Travelling solo can be an incredibly enriching and rejuvenating experience. As a fervent advocate of solo adventures, it is firmly believe that even when the pursuit of solitude is your primary goal, there will inevitably be moments when you yearn to forge meaningful connections with fellow travellers.
However, making friends while travelling alone, while not an arduous task, requires strategic thinking. Beyond being sociable and approachable, it entails placing yourself in situations conducive to meeting new acquaintances. Even if you aim not to form lifelong friendships, there are instances during solo travel where having companions can enhance safety and enjoyment. So, if you’re eager to connect with fellow explorers during your solitary journey, here are some valuable tips to swiftly establish those connections.
Embrace Group Tourist Activities
Participating in organized group activities is the most effective method for conversing with fellow travellers. While it may seem obvious, there’s a savvy approach to this. Before booking any tour, ensure you read reviews that hint at group interaction opportunities. Unlike popular travel platforms like Expedia and Viator, Eventbrite offers a travel-specific filter for various activities. This feature proves particularly useful if you’re seeking activities tailored for meeting people, such as organized bar crawls.
Opt for Social Accommodation
The choice of lodging can significantly influence the success of your vacation. While there are compelling reasons to favour hotels over Airbnb, such as comparable costs, guaranteed cleanliness, and convenient locations, if your goal is to make new friends, you might want to consider foregoing the privacy of hotels.
When it comes to forming connections—or, at the very least, finding drinking companions—nothing beats the hostel experience. While hostels are often associated with young, party-going students in their study abroad programs, you’ll find travellers of all ages and backgrounds residing in hostels. If communal living doesn’t suit your preferences, consider booking Airbnb or Couchsurfing hosts who promote social interactions. Even if you opt for a hotel, make an effort to spend time in communal areas like the lobby or dining spaces.
Stay Unplugged
While enjoying a carefully curated travel playlist with your headphones is delightful, remaining open to spontaneous conversations with fellow travellers is crucial. This advice concerns ditching the Air Pods and presenting yourself as approachable and receptive to interactions.
Leverage Social Media
Jumpstart your journey by connecting with people before you even set foot in your destination. Platforms like Facebook groups, Reddit boards, and friendship apps like Bumble BFF offer fruitful avenues to find like-minded individuals interested in making friends during their travels. If you feel comfortable, consider posting on your existing social networks that you’re “eager to meet up with friends.”
Learn Local Phrases
Immersing yourself in the local culture by learning a few native phrases can deepen your understanding of the destination. Language and culture are intricately linked, and while you don’t need to become fluent overnight, locals appreciate the effort when they hear you attempting their language. Not only does this make you more approachable to the local population, but it’s also an excellent way to bond with fellow travellers by sharing your newfound linguistic skills.
Embark on a Bar Crawl
Participating in a bar crawl is a popular and highly effective method for meeting new people seeking a good time. After all, what better way to explore local beverages and the ambience of bars?
Bar crawls are common in tourist hotspots, often promoted by hostels. They typically start at a designated bar or hostel, allowing you to roam with fellow travellers. While mingling at the initial bar may seem awkward, people are usually more relaxed by the time you reach the second one, making it easier to form new friendships.
Final Thoughts
Solo travellers often exude trust, but it’s essential to prioritize basic safety precautions, such as monitoring your drink and refraining from disclosing your accommodation details to strangers. Additionally, always respect others’ boundaries. When attempting to make new friends, ensure that both parties share equal enthusiasm; you wouldn’t want to be the one who disrupts someone’s quest for solitude.
Ultimately, remember that you don’t have to make friends everywhere you go, but kudos to you for making the effort!
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