Traveling alone is awesome. You have all the freedom to go wherever you want, you don’t have to take anyone into account and you can travel at your own pace. But just because you travel alone doesn’t mean you really want to be alone, right? There are so many other people traveling alone and of course it can be really cool to travel with someone every now and then or hang out on an island for a few days. Making new friends while traveling is often very quick but at some times or destinations it can still be difficult. Use these 10 tips and icebreakers and you chances are you’ll meet super many people during your trip.
#1 Sit at the bar
At the bar are often people who are traveling alone and feel like having some fun. Find a nice bar through TripAdvisor and sit next to someone who is also alone.
#2 Do the touristy things
You are most likely to get to know other travelers in places where many travelers go. Sounds logical right, so for example, if there is a place where everyone is watching the sunset, go there. Chances are very good that there are other people there who are also traveling alone.
#3 Take something fun with you
For example, consider a fun card game. This is an easy icebreaker and makes for the most sociable moments. Before you know it, a new friend group of 10 people suddenly emerges.
#4 Sleep in a dorm
This is the way to meet other travelers. People who travel alone often sleep in a dorm as well and are open to getting to know other travelers. Especially in the afternoon when everyone is awake and still enjoying the air conditioning, it can be very cozy here. This also applies to the common area in hostels or by the pool.
#5 Smile!
A smile is half the battle. This shows that you are open to other people and people are more likely to approach you than if you don’t look friendly. Sometimes a smile is the only icebreaker you need when traveling.
#6 Be open to different people
At first glance, someone may not look like your type of person, but at least you have one common interest: travel! That ensures that you always have something to talk about and who knows, you may secretly have many more things in common.
#7 Start a simple conversation
Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with one of the standard traveler questions. Everyone does this and a conversation naturally develops that is about completely different things. Examples of the standard traveler questions:
- Where are you from?
- What kind of work do you do?
- Are you studying or what have you studied?
- Where all have you been on this trip?
- What is your next destination?
#8 Go on an excursion or join a tour
This can’t go wrong! Join a fun boat trip, a day of horseback riding with a group or another tour and by the end of the day you can’t help but have met new people.
#9 Don’t be ashamed of anything
Above all, never worry about what others think of you. You are on a trip and chances are you are never going to see all the people you met again.
#10 Ask questions
Ask questions to people in your hostel for example. Even if they are the simplest questions like “Do you know where you can eat good food?” or “Do you know the best way to travel to that destination?”. This is sometimes the beginning of a nice conversation and a new friend or girlfriend.
