Tired of humans? Go wild(life) and meet these animals on your next trip
Meet these wildlife animals if you’re tired of interacting with humans | Photo from Wadjemup, Rottnest Island/Instagram
Traveling requires a lot of social battery. While meeting new people can be extremely beneficial—humans are social creatures, after all—there would be times when the mere thought of interacting with oversharing locals and fellow tourists makes you want to own (and wear) an invisible cloak.
So, what do you do then? Delay your travel plans at least until you’re ready for person-to-person encounters again? Well, that is one way to go about it. But what if you can actually go on a rewarding trip sans the need for small talk?
An average traveler wouldn’t immediately think of wildlife when crafting the itinerary—but perhaps it’s time to reconsider. Wildlife animals might just be the perfect “travel buddies” for when your social meter is at zero, and we’re here to give you a head start. (Plus, who knows, these wildlife animals might even provide you with a fresh perspective on travel.)
Manatees in Florida
If you want to learn a thing or two about “going with the flow,” try meeting the manatees. According to Save the Manatee Organization, these rotund mammals are slow-moving and gentle animals. They spend the majority of their time “eating, resting, and traveling”—the lifestyle everybody wants to live, seriously.
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Manatees (which are often referred to as “sea cows”) frequently inhabit the waters of Florida in the winter and Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina during summer.
Humpback (and killer) whales in Alaska
Booking a whale-watching tour in Juneau, Alaska (preferably between April and November) is like getting a VIP seat to a grand symphony orchestrated by nature. I mean, who would need words when a flick of a tail or a soaring leap can convey volumes?
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According to the locals, boat tours rarely return without catching sight of humpback whales and orcas (a.k.a. killer whales). So, you’ll most probably get to witness these ocean giants launch themselves out of the water with an exuberance that you wish you could channel when getting out of bed on a Monday morning.
Polar bears in Canada
Fun fact: Polar bears outnumber the people in Churchill, Manitoba for a few weeks of autumn every year. And this piece of information must be enough to let you know what kind of socialization to expect here, right?
ICYDK, Churchill is one of the few human settlements where you can see polar bears in their natural habitat. These colossal, fur-covered creatures are the embodiment of solitude (when not in attack mode) and self-reliance.
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As you observe them from a safe distance, get ready to be struck by their ability to thrive in harsh environments—all while still looking fluffy. The best part? Spending time with polar bears means having absolutely no need for conversation icebreakers.
Green sea turtles in Hawaii
If you’re tired of the demands of the land, it might be time to dive into an ocean of tranquility (literally). The Maui Diving Scuba Center in Hawaii offers an expert-guided underwater tour that guarantees a close encounter with green sea turtles.
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These aquatic animals (which are locally known as “Honu”) are the ultimate Zen masters of the deep blue. As you slip beneath the surface, you’ll find yourself in the company of these serene creatures swimming through the azure waters, seemingly impervious to the chaos of the human world.
They’re the epitome of chill. Their deliberate movements might just inspire you to take life at a more leisurely pace.
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Quokka in Western Australia
Two words: serotonin boosters. When in need of a good mood lift, a quokka encounter at Rottnest Island in Western Australia could be the ticket. Their ever-present grins and seemingly boundless energy have earned them a reputation of being the “world’s happiest animals.”
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Want to destress? Stare at a quokka’s grin. Feeling overwhelmed? Watch how a quokka hops along without a care in the world. It’s like these tiny marsupials hold the secret to eternal happiness, and you can unlock it by simply observing them. And seriously, who wouldn’t want a dose of that infectious positivity?
(P.S. Make sure to follow the guidelines during your visit, though. Don’t touch or feed them.)
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