Soulful Places For Introverts

Introverts love to travel as much as extroverts, they just prefer to skip places teeming with tourists. Breathtaking scenery, one-on-one conversations, and time for reflection are more important than, say, joining the limbo contest on a rowdy cruise ship.

The good news is, there are many vacation ideas that are perfect for introverts. Some of these destinations promote solitude, while others make it easy to get lost in your own thoughts no matter who is around.

1. Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro

Located in northern Tanzania, the 19,000-foot Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain anywhere. Although the fact that you can hike up Kilimanjaro without crampons or technical climbing gear makes it one of the easiest major mountains to summit, it also means it's no stranger to tourists. Still, you can take less crowded routes, and even if you're not alone, life doesn't get much more serene than atop this majestic mountain.

Introverts can book a small group tour or even a private climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Prices vary widely, but according to the guide company Peak Planet, a good rule of thumb is to plan on spending about $5,000 for your trip, including round-trip airfare from the U.S. That's not cheap, but if you're adventurous, this could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

2. Get lost in the streets of Venice, Italy

Venice may be bursting at the seams with people, but it's still one of the most beautiful places for introverts to travel. Walk to the Plaza San Marco at sunrise and you'll have the place almost to yourself. By all means, take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal and though the winding neighborhoods that make up this historic city (solo tours are around $100). Or find a cozy spot to sit in Saint Mark's Square for some interesting people-watching.

But also wander off the beaten path to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or contemporary art galleries such as Teatrino di Palazzo Grassi. Or stroll through the Cannaregio section of town whose back alleys and sunny squares offer a glimpse of everyday life for the Venetians who live here.

3. Tour the Galápagos Islands

The Galapagos are a series of natural volcanic islands that belong to Ecuador. Because they were isolated from the mainland for thousands of years, they are home to some of the most unusual species of wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and the world's only equatorial penguin.

After spending some time on the mainland, you can book a small group cruise to some of these islands. Small group trips with Intrepid Travel leave from Quito, Ecuador and start at around $2,000 per person for eight days, with boat travel, meals, snorkeling, and kayaking included.

4. Visit the quiet shores of Nevis

The Caribbean includes an array of gorgeous islands that feature crystal clear waters, gorgeous white sand, and natural beauty. Unfortunately, many islands are also crowded with beachgoers and partyers that can ruin the mood.

The Caribbean island of Nevis, however, is not overrun with people or tour groups. Since major airlines don't fly here (most people take a ferry from nearby St. Kitts), renting a beachfront hotel will get you a whole lot more than beautiful scenery; you may have the place to yourself.

There is only one major hotel chain represented on the entire island — the Four Seasons Resort. Elsewhere around Nevis, you'll find small family-run restaurants and shops, along with quaint hotels and ample beach space that provides opportunities for solitude.

Stay at the charming Hermitage hotel for quiet mountain beauty, afternoon tea, homemade meals in the Great House, and gorgeous views of the ocean below. Or, book one of the cheaper hotels on the island, which can cost as little as $150 per night in the late summer months. Rooms at the small, eco-conscious beachfront Oualie Beach Resort start at just $166 per night, for example.

5. Head to Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, Mexico is the perfect spot for solitude because it's so beautiful, historic, and naturally elegant. Here, you'll find ancient Mayan ruins to explore, white sand beaches lapped by crystal clear water, and exotic swimming holes knows as cenotes where you can swim with fish and other wildlife.

While Mexico's bigger resort cities like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are well known for their parties and crowds, Tulum offers an atmosphere that promotes peaceful relaxation and proximity to nature.