Comments on: Can Introverts Successfully Travel Solo?

By: Mary

Mary — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 12:14:40 +0000

In reply to Kim.

I couldn’t agree more. Introversion is a characteristic like eye color. It doesn’t need to be fixed or changed. And it has nothing to do with shyness or social anxiety.

Frankly, I find remarks like this condescending: “So please don’t feel bad if you’re traveling and you just don’t feel like going out that day, don’t want to be social, or feel like getting room service. It’s okay to do those things if it’s what you feel you need.”

As if we are somehow wounded, troubled, or fragile.

I am an older woman who has been traveling alone at home and abroad for two decades. I don’t travel to meet people. I travel to try new food, see museums and sights and lovely views, etc. If I wanted to meet people, I would, being bold rather than shy. I just am not interested.

By: Adrienne Alleyne

Adrienne Alleyne — Mon, 13 May 2019 21:09:10 +0000

I have had the awful combination of being an introvert, being shy and having social anxiety for most of my life. I got my first solo travel experience a few years ago and I thought that it would be terrifying. I however found calm in being in a new place where I knew no one and was free to explore as I wish. There was also the benefit of being able to enjoy alone time while also occasionally meeting people with similar interests.

Thank you for this post. It was a good read.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Mon, 13 May 2019 01:50:11 +0000

I’m definitely an introvert and I LOVE solo travel. In fact, I really cringe at the idea of having to travel with others, even loved ones. Like you said, it’s so freeing to be able to do whatever you want on a vacation. I highly recommend it to anyone, introverts and extroverts, but especially to fellow intros because it’s a great way to connect with yourself.

By: guineveruca

guineveruca — Sat, 11 May 2019 04:11:20 +0000

In reply to Kim. Totally agree. Introversion isn't incompatible with social activities, nor is it something awful to overcome.

By: Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis — Mon, 06 May 2019 16:12:44 +0000

In reply to Chloe.

In order:
Mt. Cook, New Zealand
Moab, Utah
New Orleans
Chino Hills, California
Outside of Boise, Idaho

By: Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis — Mon, 06 May 2019 16:10:42 +0000

In reply to Robynd. Was interesting to me to find that out as well!

By: Stuart Fahy

Stuart Fahy — Sun, 05 May 2019 16:24:12 +0000

Interesting article, Matt. I guess I’d be considered an introvert but I’ve travelled to over 30 countries, mostly on my own. I’ve met a lot of people on the way who I might not have met otherwise.

I regularly hear “you’re so brave travelling alone”, but I never think of it like that. It’s just what I do.

I agree what you said about it being easier to meet people while travelling than it might be at home in ‘normal’ life.

By: Chloe

Chloe — Fri, 03 May 2019 20:59:34 +0000

First, I love the post and I totally agree!

Second, please tell me where these pictures are from! I want to go to all of them asap! 🙂

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 03 May 2019 17:23:57 +0000

I’m not entirely convinced you know what an introvert is! It’s not a synonym for shyness or mild agoraphobia, which seem to be among your characteristics. Introverts are not necessarily shy, but they tend to be reserved. They don’t dislike going out, they just prefer their own company a lot of the time. Neither of these inhibit the ability to travel and engage with new people or experiences.

Introversion isn’t a crippling, negative condition. It’s simply how someone is: it is not the opposite of, and is neither worse than nor better than, extroversion.

By: Michela

Michela — Fri, 03 May 2019 13:07:53 +0000

I’m more relaxed and focused when I travel on my onw than with friends. I’m an introvert female traveller over 50, who has been travelling alone for 30 years!