Preparing for a Solo Trip? Here are the Best Places for Introverts to Relax

Traveling independently has become a sought-after form of adventuring. You’re allowed to be yourself, build your own routine, and take time to recharge based solely on your needs.

According to The New York Times, “Solo travelers are joining guided tours at unprecedented rates, with some companies reporting single bookings up 300% over those from couples, families, or clusters of friends.”

This trend doesn’t just apply to guided tours, as more people opt for a self-reliant approach since the COVID pandemic.

For introverts, packed tourist destinations, crowded markets, and bumping nightclubs are likely not up your alley. And that’s okay!

You can still enjoy traveling without your energy being sapped. Keeping your personality type in mind only will make your next trip more enjoyable.

In choosing your next adventure, consider what recharging and relaxing look like for you. Do you want to spend time away from the hubbub of the big city? Or maybe you prefer a locale that’s truly secluded, offering full-time privacy and limited social interaction?

Traveling to tranquil locations to rejuvenate may be just what the doctor ordered, especially after spending a year and some change in isolation. It can be stressful enough to put in the research to find the relaxing destination of your dreams.

From peaceful getaways in the U.S. and abroad to quiet cruises and yoga retreats, this list offers quality options for independent travelers seeking time alone and space to feel refreshed.

Quiet Destinations in the US

From east to west, the U.S. has a plethora of hidden vacation spots, perfect for solitude and relaxation. Tranquil beaches, yoga and meditation destinations, chilled-out locales, and cultural getaways can all be enjoyed from coast to coast.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

When you think of beach getaways in the U.S., California, Florida, and Hawaii surely come to mind. While introverts typically prefer heading to the mountains, that doesn’t mean you can’t find tranquility on the coastline. Jekyll Island is one of the most unique and serene coastal destinations you’ll find.

The island offers 10 miles of white sand beaches, most of which are undeveloped, offering a more isolated and calm experience. Take strolls down the long stretch of coast, hunt for beautiful seashells, and — if you’re a lover of turtles —visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

Jekyll Island also offers fabulous dining options, including The Wharf, Zachry’s Riverhouse, and the Jekyll Market, if you want to indulge in some gourmet groceries.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of beach time, take a drive 1.5 hours to Savannah. There you can get your fill of art, architecture, shopping, and ghost stories — all in a charming setting.

While there are no restrictions to travel to and from Georgia, the state still highly recommends you follow their public health safety measures.

Sedona, Arizona

There’s nothing quite like the red rock landscapes, canyons, and scenic vistas that Sedona has to offer. This alone is a reason to visit this sleepy desert escape.

Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and jeep touring. There are 400 miles of weaving trails to explore! There are some areas that tend to get overcrowded, but Schuerman Mountain Trail, Roundabout Trail, and Stirrup Saddle-Up Loop offer beautiful views, unique wildlife, and, of course, the path less traveled.

Outside of its breathtaking surroundings, Sedona is the perfect destination for introverts seeking relaxation, mediation, and healing. Yoga retreats are abundant here, ranging from luxurious to more off-the-grid. Each retreat will leave you feeling completely recharged and fulfilled in your well-being journey.

If you’re looking for something a bit unexpected in Sedona, check out one of their many wineries. This has quickly become a favorite destination for vino lovers, and each winery offers something unique. Vino Zona is just the place for relaxation, taking in the views, and enjoying a taste of Arizona in your glass.

There are plenty of places to stay in Sedona, and you’ll find plenty of quiet lodging. Among them, Casa Sedona Inn is a wonderful and quaint place to stay, offering secluded rooms, manicured gardens, and individualized dining experiences.

Arizona does not have any COVID vaccination or testing requirements for travelers, but the state does suggest that you’re prepared to wear a mask, as businesses will have their own rules.

Solvang, California

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, Solvang is a hidden gem. This historic Danish village boasts over 120 wineries and vineyards, as well as delicious Danish bakeries, dining options, and shopping — all settled in a mellow and peaceful setting.

One of the best things to do when traveling alone is to wander around. Downtown Solvang is brimming with unique architecture, including giant wooden windmills, all with a European ambiance. Don’t miss the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, which really captures the spirit of Denmark, without having to leave the country!

While in Solvang, you can’t pass on the chocolates, pastries, and other Danish goods the town has to offer. Head to Copenhagen Sausage Garden for their family-made sausages and salami (vegetarian options, too!) for lunch or dinner. Then, satisfy your sweet tooth with a Danish waffle or butter cookies from Mortenson’s Danish Bakery.

Among Solvang’s quaint architecture are a handful of historic and elegant places to stay. The Landsby, a modern and stylish Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel, is just the place for relaxation, eating well, and getting away from it all.

As far as traveling to and from California is concerned, COVID restrictions are not in place for travelers. They do recommend visitors be wearing their masks, getting vaccinated, and getting tested.

Relaxing International Havens

You can travel the world a dozen times over and still never see its most unique, hidden destinations.

No matter the climate you’re after or the cultural experience you seek, traveling internationally is one of the best ways to find a secret getaway on your own.

Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

Just east of Stockholm, the Stockholm Archipelago is a rather discreet location, where only locals flock for the summer. Nearly untouched by tourists, this cluster of 30,000 islands, skerries, and rocks is perfect for introverted personalities. These islands provide breathtaking views and access to Sweden’s peaceful beaches, lush forests, historic castles, and beautiful coastlines.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you have a lot of activities to choose from. Which islands you visit will also depend on the experience you’re seeking, or the treasures you’re hoping to find.

Grinda is perfect for a summer trip. Because it’s part of a nature reserve, its beaches are nearly untouched, making it just right for a day of sunbathing or swimming in its crystal-clear waters.

