If you’ve never traveled alone before, it can be a daunting prospect. One of the most frequently expressed concerns of future solo travelers is whether they will be able to make friends along the way. I have been traveling alone for over five years and am happy to share that the answer is a resounding yes!
If you want to meet people, your first step is to appear as approachable as possible. Make eye contact and smile, ask how they are. You can do it anywhere, whether you’re exploring a city, taking public transportation, sitting in your bedroom, or eating at a restaurant. Appearing approachable will definitely help you, but there are also some activities that make it incredibly easy to make friends.
Stay in the hostel rooms
This is simply the easiest way to make friends on the go. Walk into your bedroom after you check in and there is likely someone else in the room with whom you can strike up a conversation. The best thing about traveling is that you will always have something in common with every traveler you meet. You will be able to chat about the places you have visited, where you are going next and what your current plans are; in fact, after a few weeks you’ll probably get tired of having the same conversation with everyone you meet!
Hang out in common areas
While I have found dormitories to be the easiest way to make friends, it is still possible to do so if you plan to stay in private rooms in hostels. Make sure the hostel has a common room or bar and you will have plenty of opportunities to hang out with your fellow travelers. The best thing about solo travel is that it makes you more accessible than when traveling in a group or as a couple.
One of the easiest ways to make friends is through group meals at shelters. Common rooms can be daunting if everyone is on their laptop or hanging out with friends, but the meals really give you a chance to hang out. Talk to people over breakfast about your plans for the day, or talk to them over dinner about what they have been up to and your plans for the next day.
Join group activities
Hostels always have something to do, so be sure to ask about these activities as soon as you sign up. Register for an event when you arrive and then you will have no excuses not to. Be it a pub crawl or a walking tour or a trip to Chernobyl, like I did in Kiev!
Take a group tour
A group tour is a great way to meet new people while participating in something adventurous or interesting. Hostels generally have several well-priced tours available at the front desk, which help you get to know your fellow hostelmates a little better. However, if your hostel doesn’t offer any tours, look for a city tour geared toward twenty-something travelers. That is, of course, if you want to meet people of a similar age. Some of the most interesting people I have met while traveling were more than twice my age.
If you fancy a multi-day tour of multiple cities or countries, look for a tour company geared toward students or twentysomethings, such as Intrepid, Contiki, or Busabout.
On a budget and can’t afford a tour? Try one of the free walking tours offered by hundreds of cities around the world. It’s a great way to get acquainted with a new city, and you can always see if anyone in your group wants to explore more of the city with you later.
Try to volunteer
Volunteering has become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of giving back to the country you are traveling through. In addition to helping the local community, volunteering also gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills. You will regularly spend time with people with whom you share common interests, so it is very likely that you will all be close friends by the end of your time together.
Take a class
Traveling is about learning and experiencing new things. What better way to do it than by taking a class in one of the countries you are visiting? It could be salsa classes in Argentina, cooking classes in Thailand, a surf class in Bali, or a diving course in Thailand.
When you take a class while traveling, you can learn new skills and meet other people who have the same interests as you.
Be open to new experiences
Above all, be open to new experiences! If someone you know invites you, then say yes, even if you wouldn’t normally go. Be open to new opportunities – You may even discover a new hobby or activity that you love.
