How to Travel Solo as an Introvert (8 Essential Tips)

I’ve been an on and off nomad for about a decade and a half now, moving to Taiwan when I was 21, traveling solo through Asia at 26, and exploring much of the world alone all the way up until now as a 36 year old. The crazy thing is, over that time I went from a bona fide extrovert to an introvert, and the way that I travel solo has changed as a result.

Though I’m introverted, I’m outgoing. I enjoy being social as well as being on my own. To me, introversion relates to the creator of the term, Carl Jung’s, definition. Introverts, Jung said, turn to their own minds to recharge, while extroverts seek out other people for their energy needs.

These are all the ways that I enjoy traveling solo now as an introvert:

1. I pick group trips but get my own room

Although I love traveling by myself, some trips have to be done with a group unless you’re paying 10x for a private experience, like sailing on a liveaboard dive ship or island hopping through the Galapagos.

But in each of these scenarios, I get my own sleeping space.

Since I recharge on my own, I love being able to have my own space to retreat to whenever I want it. That made this Galapagos trip perfect, as the boat I was on offered single rooms without charging a single supplement fee.

Not every tour makes it possible to have my own space, but I always try to seek out some solitude even on a shared trip.

2. I sign up for day trips so I’ll meet people

When I want a mix, I tend to stay in solo accommodation like a hotel or Airbnb, but I’ll sign up for a day trip so that I still get some social interaction.

The key is that I sign up and pay for it ahead of time, so that I’ll actually go and meet other people when the time comes. I can turn into a hermit with some ease, so I like committing at least a day before!

I equally love being able to come back to my accommodation and be on my own when I want to.

4. I visit places with a common interest

Whether it’s scuba diving, hiking, surfing, yoga, or some other shared interest, if you visit a place that is known for one of these things, chances are very good that you will meet other solo travelers who are there for the same purpose.

I love that this has a built-in network of people who you can easily meet. Even if you’re the shy type, having a common interest to…