Who doesn’t love a vacation?
Do some of you cringe at that question? Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing adventures, but they don’t always turn out that way, do they?
Vacations can be exhausting for introverts like me, filled with too many people, too many new sights, and not enough time to recharge between activities.
This post will help introverts think through potential stressors so they can plan a vacation that enables them to manage their energy while still embracing new and exciting activities.
7 questions Introverts should consider when planning a trip
1. Can I handle a new location each night or do I prefer staying at one location for multiple days?
Uprooting every day can be stressful. Some people are fine with staying in a new city each night, but I do better when I am able to stay in the same place multiple nights. This allows a smidgen of familiarity within a new setting. When possible, I find a central “home base” location that allows for exploration in various directions. Will fewer moves make your next trip less stressful? (Bonus: fewer moves means less schlepping of luggage, too.)
2. Do I want to hit the highlights and move on, or do I want time to wander and take in the details?
These are two different approaches to travel. The highlights version allows you to see a whole lot more in one trip, but it doesn’t allow time to look at every exhibit or investigate the details of a place. If you are an introvert, you might prefer a more leisurely pace that allows time to soak things in and poke your nose into whatever interests you. It’s a trade-off: The more time you give to any one location, the fewer sights you can cram into your vacation. Which will make you happier—seeing as many sights as possible, or knowing you can spend as long as you like exploring whatever catches your fancy?
3. To group or not to group?
Are group tours for you? A packaged tour means someone else worries about all the reservations, tickets, schedules, and other details. This eliminates the stress of planning and navigating, but in return you are constantly with a group, and you have limited choice in what you do or when you do it. I prefer the freedom of DIY travel, but I know it’s not for everyone. If you opt for a tour, choose your group wisely. Joining a group whose idea of fun is vastly different than yours can make for a miserable vacation. Try to get a sense of the tour’s style and target audience before joining. And don’t forget option three: travel on your own but join full or half-day tours at your destination.
4. How much do I care about seeing specific famous things?
Every country, city, or national park has a few most-popular attractions. That’s where the biggest crowds will be. Are you determined to see those big-name sights, or will you be content to enjoy all the other interesting and beautiful things on offer? If you’re willing to aim for lesser-known areas, you can bypass the worst of the crowds. For example, on a vacation to Maine, my husband and I skipped touristy Bar Harbor and instead visited some obscure but fascinating local museums. Only you can decide which attractions are worth it despite the stress and frustration of lines and crowds.
5. How much downtime do I need, and where will I find it?
Can you opt out of certain activities and spend an afternoon chilling at the hotel? Will there be parks, cafes, or other suitable places where you can slow down and recharge? Can your party split up to enable some people to cram as much excitement as possible into each day while others pursue a more introvert-friendly agenda? Do your travel companions understand how critical downtime is to your well-being?
6. What are my primary goals for this vacation?
Seeing a particular place? Visiting with specific people? Getting away from the rat race and spending time in nature? Knowing your key vacation goals helps you prioritize your energy usage. It also enables you to consider the trip a success even when plans go awry.
7. Do I know what to expect?
Will you be upset to arrive at your lodging only to discover it has no air conditioning? Can you handle a room with a shared bathroom down the hall? These little surprises can ruin a trip, so do your research before you leave home. Pay close attention to the details provided by hotel listings, tour companies, museums, etc. Things will go smoother if you know ahead of time what amenities to expect, how much walking the tour involves, or how difficult it will be to follow diet restrictions.
Vacations can be fun and relaxing for introverts and extroverts. I hope these questions will help you plan a trip that fulfills your vacation dreams.
Bon Voyage.
