Introvert Traveller: Lessons From a Lazy Week in Malaysia

Of the twelve days I was in Malaysia earlier this year, I spent a week holed up in my hotel room. I spent a couple of days watching thrillers and horror movies on Netflix, a few nights watching late night TV, and a good few hours immersed in a Warren Buffet feature (you have to see it!). I am an anxious, introvert traveller and I ended up having a lazy week in Malaysia.

Introvert Traveller

Perhaps you’ve guessed it from my awkward poses and facial expression on instagram: I am an introvert. So to embark on a big trip, surrounded by all sorts of people and being overstimulated by all the new sights and sounds of many different places can be overwhelming. And as the trip went on, my energy and enthusiasm slowly but consistently faded.

A rainy day in Kuala Lumpur, spent behind my laptop.

At the time, I had trouble accepting that this was how I ended up spending a week in Malaysia. I mean, it’s ‘Malaysia truly Asia’! It was part of a trip that I had been planning and looking forward to for almost an entire year. There were places to see, food to eat and things to do! Yet there I was: staying in, eating takeout and taking naps.

I know I enjoy travel. However by this time, I had been travelling for over two months. This might not be that big of a deal for someone who has been travelling full time. But this was my first big trip EVER and I had spent the preceding year only ever doing 2 things: working from home as much as I can to save for the trip; and sleeping for as little as possible so I can work and save more for the trip.

Surviving Long Trips as an Introvert Traveller

I can’t get back that time in Malaysia. And honestly, I’m still a bit sad about not having been able to do as much as I wanted to while I was there. That being said, it taught me a few things about myself and how I can travel better as an introvert:

KNOW YOUR PREFERENCES

When I first set out to start travelling I had a different vision of what I would be doing or where I would go. I felt pressured to go on loud adventures. Whenever I sat silently by the beach, reading a book I felt a sense of shame. It felt like I was wasting time.

“I’m on vacation. I am at this wonderful amazing place. Why am I wasting my time doing nothing?” This was what would often run through my head. 

Just remember that we all have different preferences. It’s easy to get swept away by notions of these loud, wild adventures. But if that’s not your thing, then don’t give yourself a hard time for it. Your journey is yours alone. Do what makes you happy. 

SCHEDULE ALONE TIME

I used to feel bad about this, because I worry about upsetting people. What if they think I don’t like them? What if they think I’m being rude?

It’s not that I don’t like the company, I do. I’m not a total hermit nor am I completely antisocial. But social interaction can be very exhausting for introverts. To recharge, make sure you schedule some time for yourself. Plan to take a leisurely walk, read a book or take a bath. Step away and allow yourself some alone time. Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself.

Be kind to yourself. If you’re completely depleted, give yourself a break. Need some downtime? Go for it! Would you rather go to a park and read a book? By all means! While I still wish I had done more while in Malaysia, after my lazy week I felt recharged. By regaining energy, I was able to make the most of the rest of my trip. 

Nope, not getting anything done today!

HAVE A REALISTIC SCHEDULE

Being the anxious control freak that I am, I am often tempted to pack my schedule full of activities. I feel obliged to do absolutely everything that the place has to offer. I mean we all want to make the most out of our trips right? But I have back-to-back activities scheduled, I end up being overwhelmed and exhausted by the end of the day. 

But remember that you don’t have to do it all. And you don’t have to do it all right now. 

This is how I realized that I like slow travel. I prefer taking my time and doing things at my leisure over group tours that are packed full of activities.

CONSIDER YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS 

Hostels: I’ve only ever stayed in two hostels. Luckily for me, in both instances I only had to share the room with 3 other people. (I’ve heard of hostels that packs in 12, 16 and even 32 people into one big room. That’s like an introvert’s worst nightmare!) But sharing the space with 3 other people was still a challenge. To work around this, I planned my stay and booked a night in a private room to give me some time alone. 

AirBnB: I often opt for an AirBnB that rents out the entire place.  It will cost more than your average hostel but this was well worth it because it helped keep me sane (sort of). Bonus tip: I like choosing accommodations that are centrally located (i.e. close to convenience store, restaurants or attractions). This was my saving grace for days when I could hardly motivate myself to get out of bed.

If you’re interested in trying out AirBnB, use my link and get a discount on your first trip! In turn, I get a small commission for referring you to AirBnB. Win-Win!

BRING A SHIELD

When all else fails, make sure you have a shield. Well, not a literal shield, but something you can hide behind (in case of emergencies). This can be a journal, book, phone, sketchbook or whatever you want. I find that as an introvert, I have a way easier time not being awkward when I have something else do to. 

For me, I liked having my camera. I am able to hide behind it AND it gives me an excuse or purpose for the trip.

It’s Your Own Adventure

If nothing else, this is the takeaway from all this: This is your own adventure. Travelling is a a great experience no matter your personality just remember to plan with YOU in mind. Be brutally honest with yourself and do whatever makes you happy. For me, these are activities only fitting for someone over the age of 75 (like crocheting, making jewellery or reading non-fiction). Yes, I am very cool.

Are you an introvert too? If you have any tips to share, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

Today’s Phrase: (Malay)

“Apa Khabar?” means “How are you?”