Approaching Other Travelers During a Trip
My perspective: Every trip is different because we experience it differently and we don’t do the same things, but in the end, the places we’ve seen are the same, just not the people we meet!
A meeting can change a trip, because when you don’t have a fixed itinerary, you can be tempted to go to any country by another traveler!
In this article, I will advise you on the methods I used to increase encounters. I indeed traveled alone for a year and a half. I can tell you, each meeting more or less changed my view of travel because I am naturally curious and open.
Places where you can meet people:
- At the hotel or your place of stay :
Many people who are at the hotel or youth hostel are waiting for someone to talk to them, otherwise they would be outside having fun! There are several key spots: the hotel bar, the kitchen, the hotel lobby, or the common room. You can also chat with the people in your room if you share your room in a youth hostel.
You just need to start the conversation (it often follows to initiate the conversation, the “Where are you from” is simple and easy to place) and off you go! Tell yourself that you have to start socializing one day if you are on a long trip and the more you get used to it, the more comfortable you will be!
During my stay in Sydney, I met my best friends in the youth hostel kitchen, then we continued with a drink and over time, we never left each other. I also remember a hotel in Barcelona where I met many foreigners.
Example: Meetings at the youth hostel
- Bars:
It’s extremely simple, sit at the bar, when a stranger passes by: ask where their accent is from if they are open, they will ask you to join their table. Bartenders or barmaids who are not very busy will also keep you company and there are often other people in your situation.
With a drink at the end, it’s always easier to meet people!
Meeting in a bar on the beach
- During travel:
When you travel by boat, train, or bus, there will almost always be other tourists or travelers. You can say a phrase related to the situation and that’s it. Know that people are either going to the same place as you or know at least a little about the country, so it’s a good conversation topic! It’s very easy to ask for information and then change the subject.
When I had to take the plane to Tasmania, I met a German couple at the airport and by the same chance, they had the same plan as me, we spent 2 months together.
- Websites:
You can meet people through websites, via forums, thematic sites, or events to go out, but it’s less natural. At first, it feels a bit strange but as you get to know the person better and if the vibe is right, you forget that you met in an unnatural way. I met people who gave me lifts in Australia via the site gumtree and I traveled with them for 2 months!
- During guided tours or activities:
It’s one of the easiest ways to meet people, because when you visit, you do the same activity and contact is made naturally!
I remember my 3-day/2-night stay on Fraser Island with a group of 15-20 people, we were supposed to live together and share activities during those 3 days, contact was made from the first hour!
Meeting during the Sky dive activity: parachute jump, Ok!! I’m closing my eyes
If you like these tips, you will surely like the sections dedicated to travel advice
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