How to meet other travellers?

So, you wanna meet other travellers? I get it, completely! Travelling solo can be amazing, don't get me wrong – I did a whole month backpacking through Southeast Asia by myself, and it was incredible. But sometimes, you just crave a bit of connection, you know? Like, remember that time in that tiny hostel in Bangkok? I ended up having the best night ever just chatting with a couple from Australia about their crazy road trip across the country. Pure magic.

It's actually way easier than you think to find your travel tribe. I mean, honestly, walking tours are gold! Everyone's there for the same reason – to explore – and it's a perfect icebreaker. I met this awesome girl, Sarah, on a food tour in Rome, and we ended up spending the rest of the week exploring hidden trattorias together. We still keep in touch! Crazy, right?

Hostels are also like, traveller magnets. It's practically built-in socialising. The common room is always buzzing, and it's so easy to strike up a conversation – maybe someone’s planning a trip you’ve always dreamed of, or they have tips on a place you’re heading next. Even just asking about their journey can lead to hours of fun chats.

Online groups are a great resource too! There are tons of Facebook groups and subreddits dedicated to specific destinations or types of travel. I joined one for solo female travellers in South America before my trip last year and it was fantastic. Got so many useful tips and even arranged to meet up with some people along the way.

And you don't need to be super proactive, either. I've met people just by striking up conversations in bars - like, "hey, this beer is amazing, where are you from?" can lead to some wild stories. Or even offering to take someone's photo – it's a tiny thing, but it's a great way to start a conversation. Don't be scared! It's all about being open and friendly, really. Even group tours, while maybe not my personal style, are a guaranteed way to meet lots of people with similar interests.

Seriously, though, don't overthink it. Just get out there and be open to meeting new people. You never know what amazing friendships – or adventures – might blossom.