The idea of a full-time “reunion” with friends, family or strangers in a tour group can be overwhelming 57% of people tend to be introverts.
Traveling alone is great for introverts, who tend to be rejuvenated by spending time alone. But even as it grows in popularity, most trips are taken with other people.
But the most uncomfortable moments can be avoided by following some basic rules offered by fellow introverts.
Rule 1: The “golden rule” of group travel
The most popular tip so far: book your own room.
“This allows for downtime in the morning and evening to de-stress, regroup and refresh,” says Jenny Olsen, a Los Angeles public relations consultant who describes herself as a “complete introverted traveler.”
If you have to share a room, try sleeping in, she said.
In fact, Olson recommends ordering room service once a day, whether it’s “breakfast, dinner, or late-night dessert.”
Dori Nix, director of marketing and communications for a female-led travel company in Colorado The adventure of good friendsit is also recommended to stay alone, even if it means paying a single room surcharge.
“Having a decompressing space at the end of each day is often the only way I can function in a social environment throughout the day,” she says. “It’s a safe place to escape.”
Rule 2: Don’t get trapped by talkers
exist psychology todayauthor Sophia Dembling warns introverts to research group travel.
“A tour bus full of first-time visitors to Europe is probably filled with friendly people who like to make friends,” she wrote. “I don’t mean that in a nice way.”
Dori Nix says she specializes in slow-paced nature and cultural tours. “Personal space is at a premium to me, and crowded places can drain my energy faster while traveling.”
Source: Adventures in Good Company
John Hackston, the company’s head of thought leadership, said headphones are a great way to avoid unnecessary conversations, especially on airplanes. Myers-Briggs Company.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Evaluate is a popular test used to determine introverted and extroverted tendencies, a term popularized by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung more than a century ago.
Haxton says that for some introverts, talking to strangers can be uncomfortable. He recommends developing an exit strategy.
“If you need to leave, be prepared to ‘go to the bathroom’ or ‘go out and make a phone call,'” he said.
What types of travel should introverts avoid?
- Large tour group (30+ passengers)
- tight schedule
- Crowded locations and party destinations
- ongoing social interaction
- Double occupancy is the only option
- lots of driving time
Source: Kelly Kimple and Dori Nix, “Buddy Adventures”
Travel writer Patti Civaleri also says introverts shouldn’t act passively in these situations. Her advice: Don’t let yourself get bogged down in endless conversations.
“When you feel you need to end a conversation, just look over the person’s shoulder and say, ‘Wow, look over there. That looks interesting. Sorry, I’ll check it out,'” she wrote in an email. CNBC Travel on a group trip to Mazatlan, Mexico, “Or ‘I saw a great photo or selfie, opp. I’m going to grab it before it’s gone.'”
Rule 3: Acknowledge the need for “alone time”
Talk to your traveling companions before traveling, says Jonathan Feniak, general counsel at LLC Attorney.
“When I was younger, I didn’t realize that I needed a little alone time to recharge my social battery,” he said. “After traveling with people 24/7 for more than seven days, it’s hard to maintain energy without an hour here or there, so I now tell any companions of these needs in advance.”
He said it lets people know they are not “the problem.”
“If they don’t learn about your introverted nature until you’re in the middle of vacation, they may misinterpret your energy or take it personally,” he says.
Patty Civalleri (center) advises introverts to be open to group activities. Of her mineral mud bath in the Dead Sea, she said: “I really didn’t want to do it, but… it was a super fun experience.”
Source: Patti Civaleri
While Western society has long rewarded extroverted “more is better” types, there’s nothing wrong with wanting space from a group, Civaleri said.
“Never be shy about asking for alone time. We all need some time away from other people, activities and the world,” she told CNBC Travel. “Relaxing alone by the pool with a book is very therapeutic.”
Myers-Briggs’ Haxton says introverts should set boundaries when on vacation, which might mean doing their own thing sometimes.
“You don’t have to participate in every minute of every activity the team plans,” he said. “For some people, spending hours in a library or museum can be boring, but if that’s your thing, take the time to explore it at your own pace.”
Rule 4: Keep the group size, 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 need to minimize the time I spend in the car. Driving for long periods of time in a small space with hours of conversations can be exhausting for an introvert!”
Gimple, a field biologist from rural New Hampshire, said she prefers trips with plenty of quiet time.Her company organizes outdoor trips for small groups of women, including activities such as hiking and even excursions Sketching in the Rockies.
“As an introvert, I absolutely need small groups. No more than 15 people and no big tour buses,” said Kelly Kimple, CEO of Adventures in Good Company.
Source: Adventures in Good Company
Some introverts prefer to travel alone, but Los Angeles-based marketing professional Brooke Webber says she recommends traveling with a small group.
“For a true introvert, more people may sound like a nightmare, but for me, it makes it easier to have the necessary ‘me time,'” she says. “If you are traveling with a group of more than 3 people, you will not leave your companions alone if you want to spend a few hours or a day exploring or resting alone.”
She said having the option to leave right away keeps Weber’s energy fresh and “is less likely to be necessary because I feel like my social time is a choice, not an obligation.”
David Ciccarelli, CEO of vacation rental site Lake, said he also enjoys traveling with a small group of friends, occasionally choosing to go out and “come back again.”
He recommends packing a few items to help isolate yourself from the outside world.
“My earplugs and eye mask are essential,” he said. “They help me wind down in the evening and gain some privacy on long train journeys, flights or napping in hotel rooms.”
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