“You should talk more.”
“You should smile more.”
“You should put yourself out there more.”
Few phrases make my introvert skin crawl more than these. All too often, being an extrovert is praised, while being introverted is perceived as standoffish or somehow lacking.
In her book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain points out that whether we consciously realize it or not, the people we most often see as “ideal” are extroverts — the outgoing CEO, the quarterback at the center of a huddle, or (and this is my more modern example) the influencer exclaiming with exaggerated gestures why I absolutely must buy her favorite new thingamajig.
The dark side of this mentality is that that can lead us to shortchanging people who are inspiring leaders, innovative thinkers, and brilliantly kind souls merely because they don’t talk, smile, or put themselves out there more.
If you’re the introvert, that can also mean that you shortchange yourself. When we’re barraged with the message that introversion is something to overcome, it can feel like a constant battle to do better at the expense of our mental health and staying authentic to ourselves.
But here’s the truth. Being an extrovert isn’t a personality flaw. It’s a personality trait. It’s a set of qualities that makes us uniquely qualified to succeed in certain situations. It gives us better insight into certain circumstances that many extroverts will never have a glimpse at.
The qualities below can be ideal for travel. So if you’re someone who’s ever wondered, "Is traveling good for introverts?” then there’s a really exciting answer.
Yes, you should travel as an introvert. And yes, you can travel solo as an introvert.
Here’s how your being an introvert makes you better equipped than anyone else for these adventurous experiences.
How Being an Introvert Makes You a Great Traveler
Research is finally showing how the qualities common in introverts can be beneficial to businesses. Quiet leadership, while still frequently overlooked, is getting some attention at long last.
What’s really cool is that the qualities that can make introverts so successful professionally when given the chance also make us successful travelers.
Thoughtful
Introverts aren’t known for having knee-jerk reactions. Instead, we’re more thoughtful and calculated in our actions. Personally, that means lots of pro/con lists, playing out possible scenarios in my head so I’m prepared for whatever might happen.
Some might call this overthinking, but at its core, it’s about being thoughtful and deliberate.
When it comes to travel, this means introverts are aware of their situation and can analyze a good next move. They consider the possible outcomes of taking this path or that one. This can help them avoid unnecessary risk as well as recognize how their interactions impact their hosts.
Reflective
Stephen Hawking is credited with saying, “Quiet people have the loudest minds.”
Introverts tend to always be thinking (a blessing and a curse sometimes). When it comes to travel, that means we’re reflecting on our new experiences. We’re analyzing the place we’re exploring and the people in it. How are we different? How are we the same?
You don't have to look hard to find a coffee mug that will tell you about the value of travel. How it broadens our horizons and offers us new perspectives on the world around us.
But that’s only true if you keep an open mind and think deeply. Introverts are uniquely equipped to do this well and, therefore, have life-changing experiences through travel.
Observant
When you’re sitting at a table off to the side, watching the action, some people see you as shy and reluctant to be part of the group.
Fellow introverts know what’s really happening, though. You’re observing. You’re taking in details. Who’s in the room? What does the room look like? What kind of music is playing? What’s the vibe in the room? How are people reacting to the food? Are the hosts still plying everyone with snacks to keep the party going, or have they stopped refilling the cooler in a subtle hint to people that it’s time to go home?
Being observant is a huge part of squeezing every bit of sweetness out of a travel experience. It isn’t just about bagging as many sites as you can. As an introvert, you’re watching intently and really soaking up the environment. You catch meaning in the culture and people around you more readily than others.
Immersion isn’t just about throwing yourself into the middle of the fray. Immersion can also be a quiet practice, delving deep into your surroundings at your own pace.
Active listeners
Because introverts are observant, they also tend to be good at active listening. Don’t be surprised if an introvert not only listens to what you say but also hears what you don’t.
If you’re lucky enough to travel with an introvert, they’re going to pay attention to your needs, what you want to do, where you want to eat, and whether or not you’re enjoying yourself. (Note: This doesn’t mean they’re pushovers and will cater to your every whim.)
Introverts may also notice social and nonverbal cues that some extroverts miss, something that can be hugely important when exploring a new culture. Between their powers of observation and their listening skills, introverts will pick up on what their hosts are telling them, even when it’s subtle.
Empathetic
As effective listeners and people who thrive on deep, meaningful relationships, introverts tend to be quite empathetic. We develop emotional connections with others. Rather than imagining what others feel, we feel it for ourselves.
This means that introverts often gain a deep understanding of what it would be like to be a member of the community they’re visiting. Each destination is more than a checkbox on their bucket list. It’s filled with real people and real stories, and they’re going to soak everything up.
Independent
Extroverts draw energy from their time with other people. That’s not the case with introverts. We’re energized by time alone, in one-on-one interactions, or in a small group, which can make us more independent.
We don’t require other people to motivate us 24/7. Support and encouraging words from someone we trust are always appreciated, but we’re used to flying solo in everyday life. Why wouldn’t we be just as capable on a trip?
This is one reason why solo travel can be so rewarding for introverts. It’s a chance to really spread our wings and show others and ourselves what we’re capable of.
Focused under pressure
Introverts tend to be really good at concentrating, even (and maybe especially) in the midst of a challenge. We all know that travel doesn’t always go as planned, so when things go awry, having an introvert’s ability to stay focused under pressure is a good skill to have.
A cancelled flight, lost luggage, getting un-lost while sightseeing are all problems to solve. The focus and attention to detail that come naturally to so many introverts are exactly what you need to overcome travel obstacles.
Protect Your Adventure and Your Peace
“Adventure with a slice of solitude” is how Michaela Chung, author of The Irresistible Introvert and writer for IntrovertSpring, described the perfect vacation for an introvert. We think it’s high time to plan that adventure and take your dream trip on your own terms.
Learn how you can protect your next adventure at SevenCorners.com.
