Guest Post: 10 Tips for Making Friends on the Open Road
Some women are reluctant to travel alone. But even if you start out as a single, you can make friends along the way. Evelyn Hannon (AKA The Journeywoman) was kind enough to share some of the tried and true ways she has learned to make friends on her travels.
By Evelyn Hannon, The Journeywoman
Remember back to your first day in grade one? You came into school excited but a bit worried that you wouldn’t have anybody to talk to. Who will you play with at recess? Who will sit beside you in the lunchroom? Well, hold that memory because setting out on a solo journey could include much the same set of emotions.
I’ve never been afraid to travel solo. I’ve been doing it for the last 37 years and I love it but I do work on ways of meeting folks along the way. It’s important to me. I feel cheated if I don’t connect with the locals. I’m bored if I don’t chat with other travelers along the way.
Here are some of my tips for making friends along the way…
- Seek out connections even before you leave home. Chat with women who’ve traveled before you. Make note of their tips, advice and contacts. Some of your best adventures will begin that way.
- Speak to your friends and neighbors who were born in the country you’re travelling to. There is a grandmother here or a sister there who will happily provide some wonderful connections for you. (And, even if they can’t suggest contacts to you they will certainly share their expertise on how to dress appropriately and stay safe. This is a perfect time to ask).
- Become a member of an organization that fosters the exchange of homestays. Women Welcome Women, promoting visits between females in over 60 countries, is a perfect example and a practical way of getting to meet the locals.
- Join SERVAS an international network of hosts and travelers building peace by providing opportunities for personal contact between people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
- Avoid large, impersonal hotels. Opt for a more friendly bed and breakfast experience where guests enjoy the morning meal together and often linger with coffee and great stories.
- Many solo travellers tend to choose hostels because they are looking for travelling partners. Take advantage of that fact. Don’t like eating dinner alone? Pack your favorite tuna fish casserole recipe and offer to cook dinner for your new hostelling pals. You will be a very popular Journeywoman.
- Eating in a cafe? Keep an English book or newspaper on your table. Inevitably someone will recognize either the book title or the newspaper and will strike up a conversation. Likewise, you can be the first to comment if you notice someone reading a book that you’ve already enjoyed.
- Look for restaurants that offer communal seating at large dining room tables. Journeywoman has tried this at the warm and welcoming Pain Quotidian bakery, bar and cafe all rolled into one as well as Wagamama a chain that serves tasty noodles dishes worldwide. The fun part of these restaurants is you never know who will sit down beside you and what the conversation will yield.
- Log on to twitter.com. Open an account and put out a call for information. You’ll be amazed at the wealth of knowledge that comes back to you about women’s organizations around the world.
- Do you know about HERmail.net? This is a free online directory of women willing to mentor women as you travel to their part of the world. Some great travel friendships have been formed via this website.
Evelyn Hannon is the editor of Journeywoman.com, the largest online travel resource for women. Want more of her terrific tips? Simply sign up for the free travel tip newsletter at journeywoman.com Want to read MORE ways to make friends along the way, simply click here.
Category: KEEPING FRIENDS
