Solo-traveling can be an incredibly profound experience. Not only do you learn plenty about yourself, if done right, you also get to make amazing friends. If you’re planning to travel alone this year, then you’ve come to the right place.
Check out the following valuable tips and tricks to make wonderful companions during your travels.
1. Interact with Locals
Solo traveling is the perfect time to break the ice with the people around you. It doesn’t matter if it’s a road trip or tourist package, your job is to get out of your comfort zone and interact with the locals. In countries where you feel there may be a language barrier, try to learn a few key phrases and then hit it off in English.
The point is to get chatty. Get to know the locals, their history, and their stories. You’ll be surprised at how gladly they’ll dish you in on their stories of the city. Get postcards and figure out a way to keep in touch with them once you’ve made a few friendly conversations.
2. Make the Best Out of Your Transits
If you have plenty of layovers during your journey, you can get to know the people you’re travelling with. There’s an exotic yet nostalgic feel in getting to know a traveler you’re well aware you won’t ever find after that moment.
Make the best out of your solo transits by talking to the person sitting next to you, whether on a flight or the waiting area. Listen to their travel experiences, ask questions, and seek recommendations. These smart conversational skills will quickly earn you memorable travel companions.
3. Do more Adventurous Activities
Goes without saying, you can’t expect to make friends on a trip that’s devoid of any daredevil, engaging activities. You should be open to a ton of activities from thrilling sports like bungee jumping to something as terrifying as eating scorpions and sharp insects.
Depends on where you’re headed, you may even be asked to drink snake blood. How about that! Whatever it is, find things that interest you even if it’s something as audacious as getting a tattoo where it’ll really hurt.
Get on with them and while you’re at it, try to interact with the people who are there for the same purpose. It will inject a much-needed dose of bravery and courage in you. And you’ll be making precious friends on your way.
4. Try to Look for Your Community
If you’re part of a social media community or an international organization, search up on their presence in the city/country you’ll be visiting. A book or movie fandom, a team of food lovers, or fashion influencers that you’ve always dreamed of meeting in person, the chances are unlimited.
The feeling of utter excitement of meeting a pen pal from the same community simply has no words. It could lead to a lifelong friendship or a complete disappointment. Whatever it is, if you earnestly want to make friends, you have to be open to all possibilities.
5. Use Social Media
Social media is the best tool to find people who have similar interest and are genuinely willing to meet with you. Try out travel websites or online travel communities, let them know the place you’re visiting to, and if there are any empty spots for a solo traveler.
It’s time to set free your inhibitions and embark on your life’s most memorable solo travel.