Top Destinations for Introverts & Extroverts

Whether you’re travelling solo and keeping to yourself or hoping to meet as many new faces as possible, we’ve got the destination for you.

Humans are usually classed as one of two things: introverts or extroverts – two groups of people who rarely share much of the other’s interests. Yet, there is something that these seemingly opposite personality types have in common; something universally shared. A love of travelling, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t? However, both introverts and extroverts seek different experiences and ways of travelling. So, whether you’re looking for the coolest bar packed with new people or an isolated farmhouse in the middle of the countryside, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of destinations to satisfy both types of travellers.

Introverts

As a fellow introvert, I have personal insight into what we look for when travelling. Historic cities with empty streets to explore, small towns with locals who greet you with the tip of a hat and nothing more. If you’re looking for peace and quiet but plenty to keep your mind engaged, these are the destinations for you.

Finland

With a population of just over 5.5 million, Finland is perfect for introverts. It may sound like a lot, but considering New York City alone has a population of nearly 20 million, it’s safe to say you won’t be bumping into people on the sidewalks here. From the cultural capital of Helsinki to ski towns in the Finnish Lapland, introverts will be spoilt for choice.

an aerial view of Helsinki City — Traverse under-the-radar spots across Helsinki.

Helsinki is a city sans skyscrapers; in fact, its tallest building is located on the outskirts of the capital and sits at a mere 134 metres tall. This means fewer overwhelmingly crammed streets that make you feel like you’re all boxed in.

colourful buildings along Helsinki — Pastel-hued structures line up the streets.

Best known for its sea-facing landscape, subculture, architecture and art, Helsinki is a wanderer’s paradise. If you’re in the capital, must-see sites include Suomenlinna Fortress, Siberius Park, Kamppi Chapel of Silence and Helsinki’s Design District.

the Kamppi Chapel of Silence in Finland — Kamppi Chapel is a calm and peaceful refuge.

Not a fan of the city? Me either. Head north to the Finnish Lapland for soul-searching and going solo. Experience outdoor adventure in this vast subarctic wilderness, with natural phenomena such as the midnight sun and Northern Lights sure to inspire wonder. I recommend visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi or learning about the culture of the Indigenous Sámi people in Inari.

the Santa Claus Village in Finland — Visit the official hometown of Santa Claus in Finland.

New Zealand

With more sheep than people (approximately five sheep to every person), you’re more likely to run into a lamb than another human. Welcome to Aotearoa/New Zealand.

New Zealand is made up of stunning landscapes, mountain peaks and deep-dive lakes. Quiet thrill-seekers can dabble in hiking or bungy-jumping, while others can opt to cruise Milford Sound or explore Hobbiton.

a picturesque view of the mountain peaks in Milford Sound — Towering mountain peaks serve as a majestic backdrop of Milford Sound.

Cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch offer artistic, cultural and historic experiences. I recommend the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington for its awe-inspiring Māori art. Or check out some of the South Island’s best vineyards on a Queenstown Wine Trail.

a tip of a boat sailing across Milford Sound — Stunning natural wonders make up New Zealand.

A visit to Lake Rotomairewhenua in the depths of Nelson Lakes National Park is also a must, holding the title of the world’s clearest lake. Considered sacred to the Māori people, it’s important to remain respectful and follow the rules (no swimming or washing in, touching or taking lake water). Lake Rotomairewhenua can be reached via the Travers-Sabine Circuit.

a scenic view of Lake Rotomairewhenua — Lake Rotomairewhenua is a picturesque lake with the clearest water in the world.

Nepal

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity that is Nepal – a small, landlocked country in Asia. It is the dreamiest place to reset and recharge.

For introverts, Nepal is one of the best places to travel solo as it’s known for being safe and quiet. If you find solace in movement, there are countless treks across the country, from Everest views in the Himalayas to diverse scenery along hiking circuits.

peak of Mt Everest in Nepal — Be sure to include Mt Everest in your bucketlist.

Nepal embodies the philosophy of taking your time and being present. A great way to ground yourself is by visiting any of the ancient and serene temples on offer. Pashupatinath Temple is a no-brainer; listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, it is considered the oldest temple in Nepal, dating back to at least 1692 CE.

the exterior view of Pashupatinath Temple — Pashupatinath Temple is among the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal.

