Loads of people do it. Some say it’s the only way to do it. Going alone on the Southeast Asian circuit is a feat undertaken by many an adventure seeking travellers. But, with thousands of backpackers hitting the road each year, are you really ever alone on such a well-trodden trail? If you’re looking to make a travel companion or two, read these 10 tips!
1. Stay in hostels with dorms
You’re in such close proximity it’s hard not to start chatting. There are loads of friendly hostels across Southeast Asia that arrange activities for backpackers to get to know each other. Many of the hostels were started by backpackers themselves, so they know what it was like to be that solo traveller themselves! Check out our Southeast Asia Hostel Guide here!
2. Use the flimsiest excuse to strike up a conversation
Even if you know ALL the answers, ask something like… “Do you know where you can get laundry done around here?” or “Do you know the WIFI password?” It might be obvious that you’re lonely and you’re just trying to make a buddy, but hopefully, after a couple of minutes chatting, you’ll both have forgotten what barefaced ruse you used in the first place! It can be anything from asking what day it is, (hey – it’s easy to lose track when travelling) to asking if they like fish sauce!
3. The moment you make one acquaintance…
…your potential for meeting new people doubles as your new pals more than likely introduce you – often inadvertently – to new friends! You might be sat on your lonesome pining for company one minute, then before you know it, you’ve created a twosome that’s developed into a trio, then a big rowdy crowd.
4. Say HELLO
Even if you think someone doesn’t look like ‘your cup of tea’, say ‘hello’ anyway. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that they’re not half bad, and even if they’re downright weird, once you’re ‘acquainted’ they may be able to introduce you to some normal people.
5. SMILE!
(Appropriately.) People who smile are far more likely to attract other people as you instantly appear more approachable. Just smiling and saying ‘hi’ as you pass someone in the hostel can make it far easier to chat with them later.
6. Remember, backpackers are a friendly sort
9 times out of 10, any attempt at friendship will not be rebuffed, so don’t let shyness or self-doubt stop you reaching out to people. They’re probably waiting for you to talk to them anyway!
7. Enrol in a few courses or workshops
“I’ve always been interested in wood carving honest!” Not only will you have instant companions, but you’ll probably make friends with them enough to hang out after. Try a cooking class, a diving course, a rock climbing course or anything that you fancy! (Check out some activities that you can do in Southeast Asia here.)
8. Social Network before you go
If you’re organised, there’s a load of social networking websites out there, dedicated to making travel buddies, like Couchsurfing for example. There are also loads of Facebook groups dedicated to different countries and regions. Join our own Facebook group, The South East Asia Backpacker Community – and get posting!
9. Book yourself on a group trip
Starting your solo backpacking trip by booking yourself on a short group trip or tour is a great way to ensure that you’ll have travel buddies to continue your adventure with! From boat trips to trekking adventures and cycle tours, you’re bound to find something that suits you. Check out some tried and tested activities and adventures in Southeast Asia here!
10. Treat others how you’d like to be treated!
And finally, when you’ve got friends coming out your ears and your home and dry, in the words of Take That “Never forget where you’re coming from”’ – if you see someone alone, invite them to join you, they’ll probably really appreciate it.
Penny Atkinson
Penny Atkinson taught kindergarten in Bangkok for one year. Originally from the UK, she has travelled and worked in many parts of Asia and currently lives in Beijing.
Been travelling solo since December SE Asia currently in cairns your never alone so easy to meet people and I’ve made pals from all over the world DO IT!
i do it 3 month alone it was great and i meet backpackers ewerywhere
Travelling alone is very good, sometimes yr lonely and on yr own depending on if you get a sociable hostal with a bar etc, but always remmember tommorow is another day and you can travel somewhere else, I was very scared going on my own but as soon as I arrived I realise the best way is to stay in hostals not hotels, even now if I had the choice between 5* and dorms it’s dorms all the way very good crack
I’m going SE ASIA in November alone for 6 months!! Bring it on!
alone also so that you can do what ever you want to do….its our free will
Alone, but…..I’m doing the digital nomad thing, and staying in apartments and using co-working spaces to get work done. So it’s unfortunately a far cry from the ‘never alone’ hostel packing tour when you stay a city for a couple of months at a time.
Alone!!! Making new friends on the way.
travelling solo is awesome! Did it for 6 months in 2011, a week in 2013 and then 2-2.5 month this year 🙂
I do solo!! Feels most free and can do what I want whenever I want
Solo is the bigger adventure.
two people better 🙂 go crazy alone , have a good lady to cruz with and to share our experiences with ( or guy if your a lady ) safer also
Both are amazing but I found travelling solo a lot more fulfilling
Alone. Do what I like when I like. I’ve been with friends and we all ended up going solo and doing our own thing, no rows or dramas, wise choice. Was great for all of us. Now I go everywhere solo, you’ll meet tons of people doing the same.
Solo all the way! Made some life long friends I’d never of had time for if sharing with others
i have done S.E.A 4 times, 3 of which venturing out on my own, the most recent was a 8 months trip in 2013 .. of that 8 months i was only ever truly on my own for .. maybe 4-5 weeks of it… and that was due to work commitments ( i was freelancing to pay for the trip ) .. i agree with most of the tips on here, the 1st is not necessary though. The most important one for me is the last one though.. 🙂 .. IMO
Haha the moment when you make conversation with the person in the next bunk bed always involve a ‘Where you from?’ ‘How have you been travelling?’ ‘Where’s your next stop?’ If you feel like hanging out with another solo backpacker a ‘I’m gonna grab something to eat, wanna come?’ is a good icebreaker.
I agree. Striking up a convo with a fellow backpacker has NEVER backfired. Especially if they are also alone.