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There are so many benefits to traveling solo. First, it gives you time to reflect and reconnect with yourself. Traveling alone can be intimidating, but you’ll be surprised at how much you are able to achieve on your own. Second, it gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule and travel activities. Still, sometimes when traveling alone, you just want someone to talk to. Today we’re uncovering where to make friends when you’re on a solo trip. Let’s take a look!
Where To Make Friends?
There are a plethora of places to make friends when traveling. Of course, it is always important to exercise caution when meeting strangers. Still, when backpacking, you're likely to meet other backpackers who have similar goals and likes as you. After all, not everybody is bold enough to galivant around the world alone! When you find someone else doing it, you'll have an immediate mutual interest.
In A Hostel
One of the easiest ways to make friends while traveling is by staying in a hostel. There, you’ll be surrounded by people who are there with the same intent as you, to travel. Most hostels offer a range of room options. You could stay in a dorm style room with anywhere from four to twenty people. I recommend if you are a female solo traveler to stay in an all female dorm style room, but there are mixed dorm room options usually available as well which are typically the cheapest room option. Still, staying with strangers isn’t for everyone. If you’re a fussy sleeper who wants peace and quiet and not to be woken up at three in the morning when your bunkmate stumbles home from a pub crawl, booking a private room is also an option. While dorm style rooms immediately put you in contact with others, if you’re staying in a private room, you can still meet tons of people in the hostel. Typically, hostels have kitchens, lounge spaces, and activities planned where you are sure to make new travel friends.
On A Free Walking Tour
If you’re traveling to a specific country, you probably have a few specific things in mind that you want to see. Instead of going to visit them on your own, book a free walking tour and go with a group. Keep In Mind: Free walking tours are technically free, but you should always tip your tour guide after. That’s how they make money! While on your tour, chat up tourmates and make new friends.
Take A Class
Want to learn how to scuba dive or do muay thai? Maybe you want to learn how to make Italian pasta by hand or how to throw pottery? There are millions of hobbies in the world waiting for you to learn how to do. While traveling, if there is a specific thing you wish to learn in that region, take a class! Finding friends while solo traveling is all about finding people who have similar interests to you.
Pro Tip: Want to learn how to scuba dive? We found the Best Places To Learn How To Scuba Dive.
On A Pub Crawl
It is always wise to not mix too much alcohol with solo travel. Still, many hostels will plan pub crawls worth going out on. Make sure to not drink too much and remember, even if you’re in a group of people, you must stay responsible for yourself! But still, go out to dance the night away and make new friends!
A Guided Trip
There are so many amazing organizations that organize guided tours to countries all around the world. TopDeck is my personal favorite for organized trips. Island hop around Greece or explore the deserts of Morocco with people from around the world.
On Facebook Groups
I know, I know, Facebook is for grandparents. Still, there are a plethora of solo traveler and digital nomad community groups on Facebook. Search the name of your country plus solo traveler or digital nomad and see what pops up. Just remember, it is the internet, so exercise meeting up with strangers with caution.
On Dating Apps
Now of course even if you aren’t traveling and are at home, you should always use dating apps with caution. When going on a date, always meet first in a public place, set your expectations and boundaries before or during your meeting, and let a friend or family member know where you are before you go! Still, dating apps can be a fun way to meet people. Plus, some dating apps like Bumble have a friend finder feature you can use as well…or you could just look for a hookup. Just be safe!
Pro Tip: Traveling solo? Go to one of these Safest Places For Female Solo Travelers.
Traveling alone doesn’t need to be lonely! While solo travel can help you connect deeper to your inner self, it also offers up a great opportunity to meet new people. Take some time to reflect and have alone time, then get yourself out there and make new friends!
What are your tips to make friends while solo traveling? Tell us your tips in the comments!
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