Bust the Myth - Is Solo Travel Only for Extroverts?

Solo travelling gives one the knowledge to understand their fear and insecurities and the courage to deal with them constructively. Travelling alone also brings about personality changes; it makes the traveller more trusting, helpful, independent and humble and gives them an unparalleled exposure to the world.

Frequent Public Rants and Myths
Many eyebrows are raised when they hear about someone travelling solo. Many questions and assumptions are made. Why travel alone? What's the fun in it? How boring would it get? He should be suffering from some stress or heartbreak, or something is definitely wrong with her! Well, not many have gathered the concept of solo travelling, and it is more than just pushing one’s comfort boundaries. There are many myths about solo travel, like the one travelling alone do not interact with others, single travellers are either daredevils or adventure freaks, it is only for the super-rich, it's not safe to travel alone, or solo travelling is not for all gender and types of people.

Biggest Barrier
Along with all these, the most common and biggest misconception about travelling alone is that it is easier for extroverts and only outgoing individuals enjoy the most. It's not for the shy or introverts. Solo travelling does come with its set of challenges that even extroverts deal with too. Some are easier, and some can get challenging. 

At the End of the Day, its the Best Experience
However, it is not as daunting or complicated as it is made out to be. Regardless of being an extrovert or introvert, travelling alone is liberating, fun and life-changing for all. Introverts have their own way of travelling solo. Let’s burst this long-held myth about solo travel being only for extroverts by keeping these pieces of evidence in mind.

1. Outgoing than Usual

Introverts are not shy; they just need their space. They have enough self-confidence to take a stroll in a new city alone. They don't like fuelling energy into small talk. Solo travel allows them to be more outgoing and have long, in-depth conversations with the people they find interesting instead of going on about the weather and paltry tricks. Introverts are motivated towards meaningful connections, and there’s no better place to start than a clean, fresh slate in an altogether different locale!

2. They Know How to Enjoy their Solitude

Solo Travel is perfect for Introverts! If anyone who knows how to enjoy solitude utterly, it is the introvert you boxed in the corner. They understand the difference between being alone and being lonely. While travelling solo, they come to enjoy both sides of it - the solitary walks across the alleys and the secluded sojourns to the bar! They love their own company and don't find it uncomfortable to relax by themselves in a new yet crowded place.

3. Love Slow Travel

Solo travel gives you freedom over the itinerary. It allows you to set the pace of your journey. It doesn't matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert, spending an extra day to know more about human culture, food or to soak in nature makes your trip more exciting and memorable. Introverts love relaxed travelling and doing things in their own way, which makes them equally fond of slow travel when they are all by themselves!

4. Prefer Meeting New People While Travelling

Even if sometimes introverts choose to avoid social gatherings, family functions or chatting with their neighbours, the growing myth that they dislike talking is the most ridiculous of all! Introverts look forward to meeting new people while travelling - there’s ample proof on the internet for it. They welcome unique and meaningful conversations and love knowing more about someone they meet at a hostel or on a long train journey. It gives them a chance to open up and share their stories amongst open-minded and kindred spirits. 

5. Crave Exploration 

It is said that introverts naturally crave exploration. They are always curious to learn something new or try out some activities that they haven’t got their hands on yet. As introverts are naturally good listeners, they have outstanding people skills which often gets ignored or overlooked. Introverts observe and know more about people, making them feel more considerate about their needs or feelings. This helps them to make good and lasting friendships. When travelling to an unknown country, this craving for exploration drives them to venture to unexplored, off-beat locations too. 

6. Push Their Boundaries

Solo travel is known for encouraging travellers to step out of their comfort zone and do things they would never have done otherwise. Like everyone else, introverts also experience the same push and unsurprisingly; they welcome it. If the situation needs them to go up to a stranger and ask for help or they have to travel in a truck full of locals, they'll do it. Back at home when they could easily avoid doing certain things, travelling alone makes them push their boundaries and get brand new experiences. 

7. Meeting Like-minded Travellers Cheer Them Up

When introverts meet someone they can quickly click with - they tend to be more open and authentic. Introverts are happier when they meet like-minded people as they get to talk about the things they love. Not only this, they are equally invested in enjoying all activities and are in a relatively chirpier mood. They genuinely end up sharing good vibes with fellow travellers and end up making long-life memories while sharing stories about life and travels.

8. Recharge Themselves at Regular Intervals

Travelling, solo or not, sometimes turns out to be tiring, not only physically but also mentally. Introverts always need some time to themselves that allows them to relax and recharge them to continue the journey ahead. Especially when travelling solo, travellers hardly have to run their itineraries by someone else and can tweak and cancel according to their own whims. This welcomed autonomy of their time gives introverts ample timeout to recharge and relax. 

We hope this will help everyone to realise that solo travelling is not limited to the rich, daredevils or extroverts. Anyone can solo travel provided with proper planning, research and a little bit of courage. Let us know what were your experiences while travelling solo in the comments. If you are an introvert and faced troubles or had rich experiences because of such myths, we are waiting to hear from you!