Whether you choose to meander at your own pace or smash out as many hikes as you can, this beautiful country of colours and contrasts will welcome you with open arms.

an aerial view of the rugged mountains in Nepal — Embark on a mystic journey to the mountainous region of Nepal.

Iceland

What better way to get away from it all than to visit a tiny island nation in the middle of the North Atlantic? If looming skyscrapers and never-ending cities sound a little intimidating, look no further than Iceland.

Iceland is an introvert’s paradise, consecutively ranking first on the Global Peace Index. Its capital city Reykjavík is currently home to under 200,000 people – practically heaven on Earth for introverts who like the city but loathe the crowds.

snow-capped hills in Reykjavík, Iceland — Catch sweeping views of the snow-capped hills behind Reykjavík city.

Facing Faxaflói Bay, the city is backdropped by the peninsula of Akranes and Snæfellsjökull in the distance, promising unreal views all day long. Reykjavík highlights include Hallgrímskirkja Church, Skólavörðustígur, the Perlan Museum and Tjörnin Lake.

sunset view of Hallgrímskirkja Church in Iceland — The towering structure of Hallgrímskirkja Church is an astounding landmark in Iceland.

However, Iceland’s main drawcard is its sweeping and sparse countryside: natural hot springs, ancient ice caves, mountain waterfalls and sprawling meadows dot Iceland’s landscape; epitomising solitude and quiet living.

a small waterfalls in Iceland — Iceland is famed for its scenic landscapes.

Japan

This may seem like an odd inclusion, considering Japan has one of the world’s highest populations. Yet this city seems designed for individuals, which is perfect for us introverts. From restaurants with privacy walls to hostels with bed curtains, this is the place to be if you favour the fast life but on your own terms.

Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are brimming with restaurants designed for going solo. No more sitting at a table for one; sidle up to the counter and watch the chef cook. Don’t worry about awkward eye contact or butting elbows with fellow patrons. Many restaurants in Japan have single-seater booths with walls on either side and a small window the chef can open to deliver your food.

a warm bowl of ramen — Indulge in a warm, comforting bowl of ramen.

Another introvert perk are Japan’s capsule hotels. These small pods are perfect for solo travellers who like their own space but have a small budget. Inside you’ll find a bed, storage and sometimes even a small TV. Note that bathrooms are shared, but female- and male-only capsule hotels exist.

capsule hotel in Japan — Stay overnight in a capsule hotel.

Extroverts

I may not be an extrovert myself, but I’ve travelled with my fair share of them. Life of the party types who are down for anything, with anyone, anywhere. If your next adventure needs the excitement and exhilaration of new faces and spaces, we’ve got the places for you.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has got it going on. Home to over seven million people across just over 1,000 square kilometres, you’re bound to make new friends. It may be small, but Hong Kong sure packs a punch. The streets are alive with activity 24/7, from street food stalls surrounded by late-night foodies to bars overflowing with club-goers.

A trip to Disneyland Hong Kong is essential; laugh yourself silly on rollercoasters and feast upon Disney-themed treats well into the night. With such a vibrant, synergetic atmosphere, you’ll be making mates in no time.

a wide variety of street food in Hong Kong — Taste your way around its street food laneways.

The district of Lan Kwai Fong is known for its neon-lit streets, laneways, bars and nightlife. Events are often held here, from street performances and music gigs to pub crawl tours and shopping strips. Head here for a night of carousing.

streets in Hong Kong at night — The streets are more alive at night.

Other unmissable experiences include a visit to Tian Tan Buddha, a fun-filled day at Ocean Park and a wander through the Hong Kong Museum of History. Even extroverts will hit the hay feeling spent.

an aerial shot of Tian Tan Bhuddha in Hong Kong — Tian Tan Bhuddha is a representation of man’s relationship with nature.

Spain

From booming cities like Barcelona and Madrid to the vacay islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, Spain attracts extroverts like moths to a flame. Don’t bother writing up an itinerary, you’ll find something new around every corner.

If you’re a lover of architecture, history and distinct cultural experiences, meet your latest lover: Spain. Discover primordial basilicas, loaded museums, gothic quarters and palatial casas – you’re truly spoilt for choice.

the unfinished structure of Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain — Sagrada Família is the largest unfinished Catholic church in Spain.

