How to Enjoy Solitude as an Extrovert

I wasn’t entirely sure what to look for when I booked a solo trip to Panama. I knew I needed an escape from reality (don’t we all?) and hoped to find clarity in my dreams and career path. Travel usually has a way of answering my lingering questions, but this time, it had been a while since I’d ventured out alone.

Solo trips have always been a source of meaning and reflection for me. But I felt out of practice - unsure how to navigate this chapter. I booked my flight and then wondered, "What now?"

To ease into it, I chose a quiet hostel where I could sleep well and meet people casually. However, I quickly realized I missed the vibrant connections that come with more social environments. So, I switched gears and found a lively hostel, Selina, known for its community vibe despite warnings about noisy nights.

The moment I arrived, I met a Canadian dancer with a captivating story of pursuing her passion for dance in Costa Rica. Later, at the rooftop pool, I connected with an American couple between jobs, a Turkish sailor living a nomadic life, and a Costa Rican architect exploring Central America. These encounters reminded me why I love travel - it dissolves barriers of age, profession, and background, making room for meaningful connections.

But solo travel isn’t just about meeting others; it’s about self-discovery. I learned to embrace spontaneity and the freedom to shift plans. After my social experience at Selina, I ventured to a remote village to teach English. It wasn’t social, and I knew that going in. This quieter chapter taught me the beauty of solitude—being present with myself without the fear of missing out.

Returning to the city, I stayed at Selina again, hoping to recreate the earlier experience. But things had changed—new ownership had shifted the atmosphere. The once lively rooftop was now quiet, and I felt a pang of disappointment. Yet, I remembered what solitude had taught me in the village.

I adjusted my mindset. I swam in the pool, read a book, and savored the peaceful rooftop, finding unexpected joy in my own company. These moments reminded me that solitude can be a gift, even for an extrovert like me.

Tips for Embracing Solitude as an Extrovert

Solo travel can deepen your self-awareness and confidence. Here are four ways I’ve learned to embrace alone time:

1. Journaling:
   If you’re feeling anxious or restless, grab your journal. Write down what you’re feeling, noticing, or experiencing—from today or the past few days. Don’t pressure yourself to focus on anything specific; enjoy the process. Journaling helps bring clarity and allows you to process emotions meaningfully.

2. Engage with Your Environment Mindfully:
   Take a moment to pause and soak in your surroundings. Sit quietly, breathe deeply, and let your thoughts flow naturally. Put away your phone, forget the to-do list, and curiously look around. What catches your attention? What feels exciting or new when you focus on it? Let yourself explore with the wonder of a child.

3. Self-Care Activities:
   Enjoy your own company and treat yourself kindly. Whether wandering through a new neighborhood, relaxing in the sun, playing, or finally diving into that book you’ve been meaning to read, indulge in things that bring you joy and peace.

4. Gratitude:
   Alone time is a gift that not everyone gets to experience. Take a moment to appreciate the stillness and the beauty of having time to yourself. Find the joy in quiet moments, and let gratitude guide you. Solo travel is as much about the journey within as it is about the places you explore. Panama became a lesson in balancing connection and solitude - a reminder that growth happens when we embrace both.

I learned that solo travel is as much about the journey within as it is about the places you explore. Panama became a lesson in balancing connection and solitude - a reminder that growth happens when we embrace both.