If you’re an introvert and you love to travel, then you know that it can be difficult to find a vacation spot that will help you recharge while still providing the excitement and social interaction you crave during your time off. In addition, some of the most popular vacation spots are the busiest, most crowded places around, which can make it hard to actually enjoy yourself when there are so many people around. To help, we’ve compiled this list of the best vacation spots for introverts who want to get away from it all (and still be able to relax).
Turkey
What better place for an introvert than a country that’s known for its quiet, tranquil countryside? Turkey is loaded with great places for R&R. Try exploring one of Anatolia’s beautiful and serene villages by foot, horseback or car—or just sit back and relax on one of these Turkish beaches: Marmaris, Bodrum or Kusadasi (source). The former two are located along Turkey’s Aegean coast, while Kusadasi is at the very southern tip of Western Turkey.
You can also explore Ankara (the capital), Cappadocia and other nearby destinations such as Konya, Pamukkale and Selcuk in Central-Western Turkey; Antalya in Southern Turkey; Edirne in Eastern Thrace; Istanbul; Izmir; Bursa; Mardin… The list goes on!
Iceland
In many ways, Iceland is a dream vacation spot for introverts. Its stunning landscape and fascinating culture provide enough entertainment that you don’t have to force yourself into making awkward small talk with strangers. With dozens of geothermal pools that draw their energy directly from underground heat sources, hot springs are abundant in Iceland.
New Zealand
This beautiful country has everything an introvert needs for a perfect vacation. The food is fresh and delicious, and there’s no tipping!
There are a ton of well-developed trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even snowboarding—and once you hit those spots, there’s plenty of space for solitude. But if you want some company, head to Queenstown; it’s a backpacker hub that’s also a great destination for adrenaline junkies.
Costa Rica
Any trip to Costa Rica is sure to be a peaceful one. Since few people can afford its high–end resorts, Costa Rica is remarkably low-key for such a beautiful locale. But it’s not just its lack of crowds that makes it a great choice for introverts: in Costa Rica, it’s relatively easy to escape large groups in favor of exploring smaller towns and villages.
If you want to go off on your own but aren’t sure how to do so without causing offense, don’t worry—it turns out that most locals are quite happy when tourists do their own thing. If you prefer an organized tour experience with plenty of time for relaxing by yourself, book a guided tour or opt for an all-inclusive resort where you won’t have to interact with many other travelers at all.
South Africa
There’s a special kind of magic in South Africa, and that allure is both rare and exhilarating. Natural wonders, rich culture, gorgeous landscapes—South Africa has it all. But if you’re an introvert who enjoys getting away from it all with nature, you may also enjoy another perk: South Africa is relatively quiet. The country isn’t overrun by tourists like other popular destinations.
In fact, only about 2 million people visit annually—that means there are less crowds and more opportunities for solitude on your vacation. If you’re looking for a place where you can experience natural beauty while avoiding overstimulation, South Africa might be just what you need!
South Korea
While South Korea is one of Asia’s most high-tech and densely populated countries, it also has lots of wide open spaces. There are few countries in which you can enjoy gorgeous mountains and beaches within a few hours of a major city—but South Korea is one of them. The country boasts some beautiful national parks, including Seoraksan National Park, famous for its granite peaks and waterfalls; as well as Jeju Island (often called the Hawaii of Korea), home to pristine white sand beaches that draw crowds throughout summer.
If you want an escape from urban life but don’t want to be too far away from Seoul or other cities, consider visiting South Korea on your next vacation.
Portugal
Even though it’s not necessarily one of those off-the-beaten path travel destinations, Portugal has a lot to offer as far as relaxation goes. The country is full of empty beaches, winding roads, and picturesque villages that are just begging for you to sit back, take in your surroundings, and enjoy some time alone. If you’re looking for something a little more urban, Lisbon is an amazing city with tons of cool shops and restaurants.
If you can manage to find yourself in between all these great attractions, there are also plenty of beautiful parks where you can walk around or relax under a tree on a nice day.
Morocco
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, but don’t necessarily want your time with your significant other to be shared with tons of other people, Morocco is a great place. Between its world-class food, breathtaking architecture and ancient Roman ruins (which most tourists skip over), it’s an enchanting destination that offers plenty of seclusion and beautiful landscapes.
There are also a surprising number of active volcanoes in Morocco that make for some fun hiking adventures!
Italy
Traveling abroad can be daunting for introverts, but Italy is home to some of Europe’s most welcoming villages, where residents are accustomed to dealing with tourists. Head to one of these charming spots and you’ll likely find your holiday being more enjoyable than you imagined. One of my favorite small towns in Italy is Montepulciano, located in Tuscany.
Spain
To most people, Spain is a popular vacation destination. It’s famed for its beauty and sun-kissed beaches, mouthwatering cuisine and rich culture. But what makes it such a special getaway spot for introverts? Spanish people are easygoing and good at making foreigners feel welcome.
So, if you’ve had enough of those egotistical American tourists (or any other nationality), head to Spain – it’s one of the best vacation spots for introverts who want peace and quiet.
