A common question for first time travelers is how to meet people while traveling solo. I will admit that when I once walked the shoes of a soon-to-be first-time solo traveler, I was scared shitless. I imagined eating alone, never making friends and spending nine weeks wandering around Southeast Asia all alone. Obviously, that did not happen.
The other day I received an email from a reader:
“I’m nervous to just jet off and travel alone so I was wondering if you could you offer me some insight on how you got started? Did you hookup with fellow travels once you were abroad or did you have a travel companions to begin with?”
So I figured I would shed some light on the subject because these were the very questions I had before I left for my first trip abroad. Here are seven random ways that I actually met people while traveling.
1. Pretending to be lost
Yup, I actually pretended to be lost. I am very, very good with my sense of direction and people who have traveled with me can attest to that. So no, I was not lost when I asked the guy on the dock of the Chao Phraya in Bangkok which boat I needed to get on to head back to Sukhumvit.
2. Going to the airport bar
When you are at the airport, it is very easy to spot who is traveling solo and who isn’t. If you see a solo traveler, strike up a conversation! For example, I was sitting at the airport bar in Bangkok waiting for my connection to Koh Samui when I noticed a fellow solo traveler (yes, he was cute). All of a sudden, we hear our names over the loud speaker announcing a final boarding call. Turns out we were both on the same flight. We ended up meeting in Indonesia a month later and taking a road trip around Bali.
3. Joining activities and tours
Travelers who dive, especially in Asia, seem to be on the same travel route. I made tons of friends diving in Koh Tao some of whom I ending up traveling with to other destinations. If diving isn’t your thing, go on a tour! It is a great way to meet people. In Europe, there are countless “free walking tours” where I have also made many friends.
4. Staying at hostels
I am so not a fan of hostels and rarely stay in them but I will admit they are a great way to meet people. Hostels tend to cater to solo travelers and if you are looking for party buddies, hostels are the way to go. I stayed at a hostel in Munich for Oktoberfest and quickly made friends.
5. Being that super friendly guest
Airbnb or Couchsurfing. I will admit right now that I have never couchsurfed but I have a lot of travel friends who swear by it. I stayed in countless Airbnbs when I was traveling alll over Europe by train and met some amazing hosts who turned out to be great friends. Just be open and friendly and it will all work out.
6. Finding local events and conferences
Check out what local events are happening – even if it is just a farmer’s market on the weekend, go! Strike up conversations with people and even the food vendors. You will be surprised. If you are an aspiring travel blogger, go to blogging events like TBEX and WTM. It is a great way to make friends with fellow traveler bloggers.
7. Engaging on social media
I have made friends through Instagram, Twitter, Facebook…you name it. Our world has become one giant open book and don’t feel that it is weird to meet up with someone that you met through social media. Just use your head and be cautious. If something feels off, don’t go. I initially met Clare from Live a Life of Travels through Twitter as we were both in Athens for TBEX. Be friendly and engaging on social media and follow the hashtags for the city you are in.
There you have it! Those are seven different ways that I met people while traveling. Keeping an open mind and an open heart makes you approachable. Just remember that others are often in the same solo travel boat as you, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation!
Great tips! I have found one of the best ways to meet other people was to go on tours! I also like participating in the CS community to meet locals 😀
So very true! I have yet to give jump on board the CS community… will have to do that! 🙂
Who you meet on the road or who you take with you, defines your experience. Some fab tips for meeting others – have used a few myself 😉
You are never alone in this world, and traveling is no different. The variety of people you could meet is endless… if you are open to it.
Loved your article.
So true! After all, I met you on the road!! Missing your smiling face!
Great article! I was thinking of writing one like this. I usually rely on hanging out at any bar and trying to eavesdrop on who is speaking English
Thanks love! A bar never fails! xx