How to Make Friends When Traveling Solo

Some people think that traveling alone is a weird thing and they find it intimidating. But every once in a while, it’s not bad to travel alone because it gives you the chance to know yourself more and to know other people outside your comfort zone. Meeting new people is one of the perks of traveling solo. Who knows, you might just meet you new best friend or your soul mate. Just make sure that you do everything responsibly.

Try Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is very simple and you do not have to be afraid to try it. Some people in foreign areas open their houses to travelers for free just to get to meet new people and make new friends. Most often, these people are also travelers, so that’s one common interest they will share with you. It is not as scary as you might think, even if you are a girl. You just have to be cautious if you decide to try couchsurfing.

Stay In A Hostel

Hostels are like dorms that offer transient or temporary board and lodging. This is an easy way for you to find a new friend or a new group that you can hand out with during your whole stay. Because of the number of people in one room, you will surely be able to find one or more who share the same interests as you or who can teach new things.

Join A Group Tour

Do not be a snob when you are mixed in a crowd; look friendly and be friendly. People who join tours most likely share the same interests as you. This is a good place to start a small talk and eventually gain new friends. Joining a group tour is also one of the most effective budgeting travel tips because you can go through the experience yet share the costs with a group.

Go On A Pub Crawl

The idea of going on a pub crawl is simple: try to go and visit at least 4 to 5 pubs in a night. A lot of towns and cities have numerous pubs in their locality and it will not be hard for you to find one because these places can sometimes be found in just one area. Try making small talk and meet a few people in every pub you enter and you might end up having a group of friends by the end of the night.

Ask Questions

A good way to start a conversation with a stranger is to ask a question. For example, you can verify what the tour guide said with the person beside you. Small talk can lead to lasting and unexpected friendships. If you think about it, small talk is really how most relationships start.

Use Social Networking Sites

You have to take an interest in other people’s lives. This does not mean you have to be nosy, but you have to be interested. Add new friends and keep in touch with them. You might just earn a travel buddy in your next travel plans if you do this. Social media networking sites are a great way to find out travel tips and meet people.

Sign Up For Activities

Even when you are on a vacation, you can still do good things, like volunteering. Some countries need volunteers to teach indigenous groups or small children English. Some need volunteers for their medical missions. By joining such activities, you are not only doing a good deed but also exposing yourself to good people. Other activities may include taking up a class exclusive to that place or a class that will help you explore your talents and the people who you can share these interests with. When traveling solo, this is a great way to spend some of your time.

Be Open-Minded

Let go of you hang-ups and worries whenever you travel alone. You do not have to be suspicious with every person you meet. You can be cautious, but do not freak out. Since you are on a vacation, let go of yourself and just go with the flow, but remember to do these things responsibly.