The Ultimate Guide To Solo Travel Destinations For Introverts Seeking A Quiet Escape

Traveling alone can be an empowering and fulfilling way to explore the world. Many who have embarked on this journey say their adventures helped them to contemplate life decisions. Others have found that traveling alone has opened their minds to new future goals. Although solo travelers should avoid certain things, simple planning can keep one's trip running smoothly and safely. By following basic safety rules and learning to stick to a budget, many solo explorers have found their solitary journeys deeply satisfying and sometimes even transformative.

As great as solo travel can be, it's not always easy to achieve. Lively hostels in crowded destinations often encourage tourists to create friendships and even embark on day trips together. Group tours can easily lead to small talk, which can, in turn, leave you with a dinner invitation. While extroverts may revel in these developments, some introverts might not feel the same way.

As travel writers, we have plenty of experience exploring destinations that encourage visitors to mingle and those that don't. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of our favorite low-key places for introverted solo travel. To add breadth to our recommendations, we collected tips from other travelers who have had great laid-back experiences around the world. The following list includes everything from eco-tourism to literary destinations to beach-side escapes. 

If you've ever wanted to go on a relaxing literary escape to a charming seaside town, here's your chance. Located just 10 minutes from central Dublin by bus, Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, is an introverted traveler's paradise. This coastal town boasts relaxing walkways, two old lighthouses, and plenty of places to enjoy homemade ice cream. Bookworms will be fascinated to know that the iconic Irish author, James Joyce, spent a great deal of time in the area. He even slept in a Martello tower just a few paces outside the village. He later used this stunning site as the setting for the first scene in his masterpiece, "Ulysses." The location has since been transformed into the free James Joyce Museum.  

Beyond Dun Laoghaire's literary history, it's a fantastic place to experience nature. The Eastern pier provides visitors with a beautiful walkway that jets out into the green-tinted waters of the Irish Sea. Oftentimes, visitors find seals sunbathing on the rocks alongside the walkway or even fishing below the waves. To experience the views to the fullest, travelers can rent kayaks at the Irish National Sailing School. Or, head over to the natural pools at The Forty Foot one morning to join locals on their daily cold plunge. Either way, you'll have the chance to contemplate the sea in peace. Don't worry about DJs or raves killing your vibe. Even locals say the town isn't much of a place for loud nightlife.

Travelers who are more interested in diving into history than, say, hitting the club should definitely consider planning a trip to Laos. This landlocked country in Southeast Asia offers laid-back vibes and a much-needed break from destinations that attract partygoers. Previous visitors applaud the region's relaxed environment. As one experienced traveler put it in the r/Laos subreddit on Reddit, "Laos is not a nightlife hotspot ... if you [go] to LP [Luang Prebang] and LN [Luang Namtha] in search of nightlife, [you've gone] to the wrong places."

Among all the towns in Laos, Luang Prabang is one of the most highly recommended for its tranquility. Recognized by UNESCO for its gorgeous mixture of temples, pagodas, and colonial architecture, Luan Prabang is the perfect place to explore a rich blend of cultures and traditions. If you are a history buff, you can wander the Old Quarter or even study the region at the Royal Palace Museum. You can also pay a visit to the Wat Xieng Thong monastery, where kings once held their coronation ceremonies.

If you love nature, you will find things to do in Luang Prabang. Just outside of town, you will find walking trails, waterfalls, and even elephant conservation centers. These activities provide an excellent escape from the chaos of daily life. After all, there's a reason that Luang Prabang is known as one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. 

Sometimes, all an introvert needs is a little bit of solace. The small town of Montebello, Canada, is the perfect place to achieve this. Located about 2 hours from Montreal and 1.5 hours from Ottawa, this charming area was designed to help visitors get in touch with the local flora and fauna. 

One of the most popular attractions in the area is Parc Omega — a nature park where you can see bison, moose, and wolves frolicking in the great outdoors. Drive your car down a 7.4-mile animal trail and say "hello" to some of nature's most beautiful beasts. Afterward, enjoy a stroll on one of the park's many walking trails, visit some farm animals, or book a dog sledding ride. These experiences are guaranteed to help you bond with nature and take a break from humanity.

