Labor Day is right around the corner. You, as an introvert traveler, maybe thinking do I want to travel or stay put? Would you rather skip the holiday altogether; the crowds, the traffic, and crazy that comes with the end of summer travel? Here’s a trip tip. No matter when you travel; do the opposite of what the travel pundits are reporting. When a place becomes popular the crowds rush in, let the extroverts visit, it soothes their outgoing nature.
Before You Say Yes
Before you say yes, to please everyone, take time to think about the “Beautiful No,” as Sherri Salata so elegantly states. Saying NO is OK. It’s especially OK if you believe you’re going to be miserable the entire time. Who wants to go on vacation with cranky-pants? NOBODY!
Are you one of the few introvert travelers whose brave enough to venture out over Labor Day? I’ve thoughtfully curated an introvert travel itinerary full of Labor Day trip tips for the introvert traveler. The trip ideas include a few cities and a few small towns that may ideal for the introvert traveler.
Introvert Traveler: East Coast Ideas
Who would have thought New York City would make the cut for introvert travelers? In reality, New York City is a ghost town during the summer months. Residents flee to the Hamptons and elsewhere to escape the heat and stench that rises up from the subways. Just say’in. It’s hot as hell in the city, but an introvert won’t care, they’ll be too busy strolling through air-conditioned museums. It’s really the perfect time to check-out 200 of the world’s best museums without the crowds.
Museums
- The New York Historical Society – is the oldest museum in the city. It dates back to 1804 and is a haven for history buffs. Browse for hours on end, an introvert’s dream, at The Patricia D. Lkingenstien Library. This section of the museum houses; three million periodicals, books, newspapers, maps, photographs and more from our nation’s beginnings through slavery, Reconstruction, and beyond. The Gilder Lehrman Collection is where you can view signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, Thirteenth Amendment, and Constitution. Now through October 6- Life: Six Women Photographers. Trip Tip: Kid Programs are free on Friday with museum admission.
- The Whitney Museum – houses a collection of American art, focusing on upcoming artists, and art from the 20th- 21st century. Its permanent collection offers visitors a wide variety of mediums plus new media by more than 3,000 artists. From now until September 20th, visitors can enjoy the Whitney Biennial.
- You’ll want to stop and grab a bite at one of the two onsite restaurants. The views alone are worth the trip. Untitled on floor one is a seasonal American restaurant with an emphasis on vegetable dishes. Studio Cafe on the eighth floor serves-up a light menu, perfect for a quick snack.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) – is one of the most extraordinary museums in the world. If you only have time for one, make it the Met. Trip Tip: Research before you go as they often run summer specials. After you’ve wandered through two million objects covering 5,000 years of world history, you’ll want to shop the Met Store for unique treasures not found anywhere else.
Beyond the museums; City’s Culinary Offerings
Here are a few ideas to get you started. Thrillist also offers-up a great list of places to dine in the Big Apple:
- The Shake Shack – one of the first restaurants my NYC friends took me to when I visited many moons ago. The food is fabulous, they are planet-friendly, and their prices are affordable. Did I mention the food is fabulous?
- Tavern On The Green – in Central Park. Iconic. Need I say more.
- Milk and Roses – an Italian restaurant serving-up an intimate setting complete with a rose garden for the perfect romantic evening. It’s a cozy spot and one of Brooklyn’s best. Introvert travelers this place will feel like home as it’s located in a cozy, historic library.
- Beaumont’s, Williamsburg, Brooklyn – a throwback to when Italian restaurants where red-velvety, dimly lite places were the norm, while the tomato sauce is oh-so delish.
- Di Fara Pizza, Brooklyn – the best food comes from love. That’s what Don DeMarco has been doing for 80-years, and today he still makes handmade pizzas. Seriously, how many pizza’s have you eaten that are freshly made with basil, mozzarella, and chunks of tomato sauce, and LOVE? It’s legendary.
Do, entertain the idea of a Brooklyn walking tour it’s a great way to see the area; it’s intimate, engaging, and it’s walking!
