Traveling on your own? How to make some friends
Experiencing another culture on your own terms, at your own pace, with a budget of your own choosing can be an incredibly rewarding and insightful adventure. But while some may find such a journey liberating, others might worry about safety or a period of solitude in a strange, unfamiliar place. Humans, after all, are social animals.
Prospective solo travelers should know that, despite its label, solo travel does not have to mean you are alone all the time. There are local communities to safely interact with as well as fellow globe-trotters in a similar position.
A 2016 report from travel research company Phocuswright found that a whopping 72% of hostel guests in the United States were traveling alone.
Airbnb saw similar a trend in its data, with cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Cologne, Germany; and Johannesburg experiencing more than a 130% increase in individual bookings in 2016.
With solo traveling growing in popularity, it’s clear there are options to socialize with other travelers — it’s just a matter of putting yourself in the right position to do so. Here are some tactics you can use to meet and befriend people abroad.
GO ON ‘FREE’ WALKING TOURS
The word free is in quotations because, assuming your tour guide is halfdecent, you should tip them at the end (many earn most of their income on commission). But these walking tours can be worth every penny. Not only will the guide give you an informed and hopefully entertaining view of the locale, but you’ll have a chance to interact with other tourists and possibly come away with a new friend.
The leisurely pace in between stops gives you the opportunity to chat with fellow tour-goers, who you may discover are also traveling alone or as part of a small group they are willing to let you join. Prominent cities often have multiple specialized tours – street art or local cuisine, for example – which provide additional chances to meet people.
Several tour companies, like Sandeman’s New Europe or Free Tours by Foot, have outposts in popular cities and are generally safe options for the solo traveler. But don’t count out smaller or independent tour companies that may be better tailored to specific destinations. Visit the company website and read reviews left by travelers to make sure everything checks out. You can also look at ratings on separate websites like TripAdvisor.
If you are staying in a hostel, the staff often has relationships with tour companies in the city. A hotel receptionist or concierge would also have recommendations.
EXPLORE AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Airbnb may be known more for its lodging arrangements, but it also wants to give you something to do at your destination. Airbnb Experiences connects travelers with local guides who lead guests on paid activities ranging from city tours to bar crawls and hobby and skill classes. Launched in late 2016, Experiences quickly became a popular feature.
Similar to walking tours, Airbnb Experiences can be a fun way to mingle with fellow sightseers while gaining firsthand knowledge from experienced locals. You do have to pay upfront, but costs usually cover expenses like transportation, food, drinks or equipment. Each booking page includes information from the host on what items they will provide, as well as what items you should bring, like activity-specific clothing or extra cash (for souvenirs, for example).
Since Experiences is embedded on the standard Airbnb platform, you’ll want to show the same caution when booking activities as you would with booking housing. Read through the description and photos carefully and pay attention to the Experience’s rating and reviews If you have any questions or concerns, Airbnb will put you in touch with the host through its messaging system even if you have not booked yet.
CONNECT ON SOCIAL TRAVEL APPS
Prefer to cut out the middleman and connect directly with other travelers? Try your hand at the social
networking apps specifically designed for travel. Travello, free on iOS and Android, allows you to discover other travelers nearby, match itineraries for planned trips and join groups based on similar interests. You can also create a feed by posting photos and updates.
Tourlina, also free on iOS and Android, is exclusively for women and operates a lot like a dating app by swiping on potential travel companions with similar itineraries and timing. Women can also use the dating app Bumble’s BFF feature to meet platonic companions in the area.
Other social media apps are full of options, with region-specific Facebook groups and subreddits to engage with travelers, expats and locals in your destination.
As with any first encounter brokered through social media, use caution when meeting people in real life. Meet in public spaces and consider video chatting beforehand.
Travello has a block/ report feature if anyone acts inappropriately, resulting in an immediate ban from the app.
STAY IN HOSTELS
In a world of hotels and Airbnbs, why do travelers elect to stay in hostels?
Two reasons: Hostels are cheap and sociable. You will find college-esque dormitories with common lounge rooms and kitchens, and sometimes a bar or cafe.
It is an ideal environment to meet other travelers, and hostel staffs are aware of this — some will lead city