It’s true: Introverts recharge with alone time, but that doesn’t mean we solely—or even primarily—want to travel solo. Many of us prefer the company of a travel buddy or two on a trip.
But constant togetherness can deplete our energy levels, leaving us feeling drained—or worse, not up for the day’s plans. So, when traveling with others, it’s important to strike the right balance between social and solo time in order to have the energy for all the items on your carefully crafted itinerary.
Here are five tips that can help:
1. Be intentional about who you travel with
As an introvert, you know the situations that most commonly drain your energy. And while you can’t necessarily control who’s invited on a group trip, you can probably choose who you spend the most time with—e.g., who you share a room with, sit next to on your flights, and so on.
If you’re planning a trip with just one other person, you’re going to have a lot of one-on-one time. Whether you’ve known your travel companion for a few months or your entire life, your introversion will inevitably kick in—meaning you’re bound to need some down time at some point. Being intentional about who you spend your time with can help protect your energy over the course of the trip.
Related reading: Intentional Travel: Benefits and Tips for Planning a More Mindful Trip
2. Pack solo activity essentials
Knowing that you’re going to need some downtime on a trip, bring the essentials that will help you feel rejuvenated—whether that’s a book or headphones for the plane, workout gear so you can head to the gym or out for a run at your destination, or something else.
Adding these items to your packing list can help you feel prepared—and serve as a reminder—to carve out a little solo time when you’re on the go.
3. Plan group activities that help you feel energized
Your turn to pick an activity for you and your travel buddy? Planning the itinerary for the group? You want to be mindful of everyone’s preferences (walking tours or museums? morning yoga or brunch—or both?), but be sure to weave in some activities that suit you as an introvert, too.
For example, you might find planning a group workout class gives you the energy you need to tune into yourself while spending time with others. Likewise, a group jaunt to a museum or a bike tour through the city could be the antidote to feeling a little talked out—but still wanting to be part of the fun.
Suggesting activities that everyone will enjoy—but will also give you an introvert break (more on what this is, below)—can help you feel fulfilled and engaged with the group.
Tip: Coordinate plans with your travel buddies in TripIt. You can easily share your travel plans with the group so everyone knows what’s next on the itinerary. Learn how >
4. Take introvert breaks
This has been the key to every successful group trip I’ve taken: taking an introvert break. That means taking some time for yourself to recharge—alone and away from your travel buddy or group.
This can look like: taking a morning walk to get coffee on your own; going for a run/to the gym solo; taking a nap (this is a vacation after all); or, if you need an extended break, planning a solo adventure for part of the day, and meeting up with the others later when you’re feeling re-energized.
5. Communicate
When it comes to planning and taking a group trip—whether you’re an introvert or not—communication is key. Let your travel companions know you’re likely to need a break from time to time, and that you’ll be back to your social self after you recharge with some alone time.
I find that the more you communicate about being an introvert—and what your needs are, especially when you travel with others—the more people understand that your need for alone time is about you, not them.
Talking about needing a break also creates a safe space for fellow introverts to advocate for their own needs—something they may not have previously felt empowered to do.
