Solo travel as an introvert seems like it should be paradise. Here are some great tips to make sure that it is.
Solo Travel for Introverts – How to Do it and Love it
At the time of writing, it is early 2026 and AI is threatening to take over. In the spirit of trying to keep up with the times, I try it out regularly to see what the enemy is up to.
And asking for an outline on “solo travel for introverts” gave me one of the biggest laughs of the year. Because this robot, who has no friends of its own, completely misinterpreted the situation we introverts find ourselves in.
It talked about how to deal with loneliness – and completely missed the sense of freedom that comes with being able to choose when you socialise and when you can just, you know, take a break and hear yourself think.
It talked about selfishness and not having to compromise, rather than just taking the odd break from compromising all the time.
It told me that “solo travel is often portrayed as a non-stop parade of hostel bars, group selfies and making new friends at every opportunity.”
I’m not even sure how to react to that.
For many women over 40 (hello!) travelling alone offers something rather different. After years spent balancing work, family and other responsibilities, stepping away from everyone else’s schedules can feel wonderfully liberating.
So, goodbye dear robot. I’ll write my own solo travel tips for introverts – and actually help you out.
While we’re in the business of clearing things up, let’s also talk about debunking travel insurance myths, another topic that’s important but often misrepresented. Because whether introverted or extroverted, we all need it for any itinerary.
See also how to travel more sustainably.
But right now, let’s talk about how to take that solo trip and whether meeting new people is important.
What Does it Mean to Be an Introvert – and Does it Matter?
In all honesty, the scientific research isn’t that convincing when it comes to the whole concept of being an introvert or extrovert.
But they can be helpful definitions if you’ve ever found yourself in a situation, surrounded by people you love, when you just want a moment’s peace.
If you get home at the end of twelve hours with other people and flop onto the sofa.
If you just want someone talkative to be quiet, just for a second, even though you like them.
So, it’s not about being shy. And it’s definitely not about not liking other people.
It’s about noticing that you have a social battery and that some time alone is essential to your sanity. And essential to recharge.
What About Loneliness?
Where the research is clearer is that solitude is not the same as loneliness or social anxiety. Introverted people may love meaningful conversations and close relationships while also appreciating regular periods, well, on their own.
Some of us even turn this observation into a career ;-)
And the only reason I point this out is because there is an emerging set of scientific results that do suggest that loneliness is harmful for our health.
Social interaction is thought to fend off mental health problems in the short to medium term and dementia in the long term. There are even people looking into the effect of loneliness on cardiovascular health.
But travel as an introvert doesn’t really fall into that category. You will meet new people when you travel, whether you want to or not!
So, the biggest travel tip I have for you if you think that you’re an introvert is to travel alone.
You won’t get lonely. I have plenty of tips to help you meet people. But in all honesty, I should probably write an article to help you survive if you’re surrounded by other people with a different personality type the whole time. (And I may still do that.)
Travelling solo as an introvert? You’ll nail it. It’s meant to be.
Travel Tips for Introverts
Give Yourself Grace the First Night
I’ve travelled solo to so many countries, I’ve lost count. I’ve arrived at dawn in Bogota, Colombia, driven across the sands of the Sahara, hiked the Atlas Mountains and cycled across southern Albania.
I’ve been doing this for decades – and I do still feel shy and hesitant during the first twenty four hours.
I used to think this was an annoying quirk I needed to cure myself of until I met Hilary Bradt, award-winning author and founder of Bradt Guides, who talks about a similar thing.
Perhaps there is a protective mechanism in that first 24 hours, while we read the unwritten rules and survey the area for danger.
Perhaps not.
But, basically, cut yourself some slack for 12 -24 hours and then pull yourself together and get out there and talk to people.
It will all be OK.
Book Onto Short Tours
If you’ve been here for any amount of time, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of food tours. Everyone has to eat and, if you book onto one of the smaller groups, you’ll get the opportunity to meet people in the same situation as well as local people, too. You’ll learn about the stories of local food as well as try more different varieties than if you had dinner alone.
