Solo travel is becoming increasingly common, and why not? After all, if you want to see the world, you shouldn’t have to wait around until the other people in your life decide that they want the same things. Traveling by yourself can be both empowering and incredibly life-changing because you’ll have to act independently at all times.

However, traveling alone doesn’t actually mean you need to be alone all the time. While this is fine for some people, many of us do actually become lonely – come on, we’re only human after all! Getting away from the people who are already in your life doesn’t mean you can’t add some new ones to the people you call your family and friends…

Join Group Adventures

We’ll say it again for the people in the back – traveling by yourself doesn’t mean that you need to be alone. Group travel provides a compromise because you’re paired up with strangers but, by the end of the trip, you’re the best of friends.

Certain companies cater to the “youth” market, which tends to run up to 35, while you will find other companies do actually cater for those who are traveling older, too. You’ll meet other solo travellers, as well as those traveling in their own small groups. Some travel agents specialize in this kind of stuff; for instance, try STA for a list of the options they have on offer.

Group travel can be exciting because you have a planned itinerary and an often local guide. Some of the activities you take part in will be exclusive to that individual group, which means that you may even get to see more of the country you’re visiting.

 

Try Dating

Are you always complaining that the girls and guys back home just don’t “get” you? Dating internationally can give you the perfect opportunity to meet different people from another culture. Whether they’re native to the area that you’ll be staying in, or another traveler just like you, you’re able to pass time and meet interesting people, which is all part of travel itself.

Local bars can prove for awesome hotspots, as can places like beaches or even local attractions. However, as a lot of people are incredibly shy, the internet can of course help with that, too. Dating apps like Badoo (you can get it here) are providing people with new dating options at the touch of a button, wherever in the world they may be. You can talk to potential dates before you even meet up with them, which can, of course, save you precious travel time.

Just remember, dating customs may be different in other cultures, so do a little bit of research before you go. In America, for example, it’s quite typical to expect the man to pay for the date. In Europe, this is often seen as old-fashioned and could potentially offend. Always tell someone from home that you’re going on a date, too, just to keep yourself safe.

Share Accommodation 

If you’re traveling long-term, hostels are often a fantastic and cheap alternative to paying for hotels night after night. Not only do they save you some much-needed money to keep you away for longer, they can also offer incredibly social experiences.

Most hostels these days pride themselves on cleanliness and a range of facilities, and they’re available all around the world, wherever there’s a demand. Websites like Hostelworld provide a range of different options, and in all honesty, the only real difference is that you don’t get a room to yourself. If you’re planning to be out and about exploring anyway, this often isn’t too much of an issue. They’re usually very centrally located, with all the kinds of facilities you may need.

Then, when the evening rolls around, you can party with your new roommates – they’re like built-in friends! You’ll meet all kinds of people in hostels, each with an interesting story to tell. Some stay long term, and some only stick around for the night, but it’s so amazing to hear where they’ve come from and where they’ve been.

No matter how you meet new friends while you’re on the road, many will understand your journey and will keep in touch for life. You’ll have people to meet up with on future adventures or just places to stay when you find yourself in their country. Connecting with other people is one of the best parts of travel – it’s not just about seeing new places, it’s about introducing yourself to other ways of life.