5 Travel Destinations for Queer Introverts
With travel surging this year to pre-pandemic levels, summer hotspots like Provincetown and the Hamptons are expected to get quite crowded this year, which is amazing! After two long years, we know people are ready to get back out there, see the world, and party! But what about those of us who are somewhat introverted? We want to get back out there too. We also long to satisfy our wanderlust, maybe just with a few thousand people less involved. What’s there for us to do? Well, fear not! There are plenty of travel destinations for introverts, a handful of which are presented below.
Pontresina, Switzerland
Located in the Engadine region, this quaint resort and spa town is located within the Alps Mountain Range. Ski enthusiasts will enjoy access to three of the country’s top resorts during the wintertime, but for the introverts among us we recommend a summertime visit. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to explore here and the views plus the natural beauty of the wildflowers need to be seen to be believed. The best vantage point can be found at Muottas Muragl, high above the lakes of Upper Engadine. It’s the perfect day trip. Try to make it there for a sunset you’ll never forget.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
A lot of our destinations for introverts are harder to get to which naturally thins out the crowds. The same is true for Nantucket which neighbor’s Martha’s Vineyard with the added bonus of being just a little bit harder to access. Summer does see a tourism surge but if you go during the off-peak season, you will enjoy all the peace, quiet and charm New England is famous for. Whale watching, lobster rolls and clapboard cottages await on this small island located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod.
Appalachian Trail, Eastern United States
The Appalachian Trail is a hiking trail that extends 2200 miles between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine. It is the longest hiking-only trail in the world, and it attracts some 3 million visitors who hike segments of the trail each year. Considering the length of the trail and the fact that it spans 14 different eastern states, this is a popular destination for travelers seeking solitude or a reconnection with nature. Paint blazes are used throughout the trail to help direct hikers to shelter, viewpoints and supplies. For more information and to help preplan your trip visit The Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
Kauai, Hawaii
Nicknamed “The Garden Island” for the rainforest that covers most its land mass, Kauai is the furthest isle of the ‘big five’ from the mainland. Besides all the benefits you’d expect from a tropical Hawaiian vacation, stunning views are available throughout the island. Try the view from the lookout point at Waimea Canyon. More adventurous travelers will take the Kalepa Ridge Trail with panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley. Helicopter tours are also available to drink in those lush landscapes.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The number of people admitted to this Ecuadorian archipelago is limited to protect its diverse and fragile ecosystem. With only approximately 80,000 people admitted annually, you will never encounter crowds here, but you will encounter rare and beautiful wildlife throughout the islands. Tour the famous areas that provided inspiration for Charles Darwin’s research on evolution in peaceful and gorgeous surroundings.
