Do you enjoy traveling?
Have you ever been somewhere that left a lasting impression on you?
This time, I’d like to share a story from my trip to Italy last year — through the eyes of an introvert.
An Introvert Who Loves to Travel
It’s often said that introverts aren’t fond of unfamiliar people or places — in other words, they don’t really enjoy traveling. I remember feeling that way as a child. In fact, there were times when even leaving the house felt like too much 😅
But in my twenties, when I started living on my own, that changed. My curiosity gradually began to outweigh those negative feelings. I found myself drawn to the unknown — new places, new people, and new food — and started traveling, both within Japan and abroad, again and again.
That said, my trip to Italy last year felt different from all my previous travels.
First of all, it was far. The flight alone took about 16 hours one way, with transfers along the way — just getting there took a whole day 💦 And of course, the time difference. I know it comes with the territory when traveling abroad, but it’s still something I never quite get used to ⌛️
Italy Was Absolutely Breathtaking
When I finally arrived in Italy, the first thing I noticed was just how crowded it was. As one of the world’s top travel destinations, it was filled with tourists from all over — people of European, American, South American, and Arab descent. Many of them were faces I rarely see in Japan. Asians were clearly in the minority.
As someone who’s never been comfortable in crowds, I felt a little out of place, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed. I explored the cities with nerves on edge, feeling like I didn’t quite belong. I was exhausted by the end of each day. It felt like the introverted side of me — the one I usually forget while traveling — had quietly come back to the surface ^^;
Even so, Italy was absolutely wonderful. Not just the famous landmarks, but the ordinary city streets, the architecture, the meals — everything seemed draped in a robe of history and beauty, making me swoon at every turn. It was more than worth the 16-hour journey ✨
Leveling Up Like an RPG
This trip reminded me once again just how much I love traveling. These days, you can see the world through the internet or on YouTube without ever leaving your home. But no matter how detailed the video, you can’t truly experience a place without being there — the smells of the streets, the sounds, the warmth of the people, the feel of the food.
Relying on online content and calling it a “travel experience” feels, to me, like a missed opportunity. Of course, travel costs time and money, but each time I go, I always feel that what I gain is worth far more.
For introverts especially, leaving the comfort of home and setting off to distant places can feel daunting. But if you take just one brave step forward, you may find the path ahead isn’t so hard after all — and something new is always waiting to be discovered.
And if you can carry that experience home with you like a kind of souvenir, you may come to realize that you’ve grown — in ways you never imagined before setting off. It’s a bit like leveling up in an RPG after a big quest.
You too, embark on an exciting journey like an adventure!
