Traveling by yourself can seem very intimidating, but can also provide huge opportunities for growth and personal development, and actually allow you to meet more people than you would have probably imagined. It gives you the opportunity to always be the decision maker and to really explore your own interests while meeting others with similar interests in the process. Although you may find cost benefits in traveling in a pair or a group (sharing the costs of a taxi or hotel rooms) don’t let the fact that you are heading out alone mean that you have to stay alone. Here are a few ways to meet up with other people while on the road:

JOIN A TOUR GROUP

Whether it’s a free walking tour, or a paid overland tour, you will be spending at least a few hours together and you are bound to find some commonalities between the other participants in the group. Even if it’s just for that day or that tour, the fact that you are on the tour together automatically gives you a common bond. Picture sharing is a great way to break the ice and is a great way to keep in touch after. Don’t expect everyone you meet to become your new best friend, but you are sure to meet someone interesting to expand into your circle of travel friends. If you get along well, invite them to get together later for lunch or another activity that is available in the city. Use this time to get feedback on other things going on where you are visiting. Even if it’s not someone you would normally hang out with, they may give you some great advice about a hotel they stayed at, a restaurant they really enjoyed, or something really fun to do that night that might not be found in your guide book.

HOSTELS (for  travelers aged 18-35)

This can definitely be a great place to meet other travelers. If you don’t mind putting up with possible snoring, check into a dorm room and meet your new roomies. I usually find rooms between 6-8 people to be the best (anything larger than that tends to be too many people in one space, although it does give you opportunities to meet more people.) If the hostel allows you to pick your own bed, try to get one in the corner, furthest from the door, and have a good set of earplugs to cut out extra noise at night. If sleeping in a private room is more of your style, hanging out in the common areas such as the kitchen (if there is one) or the lounge/computer areas (which most hostels have) can still allow plenty of opportunities to meet other people and get a decent night’s sleep.

If there are group activities that the hostel has planned, participate in some of them. As long as you are friendly, most people will be friendly back. Try to avoid the habit of staying on your computer or phone non-stop as this sends the message that you aren’t really there to meet other people around you. If you are shy, this is where it will require you to step outside of your comfort zone a little as sometimes you may have to break the ice. But something as simple as asking them a question about the area, or where they are from, or if they know a good restaurant, can open the door to a conversation. If it doesn’t (as some people don’t have the best social skills themselves or may be too involved in their own group of friends they are with,) move yourself to be near a friendlier crowd. If you haven’t met anyone by the second or third day, there’s no rules saying that you can’t move into a different place around the corner. It could bring an entirely different set of people with different interests and personalities.

FINDING FRIENDS ONLINE (Any age)

If you want to find someone who has the same travel plans in mind or who is in the same area, consider meeting up with  someone from some of the travel networking sites such as www.travbuddy.com or www.couchsurfing.com . You can gain helpful insights about a particular area, plan specific activities, and even find someone who can help you with the local language. Under the “events” section on couch surfing, you can find parties and meet-ups that have been planned for the dates you are staying in the area. You will not only meet locals, but different “surfers” from all over the world. While traveling alone through Hungary on Christmas, rather than spending the day by myself, I looked up a couch surfing party going on that night, and had an instant (and very diverse) “family” to spend the holiday with. I have also found information on festivals and special events that I would have never found out about otherwise. If you are stateside,  www.meetup.com is a great way to meet up with other people who share your interests, whether that be outdoor adventure, single moms, yoga, (you name it.) You can even find a travel related group to assist in planning upcoming adventures (and you might also meet your next travel buddy that way)

FOR SINGLES (ages 30 and above)

If you are single and your intention is to meet other singles while you are traveling, consider joining tours or cruises specifically geared toward helping you mingle and get to know each other. This may include social mixers, speed-dating, adventure activities, dances or classes aimed at helping you meet other people in your age group who you would be compatible with (both male and female relationships.)

check out http://www.singlestravelintl.com/ for cruises, tours, and weekend excursions and join their online community or check out http://singles-who-love-to-travel.meetup.com/ to find a group in your area.

FOR THOSE IN RELATIONSHIPS

Traveling solo (but within in a couple) can be a great test towards the future of your relationship. If your relationship is healthy, trusting, and you communicate often and frequently, this shouldn’t affect it negatively. In fact as the old saying goes “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” By spending time apart, you may find that it improves communication and builds more trust, and you will be happy when you are finally reunited. Using video features on Skype can make calling each other feel that much more personal, and don’t forget if you are the one traveling how nice it is to get an unexpected letter or postcard in the mail. 

If there are any issues of trust or jealousy, try not to do anything to fuel the fire. Be open and honest with people you meet, let them know you are in a committed relationship and let any new friendships be based on that premise. If you are planning on doing a lot of drinking and partying, keep in mind that this where the majority of “mistakes” happen so if you don’t want to effect your relationship negatively, probably best to avoid the situation (or make sure you are surrounding yourself with people where there would be no temptations. ) If you find that this is the reason you do want to travel, it might be time to re-evaluate the status of the relationship.

EXPECT “LONELY” DAYS

While traveling,( just as in life,) there will be some days that you will be alone. This is the time to reflect on yourself and what you have learned from your travels so far. Have a journal and a good book, and don’t be afraid to do certain activities by yourself. Take a nice hike or stroll somewhere, go through a market or a museum, or even sit back and enjoy a good movie (which can be great to re-vamp the travel juices.) Stay open-minded and flexible, and be willing to change plans if something else comes up (you never know when new opportunities might present themselves.)

SAFETY ISSUES

With proper planning and preparation, traveling solo can be just as safe as traveling with other people. Just be aware, and don’t put yourself in a situation where there isn’t a safe way to get out of it. Drinking or finding yourself intoxicated when there isn’t someone there looking out for you, can easily put you in a bad situation. Have some spare cash on you in case you need to catch a cab, and be sure to have the number and address to where-ever you are staying in case you can’t remember how to get back there on your own. (We used to give I.D bracelets at the hostel I worked at  which although seemed childish to some people, ended up coming handy for most, especially if they didn’t speak the local language.) Finding a tourist police station or even an open church can be a safe haven if you are completely in a bind, but remember that the world is guilty until proven innocent. Let someone earn their trust, don’t automatically give it to them. For more safety tips click here.