Plus, I know that for many solo travellers, meal times are where they feel most self-conscious, asking for a table for one. I think I’ve done it for so long, now, that I’m immune to it but I do remember feeling a little strange when I got started.
And for introverted solo travellers? There’s a time limit! Whether you love them or hate them, there is an inbuilt off switch at the end of the tour. You can arrange a low-key meetup if you want. Or not, if you don’t.
Perfect.
Be Bold
It’s always strange that first time you walk into a shop or restaurant in another land, when you don’t know the language, the rules, the way of doing things. I’ve often felt awkward to begin with. But I feel it matches the warm up stage of exercise. Awkward at first but then you get into the swing of things.
So, don’t avoid social situations. Talk to the bus driver, go to the restaurant, order something at the market. Get comfortable talking to strangers. After all, you never have to see them again if it all goes badly (which it won’t.)
But making conversation on the road opens up so many more possibilities than just scrolling through Get Your Guide (or even reading a lovely blog like this.)
In General, Avoid Honeymoon Spots or Group Activities
It’s not the end of the world to end up in a romantic enclave or a party town alone. I’ve been on assignment in honeymoon hotels and once spent a summer attending festivals for work as a solo traveller.
But it does start to become strange. Worst of all was covering a family theme park while going through a miscarriage, but things aren’t always that bad.
Almost everywhere in the world is ripe for solo travel. But, war zones, family theme parks, and honeymoon resorts, are not the best place to start. And festivals – I would suggest.
With all that said. Prague, for example, is a major stag do (bachelor party) hub. On my flight out there, there were no fewer than two stag dos on the small, single-aisle flight.
But once there, I had a fabulous time. So… don’t limit yourself too much. Just be mindful of it when you book.
- Recommended reading: the best Caribbean islands for solo travellers
Allow Time to Recharge
As we’ve already established, introverts don’t recharge by racing around and being with people every second of the livelong day. So, don’t do it.
But downtime doesn’t have to be in your hotel or other accommodation. You can walk around a town, visit a museum, sit in a coffee shop, go for a bike ride. If you find yourself in a group and it feels as though it would be rude not to join in, watching a concert or a play is one of my top tips. You’re with people – but your mind gets a rest. Then, afterwards, conversation is even easier as you can recap what you’ve just seen.
You Don’t Have to Stay in Hostels
I’m not entirely sure why I’m mentioning this, save for the reason that I keep seeing it in online articles.
Now, when I was younger, I loved hostels. Well, I tolerated them.
But now? Almost nothing is as important to me as getting a good night’s sleep. And when I say almost, I’m thinking of world peace/ saving the life of a loved one kind of thing.
So, don’t believe the persistent myth about solo travel and dorms. If it works for you, great. If you’ve left those days behind decades ago, then don’t even waste a heartbeat of your energy thinking about it.
Looking for a different kind of solo experience altogether? Check out these tips for taking a cruise alone!
Wait. Is it Introversion or Social Anxiety?
People often confuse introversion with anxiety, but they’re not the same.
Introverted people simply need a break from people to recalibrate and recharge. Social anxiety is a horrible feeling. It’s when you fear making a mistake or ruminate about the mistakes you may have made afterwards.
I’m sure we can all identify with a little of both, but if you find social anxiety stops you from enjoying life and getting normal things done, then do please seek a professional for some help.
Will You Feel Lonely?
Possibly.
Even experienced travellers occasionally feel lonely. That’s part of being human.
But solitude and loneliness are not the same thing.
Many introverts actively seek time alone because it helps them process experiences and recharge.
In fact, some solo female travellers report having a harder time readjusting to busy daily life after experiencing the freedom of travelling independently.
Unsure where to start? Spain is one of my favourite countries in the world, and it’s also one of the best places to try out travelling by yourself for the first time. Discover my top tips for exploring Spain solo here.
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