As an introvert, group travel may not seem like the best strategy for you. But, hear me out, as a fellow introvert, this is my favorite way to travel.
The three reasons I keep booking group trips: 1) it is a great way to visit destinations you may not feel comfortable traveling to on your own; 2) group travels take care of all the logistics and planning; 3) making new friends is easier because you already have something in common – the trip itself.
Here are some tips for traveling in a group as an introvert. These are all things I do when I book one of my adventures with National Geographic.
Travel out early.
Whether it is a few days or just one, I encourage you to arrive at your destination early and spend some time alone. This will allow you to decompress from your travel to the destination and will enable you to recharge before the tour officially starts. Also, this is an excellent opportunity to acclimate to your environment, whether that be your accommodations or the new time zone.
Book the single room.
Are you heading on a group trip? Pay for the single supplement to have your own room. This tip may end up costing you more overall for your trip, but I promise that it will be worth it. Not only does it provide you the space to bounce back for another day, but it also alleviates the challenges associated with sharing a room with a stranger you have just met.
Make the most of long journeys.
On your group trip, you’ll likely be moving from place to place very regularly. So, use your time on buses or trains for some alone time. This time can include music, watching a movie, reading a book, meditating (the Calm app is my favorite!), or just be alone with your thoughts.
Communicate with your tour members.
You may be feeling out of your comfort zone and nervous on your first day, but so is most everyone else! Humble honesty is one of the best ways to relate to others. If you feel comfortable doing it, communicate that you might need your own time once in a while.
Take any opportunity you can to be alone.
When looking at trip itineraries, try to find a tour that builds in “free time” and/or seems to move at a slower pace. Introverts know the importance of taking time away from people to recharge. By booking a trip that has this built-in will make it easier for you to slip away and do some things on your own.
You might also like: The Introvert’s Guide to Solo Travel
