Are You a Savvy Introvert Traveler?
We introverts love gorgeous scenery and exotic locations as much as anyone, but traveling to them can be daunting. Visiting unfamiliar places means exposing ourselves to a host of new and bewildering stimuli, which can leave us overwhelmed, exhausted, and wishing for home.
A savvy introvert traveler knows the key to successful travel is managing our energy usage wisely. Strategies like the ones below help minimize the things that overwhelm us so that travel is pleasant rather than painful.
7 Tips to Make Travel Easier and More Enjoyable for Introverts
- Choose the right travel companions. Some people drain you more than others, so finding the right travel buddies can be huge. First of all, make sure your primary companion understands and supports your need to recharge between activities. Second, choose groups with care. A group tour can be fun if you mesh well with your fellow tourists, but it can be a disaster if your personalities clash.
- Take it slowly. Give your body time to adjust to new time zones, new climates, new sounds, and new food. Give your brain time to absorb important information and get familiar with the way things work. Give your soul time to ponder and reflect between experiences.
- Manage your energy. Know what drains you and what restores you. Be proactive about managing your energy levels so you don’t burn out. Some suggestions:
- Plan downtime into each day. Fifteen-minute breaks may be enough to recuperate.
- Opt for places where crowds can spread out.
- Consider the cumulative effect. Reduce burnout by alternating between crowded destinations and more peaceful spots.
- When possible, eat in. Dining in public meal after meal can be draining. Opting for a sandwich in your room can ease the strain. (It’s easier on the budget, too.)
- When stuck in a crowd, remind yourself why this experience is awesome.
- Seek out hidden gems. Every destination has its most-famous attractions which draw the biggest crowds. The savvy introvert traveler knows to explore side streets, not-so-famous museums, neighborhood markets, and other places that aren’t as crowded. Travel blogs and guidebooks are filled with advice on where to find the worthwhile sights that most tourists miss.
- Give yourself grace. You are a tourist. You will probably make blunders and look out of place to locals. You might need to ask stupid questions. It’s OK. Accept help with gratitude and a smile. Shrug off the awkward moments and move on. And don’t beat yourself up for running out of energy while others are eager for more. Acknowledge your need for downtime. It’s better to skip an activity than to push yourself until you’re exhausted and miserable.
- Don’t panic when you miss a turn. It’s going to happen, so you might as well plan on it. First, reduce stress by giving yourself extra time just in case. Next, remind yourself that a wrong turn is not a dire emergency. When you realize you’ve missed a turn, remain calm, take a deep breath, and figure out an alternate route. In the meantime, look around. Wrong turns sometimes lead to serendipitous discoveries.
- Do your research. New situations aren’t so scary if you have a reasonable idea of what to expect. Even if you’re traveling with a tour group it pays to read up on your destination. A good guidebook or website can fill you in on important local customs and other useful information. The wider the gap between what you expect and what you actually face, the more it will stress you out. Doing your homework allows you to navigate strange places and foreign cultures with confidence.
I hope these simple tips help you become a savvier, saner, more satisfied traveler. May you enjoy your next trip to unfamiliar territory, whether your destination is Tallahassee or Tahiti.