The island also offers walking trails through its forest, horses for a peaceful ride along the coastline, and kayaking for those feeling especially adventurous. Spend your time winding back down with a coffee and Grinda bread at one of the small cafes or farm shops.

Vaxholm spans across several islands of the archipelago, where life truly moves at a slower pace. Take a casual stroll through its narrow streets, filled with brightly colored homes, blooming flowers, and an overall charming, calm vibe. Treat yourself to all-natural, delectable foods and a cozy atmosphere at Husmor Lisa, all overlooking the Baltic Sea.

For the introverted traveler, the Stockholm Archipelago offers endless opportunities for relaxation, recharging, and discovering the unknown. Ahead of your adventure, be sure to take into account that all non-essential travel from countries outside the EU is banned until January 2022.

Madagascar

If you’re seeking an escape that’s off the radar, Madagascar is your next stop. If you’re someone who prefers animals to humans, you’ll love meeting all of the endemic wildlife on the island, 80% of which can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.

With its incredibly diverse landscape, find yourself overlooking canyons and gorges, traversing through lush forests, cooling off by a waterfall, or sunbathing on some of the finest beaches found near the Indian Ocean.

For a one-of-a-kind experience, head to Nosy Be, one of the most scenic spots in Madagascar. Here, you can see humpback whales leaping in the water and lemurs running along the coastline.

Nosy Be is one of the more popular spots in Madagascar but still offers privacy and relaxation to its visitors. For a feeling of seclusion and tranquility, check into the Chanty Beach Lodge. 2 Creole-style homes, a mansion, and neighboring bungalows are all that make up this charming beachfront getaway. This is truly a tropical home away from home.

While flights to Madagascar are permitted, it’s important to note that there are mask and distancing mandates on the island. If you’re flying back to the United States, you’ll need to prove you’ve been fully vaccinated.

Ladakh

The Himalayan Kingdom of Ladakh is quite possibly one of the ultimate introverted escapist’s dream destinations. Located at over 11,000 feet, Ladakh is at a crossing point of 4 mountain ranges — The Great Himalaya, The Ladakh, The Zanskar, and The Karakoram. Considered the high desert, Ladakh provides a cooler climate and clean, crisp air.

One of India’s best-kept secrets, you can take in the tranquil mountain views, stunning monasteries, and inspiring Buddhist culture. To add to the serene surroundings, take part in a meditation retreat, which is sure to benefit you beyond your stay in Ladakh.

For a more secluded stay, check out one of the homestays that can be found in town. The Shakti Village Houses, made from sunbaked mud bricks, offer privacy amid beautiful surroundings. Each room is uniquely decorated and includes a sun terrace, where you can have your morning coffee, enjoy the views, meditate, or unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Travelers to Ladakh must have a negative COVID test no more than 96 hours prior to arriving. It’s still advised to be vaccinated and wear masks while traveling.

Find Tranquility on a Cruise

If you’re after a solo travel experience, cruises may not be the first option to come to your mind. You may be envisioning lots of extroverts all in one place, but cruises nowadays are much more diverse than that!

While there can be a lot of people on board with you, there’s still plenty of downtime for relaxing, reading, meditating, exercising, or finding peace.

Since each cruise line will service different areas of the world, it’s important you pay attention to any possible COVID restrictions or mandates.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises are designed for relaxation. With ample lounging space, roomy cabins, spa services, and onboard Tai Chi and Yoga classes, your time on the ship will start and end in serenity.

The cruise line also has added to their cabins a line of luxury beds, which they’ve found can help improve sleep while you’re on board. Now that’s taking relaxation seriously!

One of the special retreats Princess Cruises offers is called The Sanctuary. Only offered to adults, you’re guaranteed a quiet, calm environment. Complete with spa, massages, and waiter service, you really can’t ask for a better way to unwind and mellow out.

Royal Caribbean

Each specialized vessel that comprises Royal Caribbean’s fleet of cruise ships offers dedicated “studio” cabins, designed perfectly for solo travelers. It’s the perfect spot to retreat back to when you’re ready to chill out.

If you’re in search of the finer things in life, Royal’s Vision Class ships are the way to go. Their popular Vitality Spa is a must-do. The adults-only Solarium guarantees a peaceful environment, and you can play a round of blackjack at their Casino Royale.

Royal also offers a variety of singles-friendly activities onboard their ships. This gives you the opportunity to socialize as much as you want to, while still focusing on something that’s meant to be enjoyed on your own.

Cunard

Cunard has been a go-to for single travelers for a while now. They’re all about the right balance between sociability and privacy, especially for those who prefer the latter.

After their addition of solo ocean view “staterooms,” Cunard has gained popularity among travelers who wish to go about things on their own. Be warned  — these tend to sell out rather quickly.

After you check into a single-occupancy cabin, enjoy a wide variety of activities happening on board and plenty of space to spread out and relax. You can even attend lectures by experts, see a planetarium show, or attend theatrical performances, all before you relax in the spa on the Queen Mary 2.

No matter the cruise line you decide on, be sure you also check out what cruise excursions are being offered, especially those designed for the solo traveler.

Finding Your Own Paradise

When making the decision to take a trip on your own, it definitely takes some time to find the right place. Focusing on the needs of your personality, relaxing, recharging, and ultimately getting away from it all may sound like a lot to ask for, but it’s doable.

There’s beauty in taking the time to find those hidden gems, whether they’re an hour away or halfway around the world. Because once you do, you’ll have that peace and solitude you were looking for.

You’ll see when it comes to traveling, especially as an introverted person, there are a lot of ways to find happiness and rejuvenation.

As you’re searching for that perfect personal paradise, be true to your needs and what will bring you tranquility in your travels. When you travel solo, you want to feel as calm as possible the whole time.

Remember, the path less traveled is more likely to yield the results you want.

Learn more about the most underrated places to travel this year >


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