Travel Tips: How to Travel Alone

We are all raised not to talk to strangers. But, when you travel solo, the ability to talk to strangers safely is a skill that makes for some of the most interesting travel moments.

Letting people know that you are traveling alone is good — as I said, people are often more keen to chat with solo travelers. But by sharing this information, you have also revealed that you are somewhat vulnerable. There are two keys to safety here:

Choose who you speak with carefully. Most people are safe but look for the clues that tell you they are.
Stay in public. When you don’t know the people you’re talking to it’s always safer to stay in a public space – coffee shop or pub – than a private one.

When you want to share a chat with a stranger, approach people who appear to have the time for a conversation. Remember that they may be wary of your approach – after all, you are a stranger to them. Let them decide how long your chat will last. Once they’ve discovered that you travel solo, an opening question will often start the conversation you want.

Locals: Open with a question that lets them know that you travel solo such as: are there any restaurants with communal tables near by?
Other solo travelers: You’ll notice who is traveling solo by the place settings at a table or a book as a companion. But just because they’re alone, don’t assume that they want company. Open with something easy like a comment about the weather and let them determine how long the conversation will last.
Other tourists: Chatting with a couple or small group of tourists can be fun too. Look for the person in the group who is the organizer — they’ll be carrying a map or leading the pack. Open with a question for them but be sure to engage their gregarious companion (they usually come in pairs). They’ll be the one who really chats or even invites you along.
In a club: Sit at the bar. This is more social than a table. Choose who you want to speak with carefully and comment on the band and ask about the music scene in town. It will be obvious that you are a tourist which makes you interesting.
Anywhere: If you are really, really curious about something, spot a person you’d like to speak with and ask your question. There is nothing better than genuine curiosity to engage people.

Solo Traveler’s Blog

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