So, you’ve decided to leave home and quit your job to travel, even though none of your friends and family share your passion and want to join you. You still want to go, but you’re afraid of spending so much time alone. Remember, when you travel on your own, you’ll never really be alone. You may actually be more alone at home in your current position, at least in terms of your feelings and motivations. When you start to travel you’ll quickly find that instead of being alone, you’re surrounded by like-minded people who have made very similar decisions and are also travelling alone. In fact, you’ll find that you need to make a conscious effort to have any alone time at all!
If you’re still not convinced, or perhaps just want a little helping hand at the beginning, check out these easy steps to put you in situations where it’s easy to meet new people on the road.
1. Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing has been around for a long time and is talked about a lot in the backpacking world. It’s an online platform that connects travelers in need of a bed or sofa for the night with friendly locals who have exactly that. It’s most popular in Europe and the US, but it’s growing worldwide. It’s the perfect way to meet interesting people from all over the world and get to know new places and cultures from a local perspective.
2. Facebook Travel Groups
Facebook can often be an easy way to waste hours of your life, however there are many great groups springing up that are full of helpful people who have a shared love and passion for travel and new experiences. There are groups for every country and continent and every type of traveler. If you’re looking for something specific to South America, there are travel groups for that too. Facebook is powerful! Use it wisely!
Here’s the list of cool Facebook groups you should join!
3. Hostels – Dorm Rooms and Shared Toilets!
If you’ve ever shared a room in school or college then you’ll already have some idea of what this is like. The main difference is that you’re guaranteed to share interests, passions, ideas and even itineraries with at least some of the people in your dorm! Sharing your living space is the best way to meet people in hostels. It also helps you to build trust, confidence and find new travel buddies. However, you won’t always like everyone you share with, reminding you that patience and tolerance are also virtues well worth building!
4. Public Transport
Most travelers find themselves on a combination of long-distance busses, trains, shared taxis etc. It’s similar to meeting people in a dorm, except that there’s no escape until you reach your final destination! Pass the hours (or days) on you mobile tin can of choice by talking to the people around you. You’ll enjoy the journey a lot more and probably make some long-lasting friendships along the way. And don’t forget to take videos of the person snoring into one side of your face too!
5. Bars and Pubs
A lot of backpackers have one particular activity in common – drinking! No one’s saying you have to get wasted, although a few drinks with some strangers you met that day really helps to loosen everyone up a bit and usually ends up with a few funny stories to tell next time you meet up. Shot guns and shots are pretty fun too, even if you do feel like crap for a couple of days after. Most importantly, the best plans are formulated and most valuable ‘life advice’ is shared under the influence of alcohol!
Related Article: DIY Travel Guides Around The World
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