You know that being an introvert doesn’t mean you want to stay at home all of the time. You’d really like to get out and see the world. However, traveling sometimes sounds overwhelming and scary and…wonderful. As a sensitive introverted woman, you want to travel, but on your own terms. Travel doesn’t have to look the same for you as it does for your extroverted peers! You can absolutely travel as an introvert, and enjoy every second of it.
As a coach for sensitive introverted women, and a travel lover, I get the fears behind it. I’m an introvert and care deeply about the introvert community. Maybe you were raised by extroverted parents who insisted you be out and about go go going the whole time you were on a trip. The thing is, you don’t have to do it that way! Honestly, traveling is a wonderful way to flex your individuality and truly get to know yourself.
The world was made for extroverts: Including travel
We know the world was made for extroverts. We’re living in it! Travel is also geared towards extroverts. Crowded restaurants, busy locales, random strangers on the plane trying to talk to you. . . ugh. And the idea of a group travel experience. Hell. NO. If the thought of traveling with a group leaves you exhausted, know that solo travel is a great way to see the world and travel on your own terms!
Solo Travel can be a HUGE battery recharge
One thing I recommend sensitive introverted women do as they plan their trip is to assess what they truly want out of travel. Is it to see cultural landmarks? Is it to get away and relax? Do you simply yearn for the ocean? Regardless of the reason behind travel, it’s good to know your why before you plan your trip. I personally love traveling solo and seeing the world on my own. I can go out when I choose and stay in my room when I need to be alone. There is also something empowering about being alone in a crowd.
Tips for traveling as a sensitive introverted woman
As a sensitive introvert, there are many things to consider when traveling. As I said, I’m an introvert, and a travel lover too! Here are a few things I like to think about before I go on a trip.
Build a Travel Schedule Fit for a Sensitive, Introverted Woman!
Where do you want to go and what do you want to see? How important is it to you to check off all the trip bucket list items? Or do you simply want to luxuriate in a hotel room and enjoy some room service? Have a plan for where you want to go and what you want to do, but keep it flexible. Some things might end up being more social than you are planning on and you might need an evening in to recharge. Create a schedule that works for you and get enough rest/sleep every day. Introverts need breaks! Build them in for yourself, unapologetically.
Cultivate (and protect) Your Personal Space, Even While Traveling
Maybe you’re traveling as a part of a group or going on a work trip. You may not have as much control over the schedule and activities. But, if you are able to adjust your amenities, do it! Get your own room (and bathroom!) and set it up with the items that make you feel more like you are at home.
For any trip, you may have concerns about the flight itself. Be prepared with books/earbuds and other entertainment for the flight so that you can mentally check out as much as possible. Take anything else that you find soothing/familiar. Like a sweater or small blanket. If possible, fly middle of the week for fewer crowds, or book your trip during a slower travel season.
Want Guidance? Book a greeter! (Aka: one local person guiding you around the area)
Of course, as an introvert, you’re going to prepare.prepare.prepare. Do a good amount of research online and/or buy travel books to help (I love Fodor’s). That way, you’ll learn about the place you are going to in a way that works for you. Here, you can find out more about food, accommodations, and schedules to meet your needs and match your pace.
If you’d really like to get an idea of what a locale is like, consider hiring a greeter. Cheesy tours with large groups of people are horrible for sensitive introverts like us, but having someone one on one to show you the sites from a locals perspective? Sounds amazing to me!
Consider Longer Stays: Build Your Introvert Community with Intentional Social Connections
If you want to make friends while you travel, consider a longer trip so you can slowly and naturally form new friendships. You may even meet and connect with other introverts who are doing solo travel. How amazing would that be? However, your travel doesn’t have to be about social time at all! Remember, quality over quantity. Focus on spending more time in fewer places to enjoy a richer experience and not burn yourself out. Enjoy your time to yourself and relish the freedom that comes with travel.
Begin Coaching for Sensitive Introverted Women with Enid DeJesus
Ultimately the point is to enjoy yourself at your own introverted pace and not to suffer trying to travel as other people do it! What other tips do you have to share with the introvert community? We totally want to hear them, my dear. Comment below!
If you still want help with your travel planning and preparation as an introvert, let’s talk. You can learn more about my radical introvert coaching program with this free, Radical Introvert Audio Training “How to Find Peace in This Fast-Paced World”. When you’re ready to take action, I make it simple to book a free, 30-minute consultation call with me. I can’t wait to hear from you!