This post originally appeared onFY!S.
In late 2015, I embarked on a solo trip to Asia that lasted nine months.
At first, the idea of going at it alone filled me with excitement and trepidation.
On the flip side, solo travel has its limitations.
Or, I couldnt go to certain places because I didnt feel safe.
Some I knew beforehand, but many more I met while I was on the road.
I still talk to a lot of them on the reg.
Heres what I know.
Many of the things Im about to discuss wouldnt fly so easily if youre shy, and thats fine.
If anything, youd gain a little spunk.
And if they dont, its not you who sucks anyway.
You will be forced to talk to a lot of strangers.
You wouldnt know it when you meet me, but I am a pretty big introvert.
Ive bumbled through awkward encounters.
Ive often struggled to initiate or restart conversations.
But I got better at it.
I also made it a rule to have conversations that didnt center around, So what do you do?
as an extra challenge and also because I despised the question.
Actually Be a Tourist
Theres no shame in being a tourist.
Along the same vein,Nomadic Mattpoints out that you shouldtry joining local tours and groups.
For example, take a small group tour from a local.
People treat tourists differently, in a good way but also sometimes in a bad way.
Theres no use pretending youre not a tourist or newbie.
Be curious and ask questions as a way to spur easy conversation.
That wasnt a very scientific breakdown, but you get the gist.
Oftentimes youll spot a solo traveler like yourself trying to take a selfie.
If youre up for it, offer to help the person take a picture.
This has worked really well for me.
Theyre easy to spot and broadcast my interest in cute, geeky things.
I did this intentionally for people who recognized these characters.
I mean, anyone whos played PaRappa or adores the silliness of Gudetama cant be all bad.
It doesnt have to be keychains.
On the other hand,youcan be the one to point out what you like.
People like compliments if you make it about them.
Dont just say, I like your shoes.
you’re free to say something like, Your shoes look great on you.
Where did you buy them?
As a traveler, you more than likely have things that can be great conversation starters.
I said jokingly, You must have a ton of dongles in your bag.
(Hey, it was a reach.)
They do, however,lovetocorrect you when youre wrong(dont we all?).
I learned this from speaking coach ShariAlexander.
If youre wrong, you still start a good conversation.
Have Little Gifts to Give
Wherever you go, youll find cheap trinkets and doodads at souvenir shops.
For example, in Japan, I picked up ahandful of shrine charms.
These come in handy for when I meet cool people and want to help make someones day more awesome.
Smiles all around, folks, so everybody wins.
Small tokens and gifts tend to make interactions more pleasant.
I dontalwaysuse these tricks.
Its important to let conversations unravel organically and avoid overthinking things too much.
Theyre fine for solo travelers…at least temporarily.
Im not interested in partying it up anymore.
Its fine occasionally, but Id much rather spend my days not hungover and useless.
So take that into account.
You cant get much work done:This is probably the biggest disadvantage for me.
Other travelers are cool people to meet, but the real travel experiences come from meeting and befriending locals.
And thats why I much prefer to stay at Airbnbs.
You should note these in the description and check out the hosts personality and reviewsbeforeyoubook an Airbnb.
Ive found this to be extremely helpful with warming them up to me a bit more.
Eventually, this leads to meeting their friends, too.
Similar services likeCouchsurfingandBeWelcomecan also connect you with other local hosts.
Oftentimes, this leads to me meeting their friends and more locals.
Then theres Twitter and Instagram.
I appreciate these tips.
There have even been instances where people reach out and ask to meet up.
Ive obliged with almost every request.
So far theyve all been wonderful people, but still gotta be smart and safe.
If you dont have a following, thats okay.
Comment or message them!
This takes effort obviously, but remember, nothing good happens from taking no action.
Jodi Ettenberg, from food and travel siteLegal Nomads, touches base with experts in her chosen field.
For me, thats food.
Ive taken to contacting fellow food-obsessed people who are locals or expats in the place Im visiting.
Seek Out Local Facebook Groups
I used to play a lot of ultimate Frisbee.
They were about to have a pick-up game in two days.
Here was my opportunity to enjoy something I loved doing anywayin another country no lessand meet new people.
I only had to make the trek to show up.
They were very welcoming; I met new people and friends that I still talk to today.
Facebook groups are an awesome way to meet English-speaking locals and transplants.
BonAppetour:This is like Airbnb but for dinner.
Badoo:Badoo seems to be a cross between Facebook for non-friends and a dating service.
Depending on what youre looking for, Badoo may or may not be for you.
you could also find local events on Facebook and Yelp to go to.
The 21st century is amazing like that.
If anything at all seems off about a situation or person, move on.
Dont feel bad about bailing.
I remember to check in so they dont worry or call Liam for no reason.
I wouldnt want that happening.
And even then, there are no guarantees, but it doesnt hurt to try.
The Solo Travelers Guide on How to Meet People While Traveling| FY!S
