver for the day and creating your own itinerary. Check with your accommodation for regulated and recommended drivers. Depending on your location, it doesn’t have to be a budget busting experience.

EXPLORING WITHOUT OVERWHELM

Time Out is a great resource for things to do and what’s happening in cities worldwide. Meetup is a great too for social and special interest events. Most cities also offer walking tours too. Dip in and out of conversation as you wish, whilst seeing the sights at a leisurely pace. Perfect.

And. Don’t forget a travel guide book! Although there’s so much information online, once you’re out and about, you can’t beat having a ‘proper’ for want of a better term, book with you to refer to without navigating the size of your phone screen. My personal favourite is Lonely Planet but check out Rough Guides and Frommer’s to name but a few.

Are you an introvert solo traveller? Do let us know in the comments!