Solo traveling is amazing, but it can also seem a bit scary at first. You might worry about feeling alone or wonder how to meet people on the go.
Let me tell you, solo travelling is anything but lonely. I have met some of the most amazing people while backpacking around the world, and it was never hard to meet people, nor did it take much time.
To calm your nerves a bit, here are 11 easy ways to meet people while traveling on your own:
1. Staying at Backpacker Hostels
The number one place to meet people while travelling solo is backpacker hostels. You are surrounded by many people who are in the same situation as you, travelling on their own, ready to meet others, and generally open-minded.
2. Hanging Around in the Common Areas
You have just arrived at your new hostel and don’t know anybody? The common area of your hostel is the perfect place to bump into people and start a conversation.
3. Joining Activities, Classes and Tours
One of the easiest ways to start talking to people is by going on tours or joining activities. Whether it’s a walking tour, a pub quiz, or a 4-day motorbike tour through the mountains of northern Vietnam, chances are by the end you will be sharing drinks in the evening with your newfound companions or even end up travelling together for the next couple of weeks.
4. Getting Up for the Free Breakfast
If your hostel offers free breakfast, it is a great way to meet people! Join a table, sit down, and say hi! You can start the conversation by introducing yourself and asking what their plans are for the day. It’s the perfect time to chat with people before they head out for the day, and who knows, you might even end up spending the day together. If not, it will make it easier to approach them again if you see them later on during your stay.
5. Joining a Bar Crawl
Pub crawls are easily found in a lot of places. They can be a super fun way to make friends while backpacking. They usually bring out the outgoing side of people making it really easy to interact while wandering from bar to bar and dancing through the night.
6. Hostelworld Chats and Facebook Groups
A relatively new feature on Hostelworld is their chats. Once you book a hostel, you can join different chat rooms for the area you’re going to and the hostel you are staying at. It is a great way to connect with people before you even get there. You can also find people to share taxis with from the airport, join them to visit waterfalls, or ask questions about which tour operator to use. There are also many backpacker Facebook groups for places all over the world where you can connect with people before or during your travels. They are also great to use when planning your trip as you will be able to get firsthand information on a lot of things.
7. Being Approachable and Just Saying Hi!
Avoid spending too much time on your phone; instead, smile at people and simply say hi.
Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself when entering your dorm. It’s easier than sitting in silence for half an hour and then attempting to start a conversation. Ask them what they are doing that night or day, and chances are you will end up doing something together. If you already have plans, invite them to join you.
Approach people and ask them to join their table, even if it makes you anxious. I still feel anxious when doing this, but guess what? Nobody has ever said no 😊 Also if you notice someone sitting alone or looking for company, be friendly and invite them over.
8. Being Spontaneous
Be spontaneous and flexible. Perhaps you planned to have dinner at a specific spot, but just before leaving your room, a group of people invite you to join their dinner plans. Or maybe you make great friends and they are leaving for the islands in the morning, and you would love to spend a few days with them. Go with the flow, say yes, and see what happens; the best times often begin that way. I once decided at 2 am to go to the Bolivian Amazon the next morning with some people I met that night without any idea of what to expect. And what can I say? I didn’t regret it for a second and actually continued travelling to the salt flats with them right after.
9. Approaching People Anywhere
Besides hostels and tours, you can approach people anywhere. There are always plenty of travelers and locals around who love to have a chat. So, whether it’s on the street, in a shop, or a café, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation.
10. Volunteering
If you are travelling for a long time and want to settle down in a place for a while volunteering at a hostel or organization can be a great option. You will experience the place a lot better and connect to people more deeply. You will still meet a lot of people who come and leave again after a few days, so be prepared for a lot of goodbyes. However, you will also have the opportunity to form wonderful connections with the locals and travellers who are sticking around for longer.