How to overcome being alone and meet people when you travel
Before I went on my first trip in 2006, these expectations were based solely on my imagination and popular cultural references.
I expected my trip to be filled with nonstop adventures and colorful people. I was going to experience some crazy things. I would make friends all over. I would be chatting to strangers in buses. I would be invited out to drinks by locals. I would be drinking a latte and striking up a chat with my waitress. Then, the next thing I knew, we were at a winebar, staring each other in the eyes as she taught me French. It was going to be like the articles I read or the travel movies I watched. Then I went abroad. There I was, in a hostel, traveling, and seeing incredible attractions in historic cities. I was able to do what I wanted when I wanted. Finally, I could march to my own drummer. At first, I was excited, because I had my own daily schedule, and could do things on my own. I was so busy the first two days, I forgot I was alone. It was all fine until it wasn’t. As the days passed and my tongue began to forget what it sounded, this excitement diminished. I began to crave human interaction and companionship.
Suddenly, I was alone — and in the bad way.
Aloneness had turned to loneliness. Where were the locals I was supposed to be guided by? Who were the cool travelers that I would spend nights with? When I ran out things to do I couldn’t hide my loneliness.
Sure I could go to another city and hope that magic would happen, but it wasn’t me. You have to be the one to make life happen. And I wasn’t.
I started to realize that the only reason I felt alone was fear. As an introvert, I find it difficult to approach strangers to talk. This was particularly true in 2006 when I started traveling. It takes a lot of effort to get over that fear today. But that fear kept me from living my dreams. If I wanted to see my dreams come true, I had to work hard to make them a reality. How will they meet people? It’s not easy.
It is a valid question, and for those of us who don’t socialize naturally, it can be a challenge.
There are many people traveling alone.
People just like you.
People looking for an adventure.
People who crave interactions with others.
And that other is you.
And this other is me.
I overcame being alone when people in my hostel But let me tell you: it’s a lot easier than you think.
There are a lot of people traveling solo.
People just like you.
People looking for an adventure.
People who crave interactions with others.
And that other is you.
I overcame being alone when people in my hostel in Prague started talking to me. They were the ones who reached out first, which was fortunate. They broke down the barrier that I was afraid to do myself. I sat there waiting for “something” to happen. They were looking for friends just like I was.
Things don’t happen unless someone makes them happen. You have to get out there and start a conversation with strangers. It took me some time to realize this truth. But once I did, it was easy for me to meet people. Once those travelers had said hello to me and shown me how simple it was, I realised I was making an issue out of nothing. It was nothing to fear. I just wanted to say hello. Because we are all in the same situation: a stranger in a strange country, with no friends and no language skills, looking for someone to spend time. You will realize how easy it is to meet new people, because everyone is like you. It’s not hard to say hello and get over being lonely. Speak to someone in your room. Hello! You can ask them questions about themselves. You will be surprised at what they say. You’ll be asked about your family, your home and your travel plans. From there, do the same with other travelers that you see. Ask a group of people leaving the hostel for a bar, “Can you join us?”
Walk to the pool table and ask “Who’s Next?”
People are likely to say yes. Conversations will start. The sharing economy has opened up many more opportunities to meet people than just at hostels. People all over the world share that passion. Find local groups formed around your passion using a website such as Meetup.com. It could be swing dancing, pickleball, or Dungeons & Dragons. Finding local groups with a shared interest is a great way to break the ice because you already have something to talk about, which creates an instant connection. Finding local groups with a shared interest is a great way to break the ice because you already have something to talk about, something that creates an instant connection.
Moreover, you can try the website Couchsurfing. It’s not only a place to find accommodation; it also has tons of meet-ups you can attend to find other travelers and like-minded people.
Additionally, there are lots of Facebook groups where you can find people to meet. It may sound sketchy but I have used these groups a lot recently and I love them. Girls Love Travel and Find a Travel Buddy are three groups that you should check out.
I will be honest. At first, it was difficult for me to talk to other people. Sometimes, conversations would stumble. You either sink or you swim on the road. I had two options: either to stay alone and risk going home early (and possibly being lonely) or to overcome my fears, talk to other people, and take the plunge.
I chose the latter.
And when I was sinking rather than swimming, other travellers came up to say hello. They did the work so that I didn’t need to.
Why? They were also looking to make new friends. Like me, they understood that if they didn’t do something, they too would have been alone.
Travelers are a friendly bunch. You are one of their new friends.
So you’re never alone.
For this reason, you will never be alone. You will always be surrounded by people who are willing to talk to you, and invite you to places (especially in hostels). You’ll have moments when you wish you had more “me” time. You’ll never be alone again. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.” It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
Click here to learn more and start reading it today!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. Skyscanner is my favorite search engine, because it searches all websites and airlines in the world.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. Booking.com is the best option if you don’t want to stay in a hostel. It consistently offers the lowest rates for hotels and guesthouses.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. This is comprehensive coverage in the event of an accident. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Want to Travel for Free
Travel Credit Cards allow you to earn rewards that can be used to redeem for free flights or accommodation. Discover Cars offers affordable international car rentals. They’ll find you the best — and most affordable — rental car for your trip, no matter where you are going!
Need help finding activities for your vacation?
GetYourGuide is a large online marketplace where it’s possible to find cool walking tours and fun excursions as well as skip-the line tickets, private guides and more. Ready to book your trip? Here are all the companies I use to travel. You can’t go far wrong with them. They are top-of-the-line and the best you can get.
