Many people think that if you travel alone, you’ll be alone most of the time. well that can’t be more untrue, I am hardly ever alone !
One of the most amazing things about travelling is that it’s easy to make conversations with people even if you’re shy.
Here are somr tips to make friend while travelling:
->Stay in hostel dorms
This is the easiest way to make friends, It would be unnatural not to make conversation with those around you — and you’ll soon be sucked into the “Where are you from? Where have you been? How long are you traveling?” conversation that will follow you everywhere.
You can meet people while staying in private rooms at hostels, but trust me — it’s so much easier in the dorms.
->Hang out in hostel bars
Hostel bars are where I met most of my close friends. Whether you’re there for a crazy night out or just to hang out while playing cards, with or without a pitcher of beer, hostel bars are the social epicenter of backpacker hangouts!
Your guidebook will probably indicate which establishments in town are either “party” hostels or good places to meet travelers. Those are the places where you should spend time, regardless of where you’re sleeping.
->Couchsurfing
I’ve only tried Couchsurfing once (while in Ireland). The idea is simple. People throughout the world open their home and offer a free place to stay. Why would someone do this? Well, for many folks it’s a way to broaden their horizons and meet people who share a love of traveling.
It’s not about having a free place to stay. The benefit of couchsurfing is you get to meet a local who can show you around and give a perspective you wouldn’t get on your traditional “tourist experience.”
->Enjoy your favourite activity
A site like Meetup can be one of your best traveling tools. Here you’ll find a collection of groups interested in a particular sport, hobby or activity. So if you’re into hiking/trekking it’s easy to find local groups who are into this activity. One of the quickest ways to bond with a stranger is to share a hobby you both love.
->Learn a new skill
What if you don’t have a hobby that can be shared? Well, a great trick is to try something that’s specific to a region. You could take a language class. Learn how to play Flamenco guitar. Get instructions in traditional Tuscany cooking. Or even put on your “ceilidh dancing” shoes and learn how the Scots cut loose. Not only will you meet fellow travelers with these activities, you’ll also get a chance to experience something different.
To get started, I recommend using your guidebook. Get an idea of what’s unique to the area you’re visiting. Then ask around and see if somebody offers instruction in this skill.
->Take an interest in people
Know this… people love to talk about themselves. We’re all basically selfish and subconsciously wait for someone to give us a chance to do a little bragging. Use this to your advantage.
After I start talking to someone, I’ll often ask a bunch of open-ended questions. Like “Where else have you traveled to?”, “What’s your favorite place?”, “What’s cool around here?”, “Are you on holiday or taking a break from work?”, or even a simple “Where are you from?”
Before you leave on your trip, pick up a copy of “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. In my opinion, this is the best book I’ve ever read on social dynamics. It’ll teach you how to quickly turn a casual conversation into a lasting friendship.
Hope you’ll enjoy your trip, and trust me those friendships that you make while travelling are going to last for years.
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