Solo traveling can be fun and exciting. Whether you are an introvert or a shy personality, you always get a chance to meet new people and make friends while traveling alone. You will not realize that some of those friendships may even last for a long time. Trust us, you do not have to be a social butterfly to make new friends and communicate with strangers while traveling solo. There are a lot of ways you can interact and make new friends. Here we will share some tips on how to make friends when traveling alone. Continue reading and make your travel journeys interesting and better.
How to Make Friends When Traveling Alone?
1. Be Approachable
The first and the most important thing to consider is your own body language. If you are so much into yourself, people will likely not talk to you. Here are certain things you must keep in mind:
- Keep your head up.
- Avoid being too much on your phone or electronics.
- Avoid closed body language.
- Give everyone a chance.
- Remember to smile.
2. Join Online Travel Groups
There are various apps and groups that may allow you to connect with like-minded professionals. You can even connect with people who are traveling in the same area, around the same time. Be specific about the communities you join.
3. Use Travel Apps
Multiple apps and social media platforms have been designed to improve solo travel experiences. SoloTraveller, Showaround, Couchsurfing, TripGiraffe, Tourlina, and Flip The Trip are some of such user-friendly platforms that may help you meet new friends.
4. Learn Local Language
If you are traveling to a new place, try to immerse yourself in that culture. Consider learning a new language and the local dialects of that language. It will help you interact with the local people and make it easier for you to communicate. Pay attention to the accent of the words. You may also refer to Google Translator or online apps to convert the language.
5. Stay in a Hostel
If you are wondering how to make friends when traveling alone, then this could be the best way out. Staying at a hostel could save you money and will also allow you to make new friends. Do not stay in your room. There are many people who might be staying at the hostel with the same motive of making new friends. Consider hanging around in the common areas and joining hostel activities. Show up for breakfast and take a chance to interact with the people.
6. Use co-working Spaces
If you have to work while traveling, you may consider working from a co-working space. It will allow you to make new friends, especially people who are from the same industry and share the same set of interests. It will also help you build your professional network and could be the perfect way to make new friends.
7. Visit Local Hangouts
Chatting with the local people who actually live in that space is another way to make new friends while traveling alone. You will get a glimpse of the local culture and learn a lot about the place. It will enrich your experience and learnings too. Do not be afraid to strike a conversation. Consider asking them about something and see how the conversation goes.
8. Take a Class
You can learn some authentic things related to that place or that culture. Taking a class is an effective way that will help you meet local people, and people who have interests in that field. If you are wondering how to make friends while traveling solo, you may consider looking for some classes.
9. Meet Friends of Friends
Another thing that you may consider is meeting friends of friends. You may ask your close ones if they have any friends living in that location.
10. Choose a Group Tour
You can choose a small group tour and meet people who actually love what you do. There are various travel agencies that plan tours and may help you connect with such fellow travelers. If you are planning to travel solo for the first time, it could be an effective way. Joining a tour will help you plan your entire journey safely. You will not have to worry about the route and will be able to meet so many new friends.
11. Do Not Worry Too Much!
Lastly, we will advise you to avoid being hesitant or worrying so much about making new friends. Speak up, and communicate with the people around you. You do not need clever pick-up lines or ice-breakers to strike up the conversation. Be confident and go ahead.
How to Make Friends When Traveling Alone – Summing Up
These are some of the tips that you must use to make friends when traveling alone. However, if you are unable to make friends, you should not get sad. It is likely that you may find your tribe in another city or hostel or onto your next destination. Do not be afraid to make new friends. All these tips will help you explore and meet new people. If you have any other doubts related to solo traveling, feel free to comment below. Stay tuned to Scott and Ben for more such tips and suggestions.