Neurodivergent? Is it better to travel in a group or solo? 

During my solo traveling I will join guided tours or audio tours (solo). Because that's on my own term and usually in a manageable group. But this is also depended on the guide and what/why I am taking the tour. Eating can be a problem still.. because I get overwhelmed. So I become vegan or vegetarian to limited choices. For coffee I go to specialty coffee shops. Because I love the vibe.. and they usually very calm. The biggest problem is that I want and need to talk to others. And when you are traveling solo and not socially strong this can lead to frustration. So i call my guidance counselor on set times and dates. Which helps a lot but it is still challenging.. especially during citytrip.. it is better when I do my solo bike tours because I follow well known routes and people are always curious about the girl on her bike.. and I will meet other cyclist and talk to them how they do every thing. I have learned some basic tips that where very helpful. On how to take breaks, what and when to eat and drink, etc.

Love your approach to solo travel! Joining tours and hitting up coffee shops sounds like a chill way to explore. Are you joining day tours / walking tours? I probably didn't make it as clear as I could, but they're also the perfect solution to avoiding full on social and sensory overwhelm!

@@BetterNeurodivergentTravel in general not a planned day trip. It too much, too long, too quick.. only if have to or it is better for my budget I will see.. But I need a day off afterwards...so I would rather plan myself which gives me more control. But because I love cycling I will go on a biking tour. Free walking tours can be fun but sometimes crowed.. that why I switched to payed guided tours usually from the tourist office. Better guides and smaller groups.

@@BetterNeurodivergentTravel My biggest lesson: travel far enough until you meet yourself.. and some things don't magically disappear when you are on vacation. For some neurotypicals their struggles feel less.. for me it is not. For example I have selective mutism so asking or saying something is a huge task..especially when it is not my native language. It has frustrated me but I doesn't mean I can't travel. Or just getting lost because I can't read maps. I have done some trial and error trips close to home. To see what comes up. Like I can't visit museums or galleries because it overwhelms me..if I really want to either a guide or audiotour and a day off afterwards. Same for eating out something I usually don't do. But I have to do it more often to make it easier during trips.. if someone would ask me for tips this is what I would advise. Start close to home... trial and error until you meet yourself or your boundaries.

Absolutely! Tasty tacos are important! But seriously, solo travel is a lot easier in many ways.

@@BetterNeurodivergentTravel but also who can take your pics!?? So many pros and cons!

I will offer to take a pic for a couple or small group, and then ask the woman to take mine... the women know how to get a flattering angle! 😀

I use Trusted House Sitters, typically. No money changes hands, just a mutual beneficial exchange because 9 times out of 10 you're looking after their pets too. It's free to browse. If you want to sign up, please get in touch because I have a 25% off link for anyone I refer. Not been to Japan YET but I really want to. I've seen those solo dining booths... been in one in a London Japanese restaurant and it was perfect, no inadvertant awkward eye contact LOL

@@BetterNeurodivergentTravel super curious about that! Yes please share! I wonder if anyone would come house sit for us????

I'm sure someone would! If you send me an email through this page, I'll send you the link (I'm not supposed to post the referral link publicly) betterndtravel.com/contactme