5 Introvert Travel Tips for Minimizing Overwhelm, Over-stimulation, & Anxiety
This post: My best introvert travel tips for making traveling as an introvert enjoyable instead of stressful and exhausting (especially if you have kids).
When our oldest daughter got stationed in Hawaii and our second daughter asked to travel to NYC for her senior trip, I knew I’d better get my traveling pants on.
Not that I mind! I LOVE traveling.
But like most things, there are some unique angles I have as an INTJ female (aka, highly introverted woman).
How to minimize overwhelm, over-stimulation, and anxiety are a few of the things that come to mind when I think about travel tips for introverts.
If you’re a fellow introvert, I know there’s no need to explain.
Here are 5 tips for making introvert travel enjoyable:
Introvert Travel Tip 1: Travel in off-seasons
This isn’t always possible with work and school schedules, but it’s more possible if you work from home and/or homeschool.
My friend, who is a pilot’s wife, recommends October, the week between Christmas and New Year, and January as ideal travel times.
Tip 2: Avoid high-tourist attractions
I confess: there are some famous destinations I have no desire to see simply because of the throngs of people. Hawaii was on that list for me for years!
Like I said, our oldest daughter is stationed in Hawaii, so I’ve visited the islands several times. (Check out my top non-touristy places to see in Oahu.)
As an introvert, I have a bit of a super power when it comes to avoiding high-tourist areas… even in high tourist areas.
Introvert Travel Tip 3: Stay in a VRBO
This tip has saved both my husband (who is also an introvert) and me so much money and sanity over the years! A huge perk is that our kids absolutely love staying in a house vs. a hotel, and it’s simply more relaxing for a family trip or vacation.
We like this option as opposed to: staying in a busy hotel or resort, or even staying with family members. Which leads me to the next tip…
Tip 4: Say “no” if you need to
Jeremy and I have learned to politely decline some things when it comes to traveling. As introverts, we don’t love piling up in cramped spaces with family. (We love you, Mom and Dad, but sorry.) And invitations to take road trips with extended family or even close friends will typically get a “no” from us, too. It’s just feels extra exhausting.
P.S. Check out my TSA-friendly travel makeup…
Tip 5: Think local
The idea of “staycations” sort of made a comeback since the Pandemic, but we’ve liked the idea for about two decades. One of our first summers as newly weds found Jeremy and I broke, but wanting to do something fun. Instead of traveling, we decided to explore the little town we had recently moved to. That summer, we discovered interesting museums, parks and lakes, quaint shops, and had the best time–without spending more than a few dollars!
The next time you feel a bit of wander lust but don’t have money to travel, ask yourself what hidden gems you might be overlooking in your own town, county, or state.
Bonus Tip: Support Your Nervous System
I never travel without carrying at least a few homeopathic remedies with me. My favorite remedy for supporting my nervous system during busy times (including hectic travel) is Nux Vomica.
Read “The 6 Must-Have Homeopathic Remedies for Travel,” by Dr. Natalie Ham, to learn more.
Also read..
If you loved this read, check out my other travel posts!
- 7 Mostly Free and Non-Touristy Places to See in Oahu
- Here’s the BEST Way to Travel for Cheap
- Check Out My TSA-Friendly Travel Makeup
Your turn.
Do any of these introvert travel trips ring true for you? What would you add to my list? Drop a comment below and let me know.
