How to Meet People When Traveling Solo

Image: PHOTO: Male hiker solo traveler. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Image: PHOTO: Male hiker solo traveler. (photo courtesy of Thinkstock)
Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 1:00 AM ET, Sat February 11, 2017

One of the biggest fears of traveling solo is that you are going to be lonely. However, Lifehacker has your back with tips on how to find and make friends on the road so when loneliness strikes, you'll have new mates to back you up.

First, you are going to need to talk to strangers.

"Shyness is not a bad thing, but wanting to meet people while traveling is actually the perfect opportunity for you to build the courage to speak to more and more strangers," says Stephanie Lee.

You may just have to embrace the discomfort.

"It's scary, but take solace in the fact that if you go out on a limb and fall flat on your face, no one knew or cared about you to begin with, so what do you really have to lose?" says Lee.

While getting over shyness is the first step, Lee's suggestions go beyond being afraid of talking to strangers. She also recommends embracing your inner tourist.

[READMORE]READ MORE: The Myths of Solo Female Travel Debunked [/READMORE]

"There's no shame in being a tourist. Embrace your rose-colored lenses and sense of uncertainty and wide-eyed wonder (but skip the douchey behavior, obviously)," Lee recommends.

You can also offer to take a picture.

"Oftentimes you'll spot a solo traveler like yourself trying to take a selfie. If you're up for it, offer to help the person take a picture. From there, you can ask if they're also traveling alone and if they'd be okay with you buddying up for a couple hours or a day," Lee says.

For more tips on navigating the world alone, read on here.


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Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

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