Travel is one of the greatest experiences of your life. If you’re an introvert, it can also be one of the most exhausting. There are all those people. All that noise. Why does everyone have to talk so loud? And so much?
Don’t let that stop you. All it takes to bag that next adventure is the right tools. Try these favorite travel accessories for introverts.
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones
When all the stimulus gets to be too much, having noise-canceling headphones can be a sanity saver. Over-the-ear options are the most common, but you can find earbud styles now, too.
Bose is routinely the top brand for noise-canceling headphones. If you need something that’s easier on your budget, give the Sony CH-720N a look.
2. Pass Through Headphones
The advantage of noise-canceling headphones is also their downfall. You can’t hear anything. So if you’re traveling solo or need to stay more aware of your surroundings, blocking out all sound can be a safety hazard.
As an alternative, try headphones with transparency, pass through, or ambient sound mode.
3. Flare Calmer
These in-ear “devices” aren’t earplugs and they aren’t headphones. Instead of blocking all ambient sound, Calmer is designed to let sound in but take the edge off the most annoying parts of noise.
There are several different models, and different members of the Seven Corners team have tried these out independently. One thing we all agreed on: the minis feel like a better fit, even in adult-sized ears.
4. E-reader
Introverts have the super-reader stereotype for a reason. We tend to love disappearing into books! For longer trips when you don’t want to carry a bunch of novels or if you just love to have options, get an e-reader. Kindles are a solid go-to that have been around forever.
5. Podcast Subscription
Escape and relaxation come in all forms. And you might need something different to listen to depending on your mood. Treat yourself (or your favorite introvert) to a podcast subscription service.
6. Blanket Scarf
Weighted blankets are great for feeling cozy and hugged, but they make for awful travel accessories. Trade it in for a blanket scarf. What you lose in snugness, you gain in portability.
Check out The Travelista Travel Blanket Scarf from Roam Often, a woman-owned business.
7. Eye Mask
Whether you want to actually catch some ZZZs or just make people think you’re sleeping so they leave you alone, a sleep mask is perfect for some me-time on an airplane.
The MZOO Sleep Eye Mask is designed to not put pressure on your eyes, making it more comfortable than typical, flat masks (and lets you blink when you’re faking sleep). As a fun bonus, it comes in multiple colors.
8. Slip-on Shoes
You’re on a cruise ship or an overnight train trip. You need a comfy pair of slip-on shoes to wear as you transition from public space to private cabin.
I’ve been buying Dr. Scholl’s sneakers for years now and love them. They’re easy to get on and off, comfortable even when I’m on my feet all day (although I wouldn’t go hiking or sightseeing in them). They’re also reasonably priced, which is a must for this budget traveler.
9. Travel-Sized Instant Coffee
If you need a few minutes (or hours) before you can face people in the morning, having easy access to coffee in your hotel room is a blessing.
For a hot cupa, try Wildland Coffee, which comes in what looks like tea bags. There's also Explorer Cold Brew, made by an LGBTQ-owned business that also helps fund clean water projects in Africa.
10. Travel Journal
Introverts tend to be exceptionally introspective. We often find it easier to express ourselves in writing. Plus, when you’re traveling solo, a journal is a great strategy for dining alone without feeling awkward.
A travel journal can be as simple as any ol’ small notebook. But if you’re looking for something with a little style, we can’t get over this leather Robrasim journal. The Traveler’s Playbook is another great little journal if you like having prompts to spark some ideas.
11. Portable Art Supplies
You don’t want to be out on the road and think, “This sunset is incredible. I wish I had my paints!” Art supplies also give you a creative task that can ease social pressure or anxiety you might be experiencing on the road.
Depending on your medium of choice, some things to stock your art kit with include:
- Graphite pencils
- Permanent pens
- Kneaded eraser
- Travel palette and paints
- Collapsible cup for rinsing brushes
- Mini scissors
- Glue stick
- Binder or butterfly clips for holding paper down if you’re working outside
- Small sketchpads, watercolor notebooks, or journals
12. Airfly Audio Jack
If the airplane or treadmill at your hotel only has a headphone jack, how do you connect your earbuds? A jack converter like AirFly turns old-school airplane seats into a wireless-friendly multimedia experience.
The AirFly Pro also connects with two sets of headphones, perfect for you and that one other person you like to share space with.
13. Airplane Phone Mount
Put your tray table to use for something other than drinks. With a phone mount for your airplane seatback, it becomes a lot easier to tune out those around you and enjoy the ride.
Perilogics has one that’s very budget friendly. It’s compatible with all the most common phone types. Plus, because it can be turned this way and that, you can even attach it to armrests or your roller bag’s handle when you’re relaxing in the terminal.
14. Portable Charger
Any traveler — introvert, extrovert, or ambivert — can benefit from a good portable charger. Keep everything adventure-ready with something like the UGREEN Nexode Power Bank. It gets high marks for being small, lightweight, and fast. Plus, it has ports to charge two devices at once, which is a bonus for convenience.
15. International Power Adapter
International travelers will need an adaptor so they can plug their devices into sockets safely, even when all those prongs and voltages don’t quite match up.
Look for something like the EPICKA Universal Travel Adaptor. This is my favorite style, where you slide the prongs in and out based on your location. Adapters where you carry different attachments depending on where you travel are a pain. With no extra pieces to keep track of, this 6-in-1 design gets major points for convenience.
16. White Noise Machine
Unfamiliar noises can make it hard to unwind, and if you’re already struggling with travel anxiety or jetlag, it can feel even worse. A white noise machine can make it easier to fall asleep naturally by drowning out traffic noise, hallway chatter, and that sound you can’t even figure out.
YogaSleep’s Rohm Travel Sound Machine is palm-sized for easy packing, weighs less than four ounces, and is USB rechargeable.
17. Headspace Meditation App
Unfamiliar situations can drain an introvert’s energy quickly. If you’re prone to anxiety, navigating the unknown can feel even more overwhelming. Take care of yourself with an app like Headspace.
We’re no replacement for medical professionals, but you can also find tips for maintaining your mental health when you travel on the Seven Corners blog.
18. “Introverted but Willing to Discuss Travelling” T-Shirt
Introverts aren’t antisocial; we’re just more selective about who we give our energy to. Make it clear to others where you stand, but in a fun way, with an “Introverted but ...” shirt that sets boundaries for you.
19. National Park Pass
This one’s for the introvert who likes to get off the beaten path (but stay on the designated trail, please). Connect with nature, free of city crowds, with a national park pass.
There are a few options. An annual pass covers fees for multiple trips to a single park or park group. The America the Beautiful pass, however, covers entrance fees to multiple parks, no matter how often you visit. Senior Passes are also available to introverts (and everyone else) aged 62 and older.
20. Bananagrams
I picked Bananagrams because I like word games, but any travel-sized game will do. There’s nothing better than having a fun way to unwind in your hotel or vacation rental after a few days of peopling and sightseeing.
Introverted and Ready to Travel
With the right tools and a few strategies for managing your energy, travel can be as enjoyable for introverts as it is for anyone else. Get inspired by our travel guide and our list of best destinations for introverts.