Introvert Traveler: West Coast Ideas
Seattle, Washington, maybe a bit much for an introvert traveler; but a gorgeous slice of paradise is found a ferry ride away on Bainbridge Island. This unhurried island encompasses 28 square miles with 53 square miles of shoreline with a population hovering around 20,000. The town is beautiful and quaint. The good news is the town has managed to escape the overtourism epidemic that many small towns in America are facing. Great news for introverts!
Hop on the ferry and dock just up the hill from the charming town of Winslow. If you didn’t bring your car, no worries, the town offers bike rentals. Do rent a bike. Bikes are perfect for exploring the backroads and the hidden areas of the island. Don’t miss the Bainbridge wineries and coffee shops as they capture the essence of the place.
Other Places in Bainbridge to Explore
- Bainbridge Island Farmers’ Market– a place where fresh bread, artisan pasta, barbecue, sandwiches, and omelets can be purchased.
- Viking Ice Cream – has its roots in Scandinavia. Delicious homemade ice-cream offering some of the best local flavors available on the island made from locally produced ingredients.
- Bloedel Reserve – a nod to the Japanese influence on the island with an immersive Zen-like vibe. A French-style chateau-greats visitors before they step foot into the thick forest of conifer, pine, Japanese maple trees, and lichen-covered fallen trees. Visitors can spot local wildlife. Do look up for migratory birds, and stroll the woods and swampy lakes of the Reserve for contemplative moments.
Celebrate Labor Day in smalltown America
Minneapolis
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota – is an ideal Labor Day getaway for outdoor lovers. The Walker Art Museum is a visual feast for the eyes, as oversized outdoor sculptures loom large. Trip Tip; free admission on Thursday nights. Also, you may want to schedule time for Mississippi River Trail the perfect thing to do for reflection and stillness. Minnehaha Park is a must-visit. Trip Tip: It does get crowded because it’s a popular park. The park closes at midnight. Introvert travelers can avoid the throngs have people if they visit during the evening hours when it’s less crowded. Fingers crossed. 😇
New Mexico
White Sands, New Mexico – Bring your camera and enjoy the rolling pure-white dunes which stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a mystical place and the bleached-white landscape is unearthly. It’s the ideal place to ponder, reflect and enjoy the wonder of it all.
Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennesse has beautiful farmers markets and plentiful hiking opportunities:
- Ijams Nature features 10 miles of trails, rock formations, lakes, and jaw-dropping overlooks. Did you bring a journal? It’s a great place to organize your thoughts.
- Down the road from Ijams Visitor Center is the beautiful Mead’s Quarry. This is a tranquil escape and the perfect place to spend a kid-friendly day enjoying the great outdoors; kayaking, paddleboarding, or just strolling through the quarry. 🌞
Mississippi
Ocean Springs, Mississippi – Is a quaint small town on the Gulf of Mexico. Its charming downtown area is walkable and welcoming with Mom & Pop shops, curated eateries, and local art. Or if you prefer to antique shops visit Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi.
Wyoming
Sundance Wyoming – Black Hills National Forest is not as famous as Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Parks, but it offers awe-inspiring climbs. These recreational opportunities are perfectly suited for reflection and pondering, the introvert traveler’s way of enjoying the beauty of nature. Stay at one of the park’s 39 campgrounds and explore to your heart’s content hiking, biking, climbing, or fishing.
Labor Day The Best Trip Tips for the Introvert Traveler
I hope you find this blog post useful. It’s always my intention to create itineraries that meet and exceed your travel personality traits. Let me know if you do happen to visit any of the places I mentioned above. I would love to hear more about your experiences.
Stay Tuned — There’s More
I am working on a free quiz and developing a detailed tiny book for each travel personality type. It’s taking me longer than anticipated because I take longer to make a decision; it’s the “P” in me, that keeps me pondering. But know when they are ready they will be uber useful for the introvert traveler who seeks to gently transform, awaken and self-actualize by tapping into your inner travel guide – your authentic soul self, while on vacation.
My radio interview for What’s Your Travel Personality?, aired on Speaking of Travel part of the iHeart radio network with Marilyn Ball. Give it a listen here. If you want to be one of the first to find out what your unique travel personality type is, click here to sing up for new blog posts on the topic, a free quiz and more!
You can also find me on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
Happy Labor Day!
Photo Credit: Visit Bainbridge.com
An updated post from 2018.