As for lodging, there are tons of cute options in the area. Parc Omega offers fantastic glamping options, but if that's not your style, you might want to check out the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello. This classic hotel is set in the largest log cabin on Earth. With its stunning wooden architecture, big fireplaces, and comfy sofas, this hotel offers all the cozy vibes necessary for a quiet weekend of solitude. It's the perfect place to curl up with a book by a roaring fire. Alternatively, depending on the season, you can hit the local cross-country ski trails or kayak down the Ottawa River. 

Planning a solo trip to the beach can bring introverted travelers a whole world of relaxation. However, many Mediterranean seaside destinations, like Santorini, have a reputation for being overly crowded. If you want to wander an old city with picturesque white houses and gorgeous sea views, ditch the Greek isles and check out Hammamet, Tunisia, instead. This laid-back beach town boasts the same white historic architecture and crystal clear waters you can find in Greece — without the same touristic frenzy. Whether you want to wander the local open-air market, contemplate the architectural beauty of local mosques, or read by the beach, Hammamet is the place for you.

Previous travelers applaud the overall peacefulness of this location. In a YouTube vlog, traveler Chris Kermis commented on the emptiness of the local beaches. "[It's] Pretty much deserted. It's kind of raw, but it's still beautiful white sand beach and lovely waters. And you can just have it all to yourself. I never expected that from here. You hear about the resorts, you hear about the tourism. But you don't hear there's such amazing tranquility here, as well." Another solo traveler shared her impressions in a Reddit post, writing that Hammamet is a relaxing and enjoyable place to wind down. Check out the perfect place to watch the sunset in Santorini.

It's not exactly a secret that Portugal is one of 2025's hottest travel destinations. This Southern European country has a lot to offer thanks to its mild climate, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Just because Portugal is on the fast track to becoming one of the world's most-visited countries doesn't mean every part of the nation is crowded. Introverts looking for a place to unwind can forgo bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto and opt for a getaway in the town of Chaves instead.

Located on Portugal's northernmost border, Chaves is surrounded by lush mountains and lots of greenery. Folks interested in a solitary walk through nature can wander the boardwalks in the Cascatas do Ribeiro de Palheiros region. Travelers can view multiple waterfalls, crumbling old houses, and even the occasional sheep there. Afterward, return to Chaves' town center to soak in its famous thermal hot springs.

Historic and cultural sites are also huge in Chaves. At the free Roman Baths Museum, visitors can explore a ruined bathhouse nestled beneath the local streets for centuries before its discovery. Meanwhile, the Nadir Afonso Contemporary Art Museum boasts a fantastic art collection in a building that has earned international recognition for its architecture. Anyone who loves a good view cannot miss Castelo de Chaves. The castle is a great place to unwind and escape from the crowds.

Belize is one of the best places to book a cheap warm-weather getaway to help you escape the cold winter months. The country boasts blue skies, turquoise waters, and white sand beaches perfect for lounging peacefully. In the middle of it all, the island of Caye Caulker provides an unusually tranquil escape. Famous for its snorkeling, it is surrounded by fish and manatees. Grab a mask and dive into the waves. You'll be transported to a quiet underwater universe where wildlife reigns, and the chaos of daily life is no more than an afterthought. 

While Caye Caulker is probably most famous for its swimming and diving, plenty of other solo activities on the island help introverts relax. Walking and biking are common ways to get around. They provide a fantastic way to enjoy the colorful houses dotting the isle. Golf cart rentals are also available for folks who want to cruise around and feel the breeze. If you want to have fun in the sun, the local beaches are ideal for napping or reading a good book.

Previous visitors describe Caye Caulker as a fun yet laid-back destination. As one Redditor wrote of the island in r/travel, "[I] Second ... Caye Caulker. [I] stayed there for 6 months it was great; the ultimate "Go Slow" destination!" Another person in the subreddit added, "Love Caye Caulker Belize! It's easy to get to through ... affordable, great food, and you can walk the entire island."

The American writer Ernest Hemingway was famous for his love of travel. He bought property in Havana, fished off the coast of Key West, and even helped liberate the Ritz Hotel in Paris at the end of World War II. Although many literature fans might enjoy jetting off to Florida, Cuba, or France to trace Hemingway's past, the most introverted of travelers might find these places rather busy. Luckily, Hemingway did not limit his travels to booming tourist destinations. He also enjoyed the occasional escape to the sleepy village of Horton Bay, Michigan, where his "The Nick Adams Stories" are set. 

