Solo Travel for Introverted Women
- Graceful Roamer
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Solo travel is a dream for introverts—until you realize… you might have to talk to people. Not just any people, but total strangers.
How to Talk to Strangers (Without the Awkwardness)
You didn’t book this trip to transform into an extrovert overnight, but you also don’t want to miss out on those serendipitous travel moments—like getting insider recommendations from a local, finding a new friend on a group tour, or not looking like a lost puppy at the train station.
This I know, being an introvert doesn’t mean you dislike people—it just means you prefer intentional, low-pressure conversations over surface-level small talk. Personally, I want people to feel welcome and included, so I come off as an extrovert. But that’s just so I make others feel comfortable. But at the same time, I never want to overwhelm (or bother) someone by initiating a conversation—so sometimes I do hold back and miss out on connecting with someone new.
Sound familiar? Here’s what I’ve tried to break the ice—without breaking into a sweat.
1. The Art of the Casual Comment: No Pressure, No Problem
Not every conversation needs to be deep and meaningful. The easiest way to start talking to someone is to state the obvious in a lighthearted way.
At a café: “This coffee is so strong, I think I can see sounds.”
At a train station: “They really designed this place like a maze, didn’t they?”
At a local market: “I have no idea what this fruit is, but I feel like I should try it. Thoughts?”
Why This Works:
You’re not forcing a conversation—you’re just making an easy, no-pressure observation that invites a natural response.
2. The ‘Help Me, I’m an Introvert’ Strategy
People love feeling helpful. Use this to your advantage.
Lost? Ask for simple directions—even if you already half-know where you’re going.
Curious? Ask for a local food recommendation that’s not in the guidebooks.
Shopping? Ask a fellow shopper or vendor, “Which of these would you pick?”
By doing this, you’re giving the person a clear purpose in the conversation—without the small talk gymnastics.
Example: My Rooftop Chat with Pam
I met Pam, a solo traveler from France, while sitting on my building’s rooftop, where the infinity pool is located. I was alone but positioned myself where I could at least see people—Pam, on the other hand, faced nothing but open space—just a quiet, empty patio stretching out before her.
I said, “Hi, where are you from?” She answered so softly that I couldn’t hear her over the wind. She had to repeat herself three times before I finally understood.
I apologized for asking her to repeat herself and walked over to where she was sitting.
That simple exchange led to us planning a trip to Chinatown together.
One slightly awkward conversation = a new travel buddy.
3. The Compliment Approach (But Make It Genuine)
A well-placed compliment is like social WD-40—it removes friction.
To a stylish traveler: “I love your backpack! Where did you get it?”
To a street performer: “That was amazing! How long have you been playing?”
To a local vendor: “Your shop has such a cool vibe. How did you start this business?”
People love talking about their passions. Give them a reason, and you’ll barely have to do the talking.
4. The Shared Experience Bonding Method
If you and a stranger are both experiencing the same thing, use that as a conversation spark.
At a cooking class: “Did yours turn out like this? Mine looks… questionable.”
On a bumpy bus ride: “Is it just me, or are we in a real-life rollercoaster?”
Waiting in line: “I feel like this is a test of patience. What’s your prediction—10 more minutes or eternity?”
Example: The Travel Line Conversation
I once started talking to someone while waiting in line, simply by asking, “Where are you from?”
Minutes later, we were discussing our next destinations. Turns out, we had both just visited the same place. I walked away with fresh tips and a new sense of camaraderie—all before I even reached the front of the line.
5. The ‘Let Them Talk First’ Method
Sometimes, the best way to start a conversation is to let the other person make the first move.
Here’s how you can subtly invite conversation without saying a word:
Wear something interesting—a unique headband, a book you’re reading in public, or a T-shirt with a quirky slogan.
Linger in shared spaces—sit at a communal table, hang out at a lounge, or take a seat at the bar.
Use open body language—smile, make eye contact, and don’t look like you’d rather be anywhere else.
Not every connection requires a long conversation. Some, like my daily nods and smiles with the strict pool deck guard, grow over time. He rarely speaks, but today, when I asked for his picture, he straightened his beret, adjusted his tie, and stood at parade rest—his most official, no-nonsense stance.
Then, just as I was about to take the photo, another guard, one I’d never seen before, glanced over and silently asked with his eyes: Can I be in this too? I nodded, and just like that, I had two guards in the frame—one a familiar presence, the other a newcomer, both standing tall, proud, and ready for their moment.
So, next time you wonder, Should I say something?—remember, connection comes in many forms.
Something to Notice:
Do certain people naturally bring out your chatty side more than others? And how can you use that awareness to start conversations that feel easy—not forced?
Embrace what works for you. Whether that means striking up conversations in lines, or just… facing the right direction at a rooftop pool.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be an Extrovert to Make Meaningful Connections
Wouldn’t it be great if Pam invited me to visit her in France?
So, next time you’re wondering, “Should I say something?”—remember, the goal isn’t to be the life of the party. It’s just to open a door to whatever kind of interaction feels right for you.
And if all else fails? Food.
Ask someone what they’re eating. People may be shy, but their love for food knows no language barrier.
It’s Your Turn:
Have a question about solo travel? Got a go-to strategy for starting conversations? Reach out—I love hearing from readers!
