19-05-2025
Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel
2. Finland
Above Laplands (Photo: Pixabay / Pexels)
Nokia may have made cellphones mainstream, but this country enjoys solitude and the art of keeping blissfully to yourself. Consistently ranked as one of the world's happiest countries, Finland also respects the sacred art of privacy and seclusion. You can hole up in a glass igloo in Lapland, sip hot berry juice under the Northern Lights and not say a word for days. Helsinki offers sleek design museums and cosy cafés where no one will strike up unsolicited conversation. For the full hermit-chic experience, book a lakeside sauna cabin, unplug your phone and let the pine trees do the talking. 3. New Zealand
Above Fiordland (Photo: Donavan Kelly / Pexels)
New Zealand is like that friend who invites you on a road trip, hands you the aux cord and then doesn't talk for hours. With sweeping landscapes, sparsely populated trails and Hobbiton-level charm, it's a place where introverts can bask in Middle-Earth majesty without elbowing through tourist mobs. Go tramping in Fiordland, kayak through glowworm caves in Waitomo or read your book beside a sheep-dotted hillside. And yes, locals are friendly—but in that chill, non-invasive way. 4. South Korea
Above Jeonju (Photo: Jakob Jin / Pexels)
While Seoul is known for its neon buzz, there's a parallel universe of serene escapes and soft-spoken hospitality. Wander through Bukchon Hanok Village early in the morning, retreat to a hanok stay in Jeonju or sip rose tea in a café with pastel walls and acoustic indie playing gently in the background. Even the hiking culture is introvert-friendly—climb Mount Inwangsan for spiritual stillness and panoramic views, then reward yourself with a solo bibimbap feast. And remember: in Korea, people mind their business. 5. Bhutan
Above Bhutan (Photo: Peng Lim / Pexels)
It's not the easiest country to get to, but that's the basis of its appeal. Bhutan doesn't do mass tourism, making it one of the quiet destinations that appeal to introverts. The country's 'High Value, Low Impact' approach keeps the tourist numbers low and the vibes meditative. Perfect for introverts seeking not just quiet, but meaning. Hike up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery, meditate with monks in Punakha or simply stare at the Himalayas until you forget what push notifications are. The daily tariff may be steep, but what you get in return is priceless: peace, purpose and maybe even enlightenment. 6. Iceland
Above Reykjavik (Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels)
If your ideal vacation includes more geysers than humans, Iceland delivers. Road trip along the Ring Road and you'll find waterfalls, black sand beaches and geothermal lagoons—often without another soul in sight. Reykjavik has just enough culture (see: punk museum in a public toilet) before you head into the wild. Don't be surprised if a local simply nods and keeps walking. It's not rudeness, it's respect for solitude. Bring layers and an epic playlist.
Also read: 7 stylish ways to experience Reykjavík 7. Taiwan
Above Taiwan (Photo: TU HAN-WEI / Pexels)
Taiwan is criminally underrated, especially for the low-key traveller or introverted ones seeking quiet destinations. In Taipei, you can explore night markets where eating alone is totally normal (even encouraged) and slurp your way through beef noodle soup with no side-eye. Escape to the misty mountains of Alishan for a solo train ride above the clouds or meditate at a Zen temple in Tainan. Teahouses offer the perfect pause. Imagine enjoying one pot, one book and one beautifully quiet afternoon. 8. Canada
Above Prince Edward Island (Photo: Sebastian Velandia / Pexels)
Whether you're canoeing through Banff's mirror lakes or wandering Québec's cobbled alleys, Canada is introvert-approved. Locals are famously polite and won't corner you at a café. Try Prince Edward Island if you want an Anne of Green Gables vibes or the Yukon if you're more into snow-covered silence. There's something deeply calming about a place that lets you be you, in a beanie, sipping coffee, staring at mountains.
See more: Singapore Tatler Recommends: 5 luxury wilderness resorts for a snowy escape 9. Laos
Above Luang Prabang (Photo: Simon Berger / Pexels)
While its neighbours may be more frenetic, Laos hums at its own serene pace, earning a spot in this list of quiet destinations. In Luang Prabang, saffron-robed monks walk in early morning silence and the Mekong River floats by like a moving meditation. There are waterfalls to explore, French-Lao bakeries to hide in and very few influencers in sight. You can take a cooking class, then eat your creation solo on a veranda surrounded by banana trees. No Wi-Fi needed.
