The thought of being “together” around the clock — with friends, family or strangers bound together in a tour group — can be overwhelming 57% of people who lean towards introversion.
Solo travel can suit introverts, who tend to find rejuvenating time spent alone. But even as its popularity grows, most trips are made with other people.
But most awkward moments can be avoided by following some of these ground rules, offered by fellow introverts.
Rule 1: The “golden rule” of group travel
The most popular recommendation by far: Book your own room.
“This allows for calm, regrouping and renewal in the morning and evening break,” said Jenny Olsen, a Los Angeles-based PR consultant who describes herself as a “totally introverted traveler.”
If you have to share a room, he said, try to sleep inside.
In fact, Olsen advises ordering room service once a day, whether it’s “breakfast, dinner or late-night dessert.”
Dori Nix, director of marketing and communications for the Colorado-based tour company Adventures in good companyshe also recommends going it alone, even if it means paying a single supplement.
“Having space to decompress at the end of each day is often the only way I can function in social settings throughout the day,” she said. “It’s a safe place to escape.”
Rule No. 2: Don’t be fooled by people who talk
In Psychology Todayauthor Sophia Dembling warns introverts to do well researching group trips.
“A tour bus full of first-time visitors to Europe can include a lot of loud, friendly people who love to make friends,” he wrote. “And I don’t mean that in a good way.”
Dory Nix said she focuses on nature and culture trips on slow-paced itineraries. “Personal space is very precious to me, and crowded places will drain me much faster on a trip.”
Source: Adventures in Good Company
Headphones are a good way to prevent unwanted conversations, especially on flights, said John Hackston, head of thought leadership at The Myers-Briggs Company.
The Myers-Briggs Type Index assessment is a popular test for determining introversion and extroversion tendencies, terms popularized by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung more than a century ago.
Talking to strangers can be awkward for some introverts, Hackston said. It suggests an exit strategy.
“Be prepared to ‘go to the bathroom’ or ‘leave to make a phone call’ if you need to leave,” she said.
What types of travel should introverts avoid?
- Large travel groups (30+ travelers)
- Full of schedules
- Busy locations and party destinations
- Constant social interaction
- Where two-room is the only option
- Lots of driving time
Source: Kelly Kimple and Dori Nix, Adventures in Good Company
Travel writer Patty Civalleri also said that introverts shouldn’t be passive in these situations. Her advice: Don’t allow yourself to be trapped by an endless talker.
“When you feel the need to get out of a conversation, just look over the shoulder of the person talking and say something like, ‘Wow, look over there.’ It seems interesting. Excuse me while I go check it out,” he wrote via email. CNBC Travel while on a group trip to Mazatlán, Mexico, “OR “I see a great photo, or selfie, opp. I’ll grab her before she gets away.”
Rule #3: Own the need for “alone time”
Talk to your partners before the trip, said Jonathan Feniak, general counsel at law firm LLC Attorney.
“When I was younger, I didn’t realize that I needed some alone time to keep my batteries charged,” she said. “After 7+ days of traveling with people 24/7, it becomes harder to maintain that energy without an hour here or there, so now I tell all companions about these needs in advance.”
That lets people know they’re not “the problem,” he said.
“If they don’t know about your introverted personality until you get to your vacation, they may misinterpret your energy or take it personally,” she said.
Patty Civalleri (middle) advises introverts to keep an open mind in group activities. Of her Dead Sea mineral mud bath, she said, “I really didn’t want to do that, but … it was a super fun experience.”
Source: Patty Civalleri
Although Western societies have long rewarded extroverted “the more the merrier” types, there’s nothing wrong with wanting space from the group, Civalleri said.
“Never be ashamed to ask for time alone. We all need some time from others, from activities and from the world,” he told CNBC Travel. “Time to just relax by the pool with a book can be very therapeutic.”
Hackston of the Myers-Briggs Company said that introverts need to set limits on time off, which may mean doing their own thing at times.
“You don’t have to watch every minute of every activity your team has planned,” he said. “Spending hours in a library or museum can be boring for some, but if that’s your cup of tea, take the time to explore at your own pace.”
Rule 4: Keep groups small, but not too small
Adventures in Good Company CEO Kelly Kimple has one rule: no big tour buses.
“As an introvert, I definitely need small groups,” she said. “I also have to minimize time in vehicles. Long drives in a small space where you can get caught up in hours of conversation can be exhausting for introverts!”
Kimple, a biologist from rural New Hampshire, said she prefers trips with plenty of quiet time. Her company organizes outdoor tours for small groups of women that include activities such as hiking and more sketch in the Rocky Mountains.
“As an introvert, I definitely need small groups. Nothing bigger than about 15 [people]and not big tour buses,” said Kelly Kimple, CEO of Adventures in Good Company.
Source: Adventures in Good Company
Some introverts prefer solo travel, but Brooke Weber, a marketing professional based in Los Angeles, said she advises traveling with a small group.
“To most people it might sound like a nightmare for a true introvert, but for me it made it easier to have some much-needed ‘me time,'” she said. “If you’re traveling in a group of 3+, you don’t leave a companion alone if you want to take a few hours or a day to explore on your own or rest.”
Having the option to disconnect immediately keeps Weber energized, he said, and “less likely to have to take it because I feel like my social time is a choice, not an obligation.”
David Ciccarelli, CEO of vacation rental website Lake, said he also likes to travel with a small group of friends, occasionally choosing to dive to “get back into the fold.”
She advises packing a few items to help clear the world.
“My earplugs and eye mask are a must,” she said. “They help me relax at night and get some privacy on long train rides, flights or an afternoon nap in the hotel room.”
