Alyosha RobillosExtroverts — they light up any room and certainly live life to the fullest.
We all have extroverts in our lives who we love to bits. They tend to draw people in with their outgoing personalities and charisma, and they hold their own well. Many of the world’s movers and shakers, and best public speakers are extroverts. Being a people person allows them to connect and bond with ease.
And when it comes to travelling, you can bet extroverts will be at the forefront of every new experience. Take a cue from Ellie Fredricksen in the full-length Pixar animation Up, “Adventure is out there!” That line resounds with most if not all extroverts, and that’s pretty much how they view life.
Also read: 8 Places in the Philippines for Extroverts
But extroverts can be a handful, too. Not everyone can handle the energy they bring to the table — think sugar rush. At some point, a sugar crash is bound to happen. You’ll feel woozy for a time, then you’d want to lay off the sweets. You get the picture.
Here are some tips that introverted travellers have for their extroverted counterparts!
1. Don’t let your adventures get in the way of being punctual
When travelling, extroverts will be game for mostly anything on the itinerary. Chances are they won’t even mind winging it and not having an itinerary at all! But this isn’t an excuse to be late if you have an early call time. Staying up for drinks doesn’t give you a free pass to keep your travel buddies waiting the next day. Time management is important, too.
2. Don’t let introverted companions feel left out
Extroverts, your introverted friends have a hard time socializing as it is. Please do them a favour and introduce them to new acquaintances you meet along the way. This is especially true when you come across a fellow extrovert during your trip. While you may be animatedly chatting with your newfound friend, your introverted companion might be feeling a little left out. Include them in the pow-wow. Although it’s true that introverts often keep to themselves, they don’t keep a vow of silence. They like to be part of good conversations, too. Just give them a little nudge.
3. Watch your voice’s volume
Not all extroverts have booming voices, we know. But they’re the ones who are more comfortable with expressing themselves because their ideas naturally flow outwards. Simply put, they aren’t as reserved. But there is a proper place and time for laughing to your heart’s content or shrieking when you see someone post something controversial online. We get that you and your friend(s) are having a good time, but the rest of the world might view your excessive talking differently. Keep the volume down especially when the site you’re visiting requests silence. Chitchat can wait.
4. Think before you speak
Since they’re more outspoken, extroverts also have a tendency to filter less. But do think before you speak, especially when you’re travelling. You never know if someone will be offended by what you’re going to say. If it’s a local, pray that they don’t understand the language you’re speaking in. And if it’s one of the people you’re travelling with, would you really want to deal with that unneeded drama?
5. Adventure is out there, but safety first
This is more of a reminder rather than a piece of advice. You know how they say choose your battles wisely? Well, extroverted travellers would do well to choose their adventures, too. Consider your safety first before anything else. Do background checks and study the culture of a place before you take the plunge. Watch out for travel advisories. Arriving clueless does no one good.
6. Take it easy on the spontaneity
Things only get exciting when you mix it up a bit, right? Not necessarily. While being spontaneous has its merits, constantly changing your mind and altering the itinerary can be irritating, too, especially when you’re travelling in packs. Remember, not everyone is as flexible as you. Some people like having an itinerary to follow from start to end.
7. Underrated places have hidden gems
Extroverts, being the social butterflies that they are, are drawn to areas buzzing with energy. This means that they’ll want to check out all the popular sites no matter how crowded. But to all extroverted travellers out there, do note that underrated destinations have hidden gems. And there’s also something thrilling and immensely satisfying about finding a secret spot only a small handful have been to.
8. Travel to know yourself better
Extroverts often associate travel with outer exploration and meeting new people. But their more reserved counterparts suggest a more introspective approach to travelling — travel to know yourself better instead. Seeing travel as a personal retreat can be quite the transformative experience. It’ll allow you to assess where you are currently in your life, and what else you want out of it in the near future and in the long run. It can even pave the way for streamlining goals.
9. Listen and gauge
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, not everyone can sustain the same energy extroverts radiate. So if you’re an extrovert and you find yourself in the middle of having a conversation, try to see if the person you’re talking to is receptive. If not, don’t force the small talk.
Also, this isn’t to say that extroverts aren’t good listeners. But it’s just good to be reminded to listen, especially if you’re a talker (which most extroverts are). It’s a simple principle: If you want to be heard, you better make sure that you listen to what others have to say, too.
10. Not everyone will be up for what you want to do
This is actually all about preferences. What may be exciting to you may not be as fun for some of your companions. Not everyone likes karaoke and drinking games. Some people aren’t fond of communal tables at restaurants. Others want to tour in peace — they might prefer to sit archery or kayaking out even if the guide says you guys can try it.
11. Be sensitive
Which brings us to our next item. Dear extroverted traveller, what your introverted counterpart mostly asks is that you become more sensitive to those around you, especially if you’re travelling with others. Try to see if people are still responsive to your chatter. Determine if they really want to have that nightcap with the nice people you met during the group tour. Is the joke you’re about to tell really that harmless? People love you for being able to relate to them easily. But there are also times you need to take a step back to reevaluate the situation. You’ll find that there are moments when you’ll need to back off, too.
12. Not every smile is an invitation to engage in lengthy conversations
Like you, a lot of people will be warm and friendly while travelling. They’ll flash you a smile while you’re walking the streets. Others will even greet you or ask about your day. But keep in mind these pleasantries aren’t always invitations to engage in lengthy conversations. For some people, this is purely customary. It’s just them being polite.
13. Respect others’ alone time
Travel buddies don’t have to be with each other 100% of the time. Some of your introverted pals might seek a few hours of solace during free days. When this happens, let them be. Giving them space will allow them to recharge for the next activity.
14. People will mistake you as an attention-seeker — even when you aren’t
Just because extroverts love to be around people, some people mistake them as attention seekers. If you’re an extrovert who’s been down this slippery slope before, fret not. Some just misunderstand the way you’re wired. When this happens, prove them wrong by toning it down a little. But chances are when they get to know you, they’ll understand that you really just have a vibrant personality.
This last piece of advice is for travellers of all shapes and personalities: Make memories, and make them last. Write about your travels, or take photographs that tell a story. You’re going to want something to look back on years from now. But be sure you don’t get caught up in documenting it all that you forget to actually live the experience.
Also read: Introverts, This One’s For You: Advice From Extroverted Travellers
