Solo Travel

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone

Introduction

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone: There is so much satisfaction in a solo adventure, venturing to new lands at your rhythm and engrossing oneself in introspection. 

However, one of the biggest questions solo travelers typically have is How do I meet people on the road? Connecting with people during a solo trip can lead to some of the most memorable experiences that then make this once-in-a-lifetime journey even more impactful for both you and your new friends. 

So whether it be meeting locals, joining other travelers are some budget-friendly options to socialize with the strangers you meet on the road.

These tips can make friends and fellow travelers come easily into your life all whilst staying within a solo travel budget.

Private Rooms in Hostels Guesthouses and Cheap Hotels

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone: You want to socialize, so you seek for the easiest way available when traveling solo by picking up proper accommodation that helps people interact easily. 

With a friendly ambiance and common areas, hostels are home for travelers from different places to grab a beer, share stories and plan out their trip together. 

Seek out hostels that have gathering spaces, such as a lounge, kitchen or game room (where a pool table usually is); they can create an environment for people to congregate.

If hostels are not for you, also keep an eye out for guesthouses or budget hotels with shared areas that are more affordable.

Most guesthouses have a shared dining area or garden where you can relax and meet other travelers. 

Luxurious hotels, on the other hand, tend to be less social and more snobbish perfect for a little pampered getaway, but not so great at making friends and being economical with your travel budget.

Book Group Tours and Activities

One more great option is to join group tours or activities while traveling alone. Book a city tour, cooking class, or guided hike and you will always be able to connect with fellow travelers over mutual experiences on all these group occasions.

Most group tour travelers are meeting new people too, which means it is a great mingling atmosphere.

Join low-cost group tours that match with your preferences and budget, be bold to introduce yourself to other people in the groups. 

Choose activities that have social components, such as a group meal or coffee break: these provide encouraged opportunities to talk and make friends.

Use Social Apps for Travelers

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone: Community A nomad, or expatriate finding community through social apps [ rasande in the digital age ] with fellow travelers and locals. 

Find similar interest people around you with apps like Meetup, Couchsurfing and Bumble BFF.

For example, Meetup has different types of groups (such as language exchanges, hiking groups), and you can participate in meet ups that match your interests. 

In addition to its hospitality exchange, the home-sharing network Couchsurfing offers a “Hangouts” feature that allows solo travelers to connect for coffee, sightseeing or an evening out. 

They offer a low-cost opportunity to connect with locals or other travelers, so you can make new buddies without blowing your entire budget for the trip.

Go to Nearby Events for Free or For a Fee

More Information: Most cities have free or low-cost events going on almost every weekend, whether it be an art exhibition going on at a local gallery, some music act performing live in a city park. 

The opening of a new trendy street festival or simply just an arts and craft market you can stroll through alone or while spending time with your significant other.

These events are a great way to meet people from the area and experience culture in an inexpensive way. 

A benefit of these activities is that you can see and meet people in a natural environment, which makes it much easier to talk to someone.

Check for local event listings ahead of your visit or ask staff at your hostel or guesthouse. 

If you are doing these activities, you turn your travel not just into the best memories but also connect with new friends along your journey.

Volunteer While Traveling

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone: Alternatively, giving back is another great way to meet fellow travelers and the locals at little-to-no cost, by volunteering your time with a cause that you’re passionate about. 

Various organizations across the globe open their doors to travelers who would like to volunteer a few hours of their day in return for some food, bed or experiences.

Whether it is teaching English, organic farm work or community project aid work; they all promote a common goal between cultures. 

You will meet the locals,meet with other volunteers and build lifelong friendships. Some popular websites for finding volunteer opportunities all over the world include Workaway, HelpX and WWOOF.

Useful Commons: The Cafés, Parks and Markets

Cafés, parks, and public markets are also great social spaces to meet new people when you travel alone. 

For example, hanging out at a cozy café lets you witness the local vibe and if your lucky, other solo travelers or locals are game for a short conversation. 

Public parks are also an excellent venue for meeting people because you can find a game to join, or just talk to someone walking through the park.

Markets, in particular, are buzzing with activity and create a dynamic setting to interact with locals. 

Speak to vendors about their goods or participate in a local cooking class that starts with a market tour. It is an inexpensive way of spending some time with the locals while on a trip to unknown places.

Walk and social events by the hostels you stay in

Most hostels will hold social events such as barbecues, karaoke nights, game nights and even pub crawls to help you meet other travelers.

These kinds of events are typically either low-cost or free for guests in the hostel, making it a convenient and cost-effective option to meet new people.

A few hostels in the city apologise walking tours where you can learn about the destination and meet new travelers.

Walking tours are usually slow-paced, which means you can speak with other people on the tour as you walk. 

Feel free to introduce yourself or encourage others to grab a meal, or get some coffee post-tour.

Take Public Transport As An Opportunity To Communicate

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone: It may seem outrageous, but public transport is often overlooked as a great method to meet people while travelling alone that is, if you are willing to approach locals. 

Small talk is easy when one has to sit on a long train or bus ride, the natural opportunity brought about by people being always interested in travelers.

Asking where to eat or things to do tends to spark a conversation and be friendly. 

Taking public transportation is not only great for your wallet, but it offers you an awesome way to mingle with the locals and learn a little bit more about the environment.

Join Classes or Workshops

A local course or workshop also gives you the opportunity to meet new people while learning something new. 

Classes are a great way for like-minded individuals to meet and mingle whether it be dance classes, pottery workshops, language lessons or cooking courses. 

Most workshops are highly affordable so you can participate in an inexpensive activity and socialize as well.

From a one-day course to a week-long class, these experiences also unite travelers and create memories for life.

Find an experience that resonates with you, so we can learn together and break the ice—so go ahead and register.

Talk To Everyone, Wear your Smile and Chill Out

You can also just play it simple, just being open to yourself in other people and make friends when you are in solo travelling. 

When the road lets out into a larger area, watch the fellow travelers around you, and a smile and eye contact with some friendliness is open invitation for conversation. 

It may feel like too much, but a simple introduction can get you to great places.

You can always start with a simple question about the area or compliment to break the ice. 

Most people like friendly and approachable folks, so allow your positive vibes to pave the road towards new friends.

Conclusion: How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone

How to Make Friends While Traveling Alone: Travelling alone is a journey that empowers you to explore places and connect with your self too. 

The thought of making friends whilst travelling solo can be scary, but with an open mind and a desire to connect – it is very doable. 

Through social accommodation, group activities & connecting with locals, you’ll realize that solo travel friends are easier to find than you might expect.

Attending events and simply being accessible, no matter the scenario, can quickly convert either. 

Enjoy the travel, meet close friends and make good memories. The people you meet along the way are often the highlights of your travel experience.


solotravelia@gmail.com

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