The 5 best vacations for introverts

Navigating jam-packed trains and being forced to interact with total strangers at congested tourist sites and busy hotels can quickly turn a dream getaway into an introvert’s personal nightmare. Luckily, there are plenty of places for those of us who like to roam but want to avoid the crowds. Here are five trips perfect for the introverted explorer.

For some solitude with epic views, hike up to Willow Lakes in Silverthorne, CO | Photo by Keri Wiginton

1. Summit County, Colorado

Located 70 miles west of Denver, Summit County is home to ski resorts like Breckenridge and Loveland. Book your solo stay in nearby Dillon to avoid the crowds. The Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge and the Dillon Inn are seated right next to Lake Dillon, a beautiful reservoir that offers a view of the mountains and a paved trail for walking, running or biking. For a scenic hike, download more than 50 nearby trails on the Hiking Project app. Check out Tenderfoot Trail in Dillon for a leisurely 3-mile walk, or pack your camping gear and trek about 7 miles to Willow Lakes on the North Willow Lake Trail in neighboring Silverthorne.

Riksgransen is a remote ski resort north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden. Lounge near the 24-hour bar or travel in May and June and hit the slopes under the midnight. | Photo by Keri Wiginton

2. Riksgransen, Sweden

Riksgransen is a remote ski resort north of the Arctic Circle that’s perfect for the lone traveler. You’ll find a hostel, one central hotel with a bar open 24 hours a day and a single grocery store nearby where shoppers can find everything from beer and bread to coffee and oat milk. Stay for a week or just stopover on the train while traveling through Sweden. If you don’t ski, take a dog sled or snowmobile tour.

The scenic drive along Hwy. 101 offers plenty of places to admire the coast, like this spot in Oregon. | Photo by Keri Wiginton

3. Hwy 101 from Seattle to San Francisco

You’ll never feel bored or lonely with all the great vistas along the 101. Rent a car in Seattle, pre-arrange your favorite playlists and set out on one of the most scenic highways in the country. End your first day with a night’s stay at the Inn at Nye Beach in coastal Newport, Oregon or drive a little further and stop off at La Kris Inn in Bandon. At the end of day two, book a cabin or campsite inside the Redwood National Forest or stay in nearby Trinidad, California before heading to San Francisco and staying a night at the Nob Hill Hotel.

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Catch a view of the Napali Coast while hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. | Photo by Keri Wiginton

4. Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai—the oldest of the major Hawaiian Islands—is covered with lush greenery and offers stunning coastal views. This isle is a popular destination, but don’t worry, introverts: The crowds are nothing like in Oahu or Honolulu. Skip the Jurassic Park tour and visit the white sand beaches at Ha’ena State Park. For a day trip, hike the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail to get a magnificent look at the Napali Coast, ending at Hanakapi’ai Beach.

A view from inside the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. | Photo by Keri Wiginton

5. North Rim Grand Canyon hike

The Grand Canyon gets crowded. But if you hike into the National Park, you can have the serene solo getaway you’ve always dreamed of. Book a room at the Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim, which offers an impressive outlook into the Canyon and is located a short drive or shuttle ride to the North Kaibab Trail. For a strenuous day trip, hike down to Cottonwood Camp and back. The 13.8 mile trip offers a beautiful and quiet Canyon experience.