Traveling alone: how to expand your social circle and make friends in a new city
There's something special about traveling alone: it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new world, regardless of the plans of others. But being alone can be a challenge.
However, there are plenty of ways to make new friends and create unforgettable memories on the road. How to find people who will be on the same wavelength as you when traveling alone, tripzilla writes.
1. Ask people about their travels
Do you want to get along with new people on the road? Use a proven method: ask questions! Ask travelers what prompted them to hit the road and where they came from. Questions like these always spark interest and stimulate conversation, helping you make new friends quickly in a strange city.
2. Learn the local language
Immerse yourself in the local culture and make friends by learning a few local phrases! Understanding basic expressions can make it much easier to communicate with locals and make your trip more fulfilling. Apps such as Duolingo can be useful tools for learning the language and translating phrases if you have difficulty communicating.
3. Use apps and join groups on social media
Yes, Instagram and TikTok can help, but there are also specialized apps designed specifically for solo travelers to help you make friends on the road! Among them: Bumble BFF, Ready to Travel, Cliq, Couchsurfing, and Worldpackers.
Another great way to find travel companionship is to join relevant Facebook groups before you start your trip. In such groups, you will meet many like-minded people with similar interests who are ready to help you navigate and make your trip even more memorable.
4. Carry something that might arouse curiosity
Bring something unique with you - an object that can attract attention and arouse the interest of other people. This way, you will not only tell an interesting story but also make new friends. It can be anything: a water bottle decorated with handmade stickers, a keychain with your name on it, a fascinating book, or something that reflects your hobbies and preferences.
5. Book accommodation in a backpacker hostel
Want to make friends in a new city? Try staying in a backpacker hostel! Here you will meet like-minded and solo travelers who are ready to share their adventures and stories about places you've only dreamed of visiting.
Book a bed in a shared room and watch the people around you! You might have a few nice evenings in the company of new friends before moving on. Or invite your roommates to join you on your trip! After all, it's always more fun and safer to travel together. You can also save money by sharing the cost of food, transportation, and other necessities.
6. Participate in seminars and workshops
Join a new troop and make more memories in your life! Attend various local seminars and workshops where you can not only learn new skills but also make new friends. Try local cooking classes where you can learn how to cook delicious dishes and maybe make new culinary companions! Enjoy pleasant conversations over a glass of wine at a local bar and immerse yourself in the unforgettable nightlife, dancing to your favorite hits with your new friends.
7. Go on a group tour
When traveling alone, you may meet other tourists who are traveling alone. Walking through the streets of a city can be an unbeatable way to get to know a new place and also find company among solo travelers.
8. Relax in the dorms
If you choose to stay in a hostel, don't stay in your room all day, but choose to go to the living room or kitchen, where you can easily make new friends and exchange interesting stories about your adventures.
Even if you have individual activities planned, make time for an informal conversation over coffee with other travelers. Who knows, you might get some useful tips about local attractions or find a company to explore the neighborhood with.
9. Go in search of food
Traveling and food always help to create connections between people! When you're traveling alone, going out to eat becomes not only a way to enjoy the local cuisine but also an opportunity to make new friends. Getting recommendations from locals about the best places to eat can lead to interesting conversations and pleasant experiences.
An evening trip to local pubs can also be a fun way to meet other travelers.
10. Visit a café with Wi-Fi
When traveling alone, you can make friends where young people spend most of their time - in cafes. Take a break from your mobile devices and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a café where you can connect with other Generation Y and Generation Z travelers. Cafés are becoming a social meeting point for young people, making them a great place to meet new people and make new friendships. In the end, even if you don't make new friends, you can always enjoy a cup of delicious coffee.
11. Talk to people on public transportation
Even in short moments of traveling alone, you can find opportunities to make new friends. Why not start by sharing a few words with your fellow travelers on your commute or transit? It's a great way to add a little variety to your routine and possibly make a friend.
