I’m going to Japan in October and as well as excited I’m also slightly terrified. Not just because of the money, homesickness, travel sickness, cultural differences and language… but because it will be my first proper experience of group travel – eight complete strangers will be spending 10 days together in a foreign country. Help!

What is an Introvert?

Introverts are a misunderstood breed of person. There are so many misconceptions about what it means to be introverted and it can be very frustrating. People often think it just means being shy or anti-social, but that’s not the case (not always anyway). 

The difference between an introvert and an extrovert is where get their energy from. Introverts tend to need time away from other people to recharge. Whilst extroverts tend to feel more energised in social situations and notice feelings of loneliness much faster. I however have never felt lonely, I can easily and happily spend hours and even days not interacting with another person.

How to Travel as an Introvert

Introverted people like their own space. They relish peace and quiet and time alone away from other people. This can be difficult to find when travelling in a group and staying in hostels, which is why I have always avoided this type of travel. Many group travel packages will involve staying in hostels which are intentionally communal, social places, encouraging people to make friends and share the amenities. This generally means I lack of privacy and quiet.

Read: 5 Reasons Why I Hate Hostels

The difference with the group travel I will be part of is that it is focused on photography and the average age of participants is at least twice the norm. There is a distinct possibility that I may be the youngest person there. (!)

There are perks to group travel that introverts should be able to take advantage of: affordable prices, pre-planned itineraries, travelling to great locations. 

An Introvert’s Plan For Group Travel

I’ve not done an extended group trip before, and my experience may be completely different to how I imagine, but I have come up with a few ideas of how I plan to cope during my group travel trip and avoid anxiety and burning out from the physical and social interaction involved.

Arrive Early for Some Alone Time

I’m not expecting many quiet moments during the trip so I have already booked my flight to arrive twenty-four hours early so that I have the opportunity to recover from any possible travel sickness, get some sleep and acclimatise to my surroundings. I am also staying on for thirty-six hours after the group trip has ended so that I can take some time to consider what I have seen and experienced and also enjoy some limited time on my own before heading home.

Appreciate Quiet Moments

When alone time is limited an introverted person is able to appreciate the smallest of moments. Twenty minutes can seem like a reward when you’re feeling overwhelmed by excessive social interaction. Grab any time you can and use it in whatever way you want to feel calm and relaxed. If meditation is your thing then try getting up slightly earlier for some much-needed quiet time. I like to keep a journal when I’m travelling and plan blog content so I plan on having a notebook and pen to hand at all times so give myself something to focus on during quiet moments.

Pack Some Essentials

Many group travel packages use hostels as the accommodation of choice, this trip I am going on will involve staying in hotels, which is a bonus but as yet I am unsure whether all of the rooms will be single occupancy. If I do happen to get alone time I am packing a few things to help me take time to focus on something other than being surrounded by strangers: laptop, notebook and pen, and definitely a book.  

Make the Most of Journeys

If you are travelling as part of a group you’ll likely move around from place to place. Any time on buses or trains is the perfect opportunity for some alone time. Use this time to your advantage, stick your earphones in, read your book or write in your journal. 

Be Open Minded

The worst thing about being an introvert is that I love my own company, probably more than is necessary, and this means that I will actively choose being on my own over being in a group on an almost daily basis. That is why group travel can be so important. It can force me to be open minded regarding being with other people, having conversations, learning from others and enjoying and sharing an experience.

I’m really looking forward to my trip to Japan, it’s a country I’ve wanted to visit for many years and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you.

Stay tuned to see how I get on.

Regardless of whether you travel alone or with someone, it is always important to make sure you have sufficient Travel Insurance – single trip and annual multi trip cover is available from Unite Travel Insurance

Are you an introvert who has done some group travel?

What was your experience? Do you have any tips?

Let me know in the comments.