Mallorca and Ibiza’s reputations definitely precede them in the best way possible. Known locally as hot-to-trot party destinations, you can rise with the sun and party into the night on these islands of endless summer.

a small yacht navigating the turquoise-coloured waters of Mallorca — Sail across the turquoise-coloured waters of Mallorca.

Before the global pandemic hit, Spain saw millions of visitors per year, with numbers increasing again post-pandemic. So, you’re sure to go home with a multitude of new connections, both locals and globetrotters alike.

an array of sun loungers facing the sea at Ibiza Beach Club — Bask in warm sunshine at Ibiza Beach Club.

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Amsterdam

Easy, breezy Amsterdam – the most populous city of the Netherlands. The layout of this city is perfect for extrovert-inspired exploring; flat streets flaunting funky restaurants, hip bars, whimsical bookshops and Dutch gift shops selling groovy souvenirs.

A draw card for extroverts is the number of hostels across the city. Not only are they cheap and packed full of travellers, but they’re also designed to be cool, comfortable and collaborative.

vibrant streets of Amsterdam — Groove your way around the city’s hip boutiques and restaurants.

Take St Christopher’s at The Winston – this hostel has its own on-site nightclub on the ground floor. ClinkNOORD is another brilliant option, with a particularly extroverted design. You’ll find the atmosphere is similar at hostels all over the city, no matter the price point.

a canal tour along the historical waterways of Amsterdam — Cruise along the historical waterways of Amsterdam.

The vibes of Amsterdam vibrate on a gregarious level. From the jumping streets of De Negen Straatjes and Foodhallen to wine- and cheese-themed canal tours and the famous Van Gogh Museum, you’ll be running from one side of the city to the other and meeting amazing Amsterdammers along the way.

the exterior of Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam — Don’t miss out on the dreamy art installations at Van Gogh Museum.

Brazil

You’ll be welcomed with open arms and beautiful, bright smiles upon your arrival in Brazil. Known for its lively culture and tenacious residents – where better to travel as an extrovert?

Rio de Janeiro, the capital of Brazil, is laden with adventures for thrill-seekers and partygoers. You’ll find parties all over the city, from booming beach clubs along the coast to raving nightclubs in the heart of the city.

an aerial view of Rio De Janeiro — Set foot in the bustling seaside city of Rio De Janeiro.

Namely, the district of Lapa is practically jumping every night of the week. The usual bars, pubs and restaurants are all fantastic, however, Lapa’s claim to fame is its hugely popular street parties. Gather with locals and tourists and dance to samba music under the iconic Carioca Aqueduct.

the exterior of Carioca Aqueduct — The Carioca Aqueduct is your gateway to Lapa’s nightlife centre.

Festivals are another Brazilian staple. Whether you want to groove to live music in the sun or celebrate the cultures of the country, there’ll be a festival with your name on it. Either way, you’ll leave Brazil sun-kissed, with funky music well and truly setting up shop in your head. Not to mention a contact list full of new friends.

an aerial shot of Cococabana Beach — Get your sun-kissed glow at Cococabana Beach.

United States

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning North America. With more metropoles than one can care to count, extroverts will feel right at home in The States.

the bustling strip of Las Vegas — Experience the lively nightlife scene in Las Vegas.

Los Angeles is on the bucket list of thousands; the sheer number of interesting individuals wandering the hip streets of LA is a sure enough reason for any extrovert to visit. You’ll get to know an eclectic and exciting bunch of characters by strolling a beach promenade or stopping for coffee on a street corner.

welcome to las vegas signage — Las Vegas is a renowned entertainment district in the world.

Extroverts can be quite good at stepping out of their comfort zone, and LA has more than enough on offer to help you do just that. Rollerskate The Strand in front of hundreds; brush shoulders with celebrities at Coachella; or discover the dark side at The Museum of Death.

a group of teens rollerskating in LA — Feel your adrenaline pumping on roller skates.

Don’t forget the concrete jungle of New York City; what sounds more appealing to an extrovert than a city that never sleeps? Boogie your way through New Orleans, hit The Strip in Las Vegas or party it up in Atlanta. Trust me, you’ll be all extroverted out.

bustling streetscape in New York — New York is deemed a city that never sleeps for a reason.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

The best destinations for introverts and extroverts revealed