Travel as Therapy: Introvert-Friendly Destinations

People rarely talk about travel as something introverts are interested in. We are so used to viewing adventures as exclusively meant for outgoing individuals, that we have forgotten that everyone needs a break. If that break involves seeing a place you have never seen before, it can be joyful and fulfilling. In fact, introverts can benefit even more from travel because they need time to get away from the frantic tempo of the 21st century, disconnect from the world, and reconnect with themselves. However, not every destination is as introvert-friendly as you may expect. Here are some of the best spots to recharge your batteries.

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Few places in the world boast such amazing natural beauty as Kaikoura, and yet remain mostly hidden from the public’s eye. Despite its stunning appearance, this seaside heaven is secluded and provides you with maximum privacy. However, don’t even think for a second that this area is boring. Besides visiting the picturesque towns nearby, you can go kayaking, whale watching, or simply take long walks along the coast. Although it is not as popular as some of the favorite hotspots in New Zealand, there are plenty of accommodation options, which range from private villas to hotels.

Kaikoura, New Zealand: https://unsplash.com/photos/-JXrMLIg91g

Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a famous green destination, because it accounts for almost 6% of the world’s biodiversity despite being a very small country in terms of surface. The entire country makes for a beautiful destination to visit, but if you are an introvert, you will probably enjoy Papagayo Peninsula the most. This true tropical paradise allows you to charge up your energy by soaking up the sun on breathtaking beaches and enjoying various activities such as kayaking or snorkeling.

Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pablo_marx/9247191875/

Sydney, Australia

There is no need to escape the city life if you are an introvert. You just need to find a proper way to explore that city and enjoy its charms without it being disturbing for you. At the first glance, it may not seem so, but Sydney is one of the most introvert-friendly cities out there. However, if you avoid staying in the middle of the CBD and choose a boutique Chippendale hotel in Sydney, the city can come off as less crazy and more peaceful. The same goes for the city’s hotspots like Bondi Beach. Replace it with some more secluded options such as Milk Beach.

Bondi, Sydney, Australia: https://unsplash.com/photos/74kFyNvJl1k

Barcelona, Spain

Another fantastic city on this list, Barcelona has a lot to offer to introverts who love to explore cities and who have a passion for history, art, and architecture. Since it is a city packed with culturally-interesting sites, such as the Sagrada Familia cathedral, Park Guell, Picasso Museum, etc., Barcelona can be experienced by a single curious traveler who dares to take a peek behind each door and spend hours enjoying all the marvels of this extraordinary destination.

Barcelona, Spain: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-w7wDtNWmo

Wind River, Wyoming

The Indian reservation, Wind River in Wyoming is located in the central-western part of the state of Wyoming. While many people come to this area to visit the Yellowstone, only a few of them decide to go beyond that and visit one of the most scenic places in the U.S. As an introvert, it is in your nature to not allow the popularity of someplace seduce you over the quality of another. A visit to Wind River has many benefits to your physical and mental health. You will be able to breathe in clean air and be active by walking down forest trails. Besides the jaw-dropping nature and the historical feel, the best thing about this reservation is the possibility to set up your tent and spend the evenings stargazing.

Wind River, Wyoming: https://pixabay.com/en/waterfall-water-fall-wyoming-2511461/

Lake Bled, Slovenia

As one of the less popular European tourist destinations, the entire Slovenia, ranging from its lovely capital Ljubljana to alluring coastal towns like Piran and Koper, is the ideal destination for introvert travelers. Still, if we would have to choose the most magical Slovenian retreat, we would definitely go with Lake Bled, that is Bled Town, located in the foothills of the Julian Alps. The lake boasts an unrealistically beautiful appearance, with a small island in the lake center, and a castle on the hill on the lakeside.

Bled, Slovenia: https://unsplash.com/photos/XGDBdSQ70O0

Life can be hard on introverts, especially in this day and age, when we are overwhelmed with technology and the constant insisting to be “social”. If you feel like you need to get away from all this for a couple of days, consider one of these astonishing destinations.

 Main image credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/oCdVtGFeDC0