Solo Travel-How Do I Connect With Others When I Solo Travel?

I love to travel.  I enjoy exploring my home state of North Carolina and crossing the state line to explore other parts of the country and beyond.  Now that I am divorced, I travel alone.  I figure if I wait for someone to go with me, I may never go, so I gladly accept the challenge of a solo adventure.

I do enjoy my time alone, but I also enjoy meeting new people on my travels.  I consulted Google on just how to connect with others while on a solo travel adventure.

On my Google search, I found that Solo Travel is a popular topic. Some of the ideas I found are easy to implement at a moment's notice, and others require some planning.

Lodging: Many suggestions were made on places to stay that may open the door to meeting new people. At an Airbnb, you would meet the host family; at a Bed and Breakfast, you would meet the owners and fellow travelers. Some folks meet others while staying at hotels while relaxing in the hotel lobby or at the hotel bar. Hostels were also highly recommended for meeting new friends.

Tours: Many towns and cities have organized tours.  I found walking tours, bus tours, and day trips on my search.  Tours may take some advanced planning but would be easy to do.

Local Festivals: Many feel that visiting a local festival is a great way to meet others.

Eat at the Bar: When you go out for dinner, if your restaurant of choice has a bar, enjoy your meal there.  You may find both travelers and locals at a restaurant bar. Instead of sitting alone at a table or booth where you may seem less approachable, the bar offers the opportunity for conversation.

Meetup Groups: Check out the Meetup groups in the area.  I am a member of local Meetup, and they have endless events.  I just checked out Meetups in New Bern, NC, because I am thinking about traveling there, and I found that they have many.

Easy Ways to Make a New Friend:
*Smile
*Offer to take photos if you see the opportunity.
*If you strike up a conversation, introduce yourself.

Go to a Winery: I say this based on experience.  I met a nice man at a winery in the NC mountains.  We were both enjoying a tasting and struck up a conversation.

Travel with a Group: I enjoyed a trip with the Road Scholars. On our group journey, I met some very nice people.

I am sure there are many ways to meet others while on your solo travels. These are just a few based on my personal experience and others' experiences. Just be careful; most people are friendly, but a few crazies exist.

How do you meet new people on your travels?  I would love to know.

Happy Travels and Adventures!

Be safe and have Fun.

KathieyV:-)