Nestled on the coast of Lake Charlevoix, Horton Bay is a relaxing little township where you can read Hemingway in peace. The author spent time in the area following World War I and married his first wife, Hadley Richardson, in the village church. Although some of the relics of Hemingway's past are now gone, current travelers can still swing by the historic Horton Bay General Store that appears in many of his stories. These days, the store honors the author's time in Spain via weekly tapas dinners. Its upstairs inn has also been preserved to invoke the Hemingway era. Next door, the Red Fox Inn Bookstore, mentioned in Hemingway's "The Last Good Country," provides introverted travelers with reading material. Down the street, a casual walk by the lake promises maximum peace and tranquility.

Argentina is famous for its arts scene and culinary world, which shine in its capital, Buenos Aires. However, solo travelers searching for a break from chaotic big cities might find San Martín de los Andes a little more their speed. Situated on the shores of Lago Lácar in the Argentine Lakes District, San Martín de los Andes offers stunning water views in a mountainous region. It also provides something for everyone. Hikers will be thrilled to hit one of the region's gorgeous trails, while kayaking enthusiasts can sign up for a guided tour of the lake. Travelers who want to keep things more low-key can lounge at the beach and grab coffee at a local café later.

Visitors to San Martín de los Andes love the region's relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views. As one traveler shared on Tripadvisor, "As we were driving up the "Seven Lakes Drive," we drove all the way to San Martin and then realized we had overshot our destination 40 min previously! Once we arrived it was clear that we were in a glorious oasis of calm and stunning scenery." A second former visitor recommended the town for anyone looking for a laidback escape. "[...] If you are looking for [a] more quiet town, San Martín de los Andes is [a] better option," they wrote in the r/Patagonia subreddit on Reddit.

Lombok, Indonesia, is the land of waterfalls, waves, and wildlife. Thanks to its ecological diversity, this gorgeous island welcomes travelers with a wide variety of different sites. Introverts can enjoy long walks on the beach, hikes through the rainforests, or even a relaxing yoga retreat. Animal lovers, you will be happy visiting Lombok Wildlife Park, where you can meet elephants, monkeys, and birds. Surfers will revel in the island's iconic waves and be thrilled at just how balmy the waters in Lombok truly are.

The best part is that Lombok is known to provide visitors with maximum relaxation. When asked about the chillest destinations in Southeast Asia, one Reddit user in the r/solotravel subreddit wrote, "Lombok for sure! [Went] there few months ago for a surf trip and it is super chill!" The same person went on to add that the local beaches aren't too crowded, sharing, "You also have a lot of beautiful empty beaches if you are willing to drive [a] scooter 30 mins out of city for it."

Some introverts find that traveling is the best way to get away from all the social expectations at home. Others, however, go as off-grid as possible to guarantee quietude. Anyone who relates to the second category might consider booking a getaway to Cabo Polonio, Uruguay. Inhabited by fishermen and hippies, this quaint, beachside town rejects modern conveniences like electricity and running water. Instead, it encourages visitors to disconnect from all the pressures of modernity and build a stronger bond with nature.

Solo travelers will discover that Cabo Polonio's shoreline is the perfect place for a solitary walk. Marvel at the local lighthouse, then set out to observe Latin America's largest sea lion colony. Afterward, sit to enjoy the local catch of the day in one of Cabo Polonio's rustic restaurants. The village's vibe is low-key and relaxing. If you start feeling sleepy, grab a hammock and take a siesta by the waves. Cabo Polonio is probably one of the few places left in the world where visitors can enjoy the present without the looming temptation of screens and other modern technology. 

When compiling this list of introvert-friendly destinations, we relied heavily on our experiences as world travelers. We selected towns we have earmarked as relaxing and interesting on our tours, with a special focus on places considered "off-the-beaten-path." That said, our experiences are limited to parts of North America, South America, and Europe. Therefore, we dissected traveler reviews for destinations in North Africa and Southeast Asia to provide a broader range of geographic regions to this list.

We also included destinations that provide a wide range of activities that appeal to travelers with unique interests. While Dun Laoghaire and Horton Bay were selected for their literary appeal, Montebello and San Martín de los Andes were chosen for their incredible wilderness. The historical sites in Luang Prabang and Chaves would be ideal for travelers interested in the ancient world. Beach lovers might consider booking their next trip to Caye Caulker, Lombok, or Cabo Polonio. We hoped to create a list that would include outings for any type of introverted solo traveler.