In so much of my life, I’ve been shamed for being quiet and an introvert. So much of the world always made me feel like I had to go outside and be smiling and sunshiny all of the time. To be ready to just jump into things. I tried to do it. I tried to force it, but looking back, it came off so cringe with me forcing conversations about things I truly didn’t care anything about, talking to people that I wasn’t truly interested in (or people that were disrespectful) and overall trying to change my personality into someone that I wasn’t. After years of doing that, I got burnt out faking the funk. I finally had to embrace the fact that being an introvert wasn’t something to be shameful of like a lot of people tried to make it out to be. Truthfully, I am an introvert, but it also goes hand in hand with how I process the world and people. Sometimes, I just need to take my time and that’s all there is to it. Being like this influences my travels and the way that I process the world as well in many ways.  

I Like to Spend My Time Exploring Places 

I remember taking a high school trip to France when I was 15-years-old. The trip was seven days, and, in that time, we went to Paris, Saumur, Rouen, Normandy, Mont St. Michel and Saint Malo. It was great to see so much in so little time, but at the same time, we barely got to see and explore each place in depth because we were on go. I’d rather relax in a spot for some time and get to know it well rather than rushing from place to place. It takes away from me being able to really enjoy where I’ve paid to travel to.  

I Only Do What I Really Want to Do When Traveling  

When I studied abroad in France, I went to places I thought I was supposed to like, such as the college club and parties. This was just residual” we must turn you into an extrovert” trauma because I’ve always hated clubs and parties. It was such a waste of time and that died quick. I learned while I was studying abroad to only do what I actually wanted to do and there was plenty to do. Museums, cafes, restaurants, movie theaters, attractions, farmer’s markets and more. I only do things I’m genuinely drawn to while traveling because my time is limited.  

Chill with the Locals  

There’s nothing wrong with hanging out with other tourists while abroad. I do so, especially when I book tours or experiences. However, I do enjoy hanging out with locals a lot as well. They usually speak the language, they’re familiar with the surroundings, they know the community spots, and I like hearing their stories. There are caveats that can come with that though to be honest, but I do enjoy mixing it up with locals and hearing about life from their perspective. 

Rest a Lot 

I’m not out and about all day everyday. There are days when I feel inclined to, I will walk around and explore and be out for quite a while. There are also times where I will not even leave my accommodation because I feel like I need to recharge, or I just want to do an introvert activity that day, like watching a movie. Some days I have the energy and some days I really don’t.  

I’m When Necessary: Respect is Universal 

It’s a weird thing to admit, but my time and resources abroad or anywhere are limited. Sometimes, when people know that you’re a tourist, they try to finesse you and even intimidate you. I don’t have the time for that, especially being a solo female traveler. It’ll usually be people in cabs or street food vendors that try to finesse you. I’ve learned that it’s cool to be rude, even in a foreign country.  

Respect is universal, so yes, show respect to the locals, but it should be shown the other way as well. I’ve literally ignored aggressive cab and motor drivers that were trying to get me to use their services. I will flat out walk away from people if necessary. It may appear rude, but my time is limited. I don’t have time to be going back and forth with people that can’t accept it when I tell them no. So, I’ve learned to just be rude rather than polite about what should be understood. Again, respect is a universal language, so it should be given and received the same.  

Being an introvert is a strength I’ve learned to tap in to make my travels more enjoyable. I’m observant, I learn quickly, and I listen to understand which makes it easy to travel. It also expands the places that I’m willing to travel to because of these skills. I have no problem going to a place where I don’t know the language or a place where I don’t know much about the customs and history because I know that I’m going to pick up on what I need to pick up quickly. As long as I know that the place is safe, that’s all that really matters.